Reborn (2025)

Fearless Fighter - Courage, Change, Lighthouse of Hope

I couldn’t decide on a title so just come up with a few themes related to FL.

After I finished this drama, the emotional rollercoaster took a toll of me, lots of tear jerking moments and needed some time to process before I can write a proper review. I have never felt so invested in a Youth drama for a long while.
IMO, This is a MASTERPIECE!!!
It is a novel adaptation and after I started watching this drama for 5ep. I decided to pick up the novel. The novel also surprises me. This drama has slightly differences from the novel, however the drama definitely done a fantastic job keeping the theme of the novel and the characters’ arc.
I love them both equally. The drama gave me a different feel, it has more dramatic element and left me with intense and emotionally charged feeling compared to the novel.
I like the novel ending, how the main leads reconciled and the epilogue chapters of their couple.
The drama’s ending makes me longing for more and how I wish to see more of this couple. But I understand that this production team took this approach, it stay true to their theme, which is to emphasize on QingYu’s growth arc and her choices she made. And it’s a smart ending as lingering feeling will made viewers remember the show.

The story…without giving much spoiler.
This is not an ordinary youth romance drama, instead it focus on difficult themes such as death, suicide, family secrets, grief, mental health issues, gender biases, bullying, and how family old patriarch system can cause so much damage and emotional pain in their children.

What I love about this drama:
-The overall story telling and the revelation of Qiao BeiYu’s death and how the family grief and cope were very well done. Casts are stellar in their performances.
-The beautiful symbolic scenes and interaction between BeiYu and QingYu(QY). How QY decides to fulfill her sister’s dream to go for the dance competition and how she find justice and reconnects with her deceased sister were very heartwarming moments.
-The exploration of family arc is most heartbreaking and yet heartwarming when their secrets were brought to light. Such family practices there will always be victims and those who carry on the unhealthy practices (the uncles and aunties). Kudos to Liu Dan’s acting as the mother, such phenomenal performances.
-I admired FL’s strength, courage and growth. She is not afraid to be alone and face consequences of her actions - fearless.
-The interaction and dynamic between QY and other students. The sisterly relationship between QY and MuMu.
-The side plot of innocent pure love at first sight, youth romance between leads. As well between JinRui and BeiYu. JinRui is a coward and selfish but in this story, it also truly portray how he also does love BeiYu at one point. However he is also a victim of family practices and suffered from the situation. I don’t think he will ever forgive himself and guilt will be part of him to carry.

It’s sweet that the drama gave us a carefree date and final meet up and kiss of the main CP. Without much words, we know they both love and care for each other. MingSheng(MS) is mature and sensitive enough to understands QY’s burden hence he choose to believe in her and wait for her. Like how their love is shown through action and no need to tell explicitly.
The only disappointing part was when MS confronted the thugs, he could have died, such impulsive move and risk, if anything major happened to him, it would be another trauma for QY. However that behaviour was also expected as he is after all still a teen.

What I wish they include from novel:
1.although I totally understand why the drama developed the dance interest in QY, as thats her connection with her sister and also with MuMu and MS.
2.As someone who likes to write, I do wish they kept FL’s good writing skills and her calligraphy skills.
3.MS pursuing his medical degree. The drama only address his relationship with his parents but didn’t give enough time for his arc to grow.
4.I wish they gave us the epilogue chapters of their adult children and how they set up a bookshop and provide Counselling support for youth.

This is a 9/10 for me.

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This is a must watch fr!!

There is nothing to say to this drama but a JOB WELL DONE! This left on me a deep impression—it's a raw as well as emotional adventure, not just another youth drama, that stayed with me long after the final episode. Qiao Qingyu was a determined yet quiet 16-year-old, so she hunted around for the truth about her sister’s strange death. This was truly both a heartbreaking and an empowering experience of sorts. The story tackles themes that happen to be heavy like AIDS stigma also family shame, together with harsh realities faced by women. It shows these matters with frankness and care, particularly inside country societies.

As Qingyu, Zhang Jingyi's quiet strength stood all the way out, and for Ming Sheng, Zhou Yiran’s portrayal of the classmate who helps her and is misunderstood added warmth and tension. I liked how the drama did not depend on romance for its plot since it showed how grief was strong as it found hidden truths. It has a slow pace, yet is mindful in making each scene full of meaning. Reborn evoked tears along with thoughts, but most of all, evoked care. Consider watching it: it will transcend mere entertainment, addressing deep themes if you seek drama.

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I am drowning in a pool of tears~

First and foremost, lets praise the actors for portraying the characters so well. The emotions where there, the plot was also there, this show is a masterpiece!

This drama was one of the best I have watched this year and though I would have loved to see more of Mingsheng and Qingyu, I do realise that this drama has more of a serious meaning behind it so I am not mad. I am also glad that they are using this to bring awareness to AIDS but also mental health and family issues. The mother's story was also very sad though I do agree that she was not a great mother, I put 90% of the blame on the dad's side of the family. The dad was a coward who couldn't stand up to his parents even at the ripe age of 40-50 and let them step all over his wife and children, he did redeem himself a little in the last few episodes but overall I blamed the dad more than the mom...

Lastly, I just have to mention Zhou Yiran's acting in the last 2 episodes, especially the restaurant scene? UGH! He is such a great actor I had tears streaming down my face during that scene with the overflowing emotions... I can't get enough of this. Also am I the only one who wished that the drama had maybe an episode or two more? LIKE I GET IT, I KNOW THE POINT OF THE SHOW but like it would have been nice seeing MingYu couple having a little romance, ALSO I see a few people saying that they like that Chinese dramas are getting shorter and I have to loudly disagree! I feel like 30-38 episode are necessary for some dramas. But then again it depends on the drama and the plot, we don't want it to seem like it was rushed and we also don't want it to feel like it is being dragged. With this drama I think even if it was a 30 episode drama it would have brought more satisfaction to people, specially if we could see the MingYu couples for a while, the mom and dad getting better, the brother getting older. Them just being happy but then again I get that the point of the drama is more serious and I am not sad about the ending.

Thanks for listening (reading) my rant and opinions~

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Dark Horse of Youth Dramas 2025

Reborn is the dark horse of 2025 youth drama, at least for me!
I did not expect such a dark, gloomy theme from this drama, granted it says thriller. To me it feels more like revenge, mystery, investigation type of drama. Youth is added because the main leads are in high school, but it shows people with a different family backgrounds and the hardships each family try to hide from others. I personally enjoy dramas that touches upon mental illness, or anything that's not normally talked about in c-dramas so this was right up my alley.

This drama is very much catered towards the Asian community, because it would be difficult to understand anyone or why they act a certain way unless you live through this culture. Saving face, and having a reputation is a major thing in the Chinese communities, anything involving less than the perfect portrait would be looked down upon. The mystery behind Qiao yu's sister's death is something that Qingyu's parents and entire Qiao family has been trying to hide. They believe what happened to her was a disgrace. In reality, it was deeper than what we saw on the surface, this is why Qingyu insist on bringing the truth to light. It was about giving her sister the justice she deserve instead of disgrace she was given post-death.

Initially we think the parents are at fault, or just have no empathy. But in reality, the villains were not the parents per say. I can even understand why Qinyu's dad was more obedient towards his parents instead of his wife. This is the Chinese community, being filial is a very important thing. Respecting elders is also very important, but this drama teaches us that there is a line one must not cross. There is a limit on how far you could push someone to doing something they don't want to do. I don't want to spoil much, but I really enjoy all the topics this drama touched upon. It brings light to mental illness, more specifically depression and suicidal ideations. Perhaps this could bring light to many viewers as well.

I really enjoyed the acting of all the actors here, they were all very natural. Both Zhou Yi Ran and Zhang Jingyi were so cute together! During the moments where they just stare at each other, I could see the longing they have for one another. I loved the fact that Ming Sheng would promise that he will always be by Qingyu's side no matter what happens, and is always reassuring her. Depite being pushed to the side and all, his love for her was strong. I didn't expect much romance from a youth drama, but I did wish we had more episodes of them together as a couple. When Ming Sheng (Zhou Yi Ran) was eating the bowl and crying.. I felt his pain.. :( He held it in for so long, and finally let it go. It was heartbreaking to watch. Another scene that stood out for me from Zhang Jingyi was when her character had to confront someone who kept harrassing the family, and she kept pushing him back - I was like, " YOU GO GIRL!" LOL You can see how much emotions she placed in every push and I had to repeat that scene a couple times just to see her expressions. Like damn SHE WAS MAD MAD!!

I must applause Liu Dan, who portrayed the mother Li Fang Hao. Her emotions felt so raw, it truly felt like she had to bury her child in real life rather than acting it out. The emotions she felt after the event, the depression she went through, and so on was very poignant, and palpable. I'm so glad she was able to slap the b*tch when she had the chance cause honestly she was talking too much for way too long. The audacity and self absorbed lady thinks her "son" is important than Qiao Family. I'd rather slap her to Mount Everest peak and leave her there. I think many people also misunderstood the father, he does love his children very much. You can tell that he was also depressed by the loss of his daughter. He also shows how much he cares by protecting his children from oncoming physical assaults; the little microexpressions on his face says a lot.

Let's just say many of the main characters have multiple layers to them. You will have to peel each layer to realize what they truly feel. I think this is why I enjoyed the drama so much, granted the support characters were great but they're weren't as developed as the main characters. The characters growth was very satisfying to watch... 10 out 10 would watch again. lol

Is this a happy ending? YES!
I would definitely recommend this drama if you like investigative dramas, a bit of thriller, mystery, high school crush type of dramas. If you're looking for romance, it's not the best romance youth drama as this focuses more on the mystery behind the death of Qingyu's sister rather than the leads' love for one another. It also focsues more on family dynamics, perhaps the audience could relate to, I know I did.

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A prefect mix of youth, rebel, truth, love ans friendships

A perfect mix of heartbreaking and heartwarming drama.

Always have been a huge fan of zhang jingyi drama selection. This show was definately one of the most anticipated show of 2025 and boy it delivered.

Firstly, I know people would have loved to see more of ming sheng and qingyu life together , I still love how they didn't stretch the show. I feel 23-25 episodes are perfect for any chinese modern drama. The highlight of the show is definately the acting, cinematorgraphy and writing. The pressure on women in a patriarchal society and power of false aquisitions and rumors is well portrayed. Zhou yiran and zhang jingyi played their characters beautifully. I will remember them for a long time. The chemistry was off the charts, the eye glances, the care, the slow burn so good. I would love to see them in again because their amazing chemistry needs to be explored more.

Thank you to the team, I cried a lot watching this drama. ❤️

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the person who loves you is a lighthouse

the story revolves around a middle-class small family in China who are holding out today to survive tomorrow.
after their estranged daughter's death comes back to haunt them, they move cities and settle down opening a noodles shop.
the only daughter whose education was one the line and the bullying in her school made her feel like an imposter, she decides to uncover the real truth behind her sister's death.
she meets different types of people with different characters and different personalities each striving to protect their beloved in their own ways.
this drama talks about family love, disease awareness, therapy and support.
It shows that sometimes talking to each other with honesty is better than making false promises.
it shows the type of love that you wish doesn't necessarily seek you unless you want to.
it shows a disoriented family slowing finding its way back by navigating through their emotions.
it shows that your braveness and courage to expose the truth is 100 times better than just nodding along and passing it off as some distant fact which has nothing to do with you now.
it shows that some forgotten ones are not really abandoned because they were a burden but instead, they were the ones who were holding the family aloof while burning themselves.


it was an interesting drama with heavy emotional context and a complex background.
it gave us some insights on China's strict customs and traditions.
I was more interested in the romance part of the story rather than the mystery part of her sister....
but if she wasn't set on finding more about her sister then she wouldn't have met all the people she had so... they were all connected... and before i knew it i found calculating the clues and evidence along with the female lead.
Afterall, who can resist a good drama!

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A heavy but beautiful drama about mental health and women's sufferings

"I envy your resilient life force. You can both endure everything and risk everything. You have light in your heart, so you're not afraid of darkness." (Reborn book, chapter 43)

Though some might mistake Reborn as a youth romance drama due to the misleading promotion and posters, it's probably one of the heaviest c-dramas out there. However, what makes it so special isn't how heavy it is, but how beautifully they handled every topic they talk about. Reborn is about topics almost never touched by most c-dramas, and it has the best depiction of depression and therapy I have ever seen in a chinese drama.
Depression is more and more talked about in shows, but it's rarely shown as an actual disease that requires actual therapy and hospitalisation, like they did it Reborn. Overall, I feel like it's a wonderful prevention show to sensibilize people about taboo health issues, be it depression or AIDS.
I heard a lot of people dropped it because it was too close to their reality, and I totally get them. It's not the usual "teenage angst" we see in shows, it's rooted in reality. Reborn is not afraid to denounce our patriarcal society, not afraid to show how women suffer from men's decisions. I read (and absolutely loved) the book and felt like it was less obvious in the book : only a woman can read the book and actually understand that what it denounces are men. The show delibarately made it way more obvious, by showing how the mom, first an antagonist, is actually a victim.
Now, I'm not saying she's a "good" mom. I don't think that was the point of the show either. The point was Qingyu growing up and understanding that her mother was not flawless. She already lost her sister, and what her parents did couldn't be erased anyway; she wanted at least to save her mother. Qingyu is really an interesting character, when you think about it. She's probably one of the strongest FL I have ever seen. She never stops searching for truth, but she's also so resiliant. She is brave and strong, ready to accept the ugly truth and fight for what is right, even when it means losing everything ; but she's even stronger for forgiving her parents. She makes every decision for herself, never controlled by anyone, not even her mother. She never "loses" against other people. She just lets them win when she thinks it's the best for everyone.
Ming Sheng was also very interesting. From a rebel teenager who resents his father (sadly, the show focused a lot about what happened with his mother, but in the book, the reason why Ming Sheng truly resents his father is due to what he's done to his hospitalized granddad, and that explains why Ming Sheng doubts his father as a doctor) to a man who makes his own decisions, not out of spite, but out of love. Always there for Qingyu, deeply in love with her since the beggining. Despite being a teenager who can make stupid decisions (hence him "annoying" her at first, just to be noticed), he never resents her or acts petty when she doesn't act the way he hoped. Observant, she doesn't need to explain him her family dynamics for him to know about them and be careful not to bring more troubles to Qingyu, never interacting with her where her mom can see it.
Wang Mumu, despite being less important in the show than in the book, still is very well-written here. Her friendship with Qingyu is so deep. They always want the best for each other, even when they're both suffering. I loved how this show did not (for once) stain women's friendship with rivality or jealousy.

Overall, Reborn is a show about self-discovery and self-growth. It's about discovering the truth and fighting for justice, but also about forgiveness and learning when to comply. It's about girls yearning to return to childhood, who finally accept growing up and can't wait to finally be adults to be free. I like to think the message here is you can only grow up when you accept things as they are and forgive people. However, forgiving doesn't always mean sacrificing yourself for other's happiness, like Qingyu does. It's her choice, and a beautiful one - but not the only way to grow up and find happiness. Qingyu chose love over herself, and love is never freedom, but compromises.

"In the years of youth, young people will encounter all kinds of people and situations. When facing these, they should confront them bravely, even if they face setbacks, disappointments, or even mess things up along the way. Through this journey, they will also gain warmth and be deeply moved. These experiences leave indelible marks on their journey of growth — they are an essential part of growing up. I hope this drama inspires courage in young people and encourages them to bravely face all kinds of challenges that come with growing up. " (Liu Zi Wei, Reborn's director)

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Reborn: A Drama That Breaks, Heals, and Awakens the Soul

There are dramas we watch to pass time. And then there are dramas like Reborn — stories that etch themselves deep into our souls long after the screen fades.

Reborn is not easy to watch. Nor is it meant to be. With unflinching honesty, it dares to confront some of society’s deepest wounds — ones we too often ignore: bullying in classrooms and cyberspace, gender bias that crushes dreams and potential, domestic violence festers behind closed doors, The heart-wrenching reality of "left-behind children" in rural villages growing up without love while their parents seek survival in distant cities, and the dehumanizing stigma that torments those living with HIV — more than the virus itself. It lays bare how silence can be as damaging as violence. How strict parental control, even when well-meaning, can suffocate rather than protect.

And yet, even in its darkest moments, Reborn never loses sight of its humanity. It reminds us that behind every act of rebellion is a plea for love. Behind every smiling face may lie silent anguish. And behind every seemingly perfect family, there may be stories too painful to speak. We all carry our own invisible weights — so why envy someone else’s green pasture when we cannot see the soil they struggle to stand on?

Some may dismiss it as melodrama. Some may accuse it of promoting blind filial piety. Others may rage at the adults onscreen for their bigotry, their cowardice, their suffocating control.

But Reborn doesn’t ask us to accept or absolve blindly. It asks us to listen. It shows us that real life is rarely black or white but in the gray spaces where most heart-wrenching human stories reside — where good and evil, love and hate, guilt and grief, survival and shame co-exist. Every conflict, every broken relationship, every cry for help is layered, complex, and heartbreakingly human. There are no simple villains here. No easy answers or solutions.

Reborn is a mirror, not just to China, but to every family and society that wrestles with the ghosts of the past and the weight of the present. This drama doesn’t provide quick fixes. It offers something infinitely more powerful: empathy.

In a world quick to judge and slow to understand, Reborn is a quiet revolution. It is not just about pain — it’s about the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. It’s about the courage to listen, to hope, and to love.

Watch it not just with your eyes but with your heart. And perhaps, like me, you’ll walk away not just more enlightened, but more whole.

This extraordinary story would not shine as brightly without the remarkable performances of its cast.

Zhang Jingyi, as Qiao Qinyu, is the heartbeat of the series. Her performance is a masterclass in restrained fury and raw vulnerability. Qinyu is not your typical heroine. She is quietly angry, defiant, and impulsive — not because she’s flawed, but because she has been bullied, silenced, and scarred by the injustice faced by her deceased elder sister and the stigma of being blood-related to someone with HIV. Every sorrowful tear she holds back, every fiery glance she throws, and every act of rebellion is layered with deeply human pain. It embodies the silent scream of countless youths who are told to obey when all they want is to be heard. It is a performance that confronts, lingers, and ultimately breaks your heart open.

Wu You as Qiao Beiyu is a quietly heart-wrenching portrait of strength wrapped in sacrifice, silence, and sorrow. As the forgotten eldest daughter left behind in a rural village used by selfish relatives while her parents sought survival in the city—Beiyu grows up in the long shadow of absence. Not just physical absence, but emotional abandonment. She yearns for her parents’ love, but all she receives is duty, manipulation, and the crushing weight of expectation. In a family and society that favors sons, she is expected to serve, to give, to endure — without complaint and without reward. She is not seen as a child to be loved, but a tool to be used. And so, she becomes what many eldest daughters are forced to be: the second parent, the vulnerable protector, the invisible pillar holding the family together. Wu You captures this burden with heartbreaking restraint — the weariness in her eyes, the calm she must uphold, the buried ache of always giving and never receiving. Yet her quiet resilience is not enough to shield her from the cruelty of a world still entrenched in deep gender bias and social stigma. As a woman and HIV patient, she becomes an easy target of bigotry, and hatred — not because of who she is, but because of what others think she represents. Her illness does not kill her — inhumane society’s judgment does. The prejudice she faces is not just from strangers, but from her own family and community, And in that, her story becomes a searing indictment of how we treat the vulnerable — especially women, especially the sick, especially those who have always been asked to put others first. Beiyu’s life — and death — is not a failure of character. It is a failure of compassion. A failure of society. And it should break us deeply.

Wang Yi Di as Wang Mumu is quiet thunder — soft-spoken, vulnerable but with a spirit that refuses to be crushed. As a victim of domestic violence, Mumu carries emotional and physical scars no child should ever bear. Yet she does not spiral into bitterness. Instead, she finds a fragile yet peaceful refuge in dance — a language of the soul that allows her to reclaim her body, her voice, and her dignity. Watching her dancing is like watching a caged bird remember how to fly. Her resilience is not loud, but it is unyielding. Mumu reminds us that healing is not always about escape — sometimes, it’s about creating small islands of peace amidst the chaos. And in doing so, she becomes a beacon of strength not just for herself, but for others who live in silence.

Zhou Yingran as Ming Sheng also deserves special mention. In Ming Sheng, we see a boy who could have been broken because of family breakout by his divorced and neglecting parents but instead chooses to be kind. His calm presence, gentle steadiness, moral courage, and capacity for care make him the kind of friend we all wish we had growing up. In a world of noise and cruelty, he listens.

Finally, Liu Dan’s portrayal of Li Feng Hao is a masterclass in heartbreaking maternal love and sacrifice. As a mother who loses her young daughter under harrowing circumstances, she descends into a bottomless well of grief that few can comprehend — compounded by the suffocating burden of having to “move on” for the sake of others. Her suffering is not just from the loss itself, but from being surrounded by a selfish, heartless in-law family that offers neither comfort nor support. As she battles depression, isolation, and quiet despair, Liu Dan brings to life a mother, who is deeply misunderstood, and trying to remember how to breathe, how to exist, in a world that feels irreparably shattered. Yet she still gets up. She still tries. And in that trying — raw, flawed, and human — she gives us one of the most gut-wrenching and dignified portrayals of maternal love and mental health I’ve seen on screen.

These actors don’t just perform — they live their roles. Their eyes speak the pain words cannot. Their silences thunder louder than dialogue.

Let Reborn remind us that healing begins not when we fix the world, but when we start to see the pain in other.

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reborn to be greater !!

Few dramas manage to blend thriller, social commentary, and raw human emotion as seamlessly as REBORN (焕羽). At first glance, it appears to be a simple mystery—a young girl dies under suspicious circumstances, and her sister, unwilling to let the truth be buried, embarks on a mission for justice. But Reborn is not content to rest within the confines of genre. Instead, it peels back the layers of family dysfunction, societal prejudice, and the fragile in-between state of adolescence, revealing something far deeper: a story about pain, silence, courage, and ultimately, rebirth.

Set against the backdrop of Huanzhou in 2007, the narrative follows 16-year-old Qiao Qing Yu, whose world shatters when her older sister, Bei Yu, passes away under deeply unsettling conditions. What starts as a tragedy swiftly unravels into a haunting exploration of everything that festers beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary family—and a community quick to judge and slow to understand.

What makes Reborn remarkable is its refusal to sugarcoat the messy, uncomfortable aspects of growing up. It portrays the flaws and naivety of youth with brutal honesty. We watch Qing Yu navigate that excruciating stage of life where one is neither child nor adult—old enough to ask questions, too young to always grasp the answers. Her grief, confusion, and growing determination reflect a universal struggle: the search for identity and justice in a world that often silences both.

Bei Yu's death becomes the starting point for something far larger than a mere whodunit. Through her story, the drama dives fearlessly into topics often glossed over in mainstream media—harassment, family dysfunction, social stigma surrounding HIV, and the quiet devastation of being othered in your own home. It examines how easily secrets become generational burdens, how silence corrodes relationships, and how shame, when left unchecked, poisons everything in its path.

But what elevates Reborn beyond its gripping plot is the symbolic weight of its title. This is not simply a story of uncovering dark family secrets—it is about breaking generational curses, about the painstaking process of choosing not to let trauma define you. The Qiao family is not destroyed by the truth—they are set free by it. Rebirth here is not wrapped in neat, sentimental resolutions. It is painful, messy, and uncertain—but it is real. And that, more than anything, is what makes Reborn so profoundly human.

One of the most complex and emotionally charged elements of the drama is the character of Li Fang Hai, the mother. Rarely have I felt so conflicted about a character. At first, I resented her. Her silence, her submission, her seeming inability to fight back—it was infuriating to watch. How could a mother endure such humiliation, allow herself to be so diminished, to the point where even mourning her own daughter became an act of defiance? I despised her weakness—until I realized it wasn’t weakness at all. It was survival. It was a quiet, battered strength forged in years of unspoken pain and sacrifice.

The moment that realization hit, I saw her not as a passive, distant mother, but as perhaps the story's greatest victim—and ultimately, its quietest hero. Her journey is a stark reminder that pain doesn’t always manifest in grand gestures or loud breakdowns. Sometimes, it hides behind carefully constructed walls, behind lowered eyes and swallowed words. And sometimes, the greatest act of rebellion is simply choosing to keep going.

If Li Fang Hai’s arc carries the weight of generational grief, Qiao Qing Yu represents the possibility of change. From the beginning, she is everything one could hope for in a protagonist—brave, stubborn, determined—but not without flaws. Her initial resentment towards her sister, born from misunderstanding, is achingly relatable. But as she uncovers the truth about Bei Yu, her anger transforms into a fierce, unwavering resolve to honor her sister's memory and, in doing so, reclaim the love she never got the chance to express. It is in these quiet, painful revelations that Reborn finds its emotional core.

The most gut-wrenching sequence, for me, comes when Qing Yu watches Bei Yu's video. It is not just a plot device—it is a devastating reminder of the countless “Bei Yus” in the world. Young people wronged, silenced, isolated—yearning only to be seen, to be loved, to feel safe. That scene stayed with me long after the credits rolled, a heavy, haunting echo of real-life tragedies that too often go unnoticed.

The drama also strikes a delicate balance in its portrayal of relationships. Ming Sheng, while occasionally cocky and imperfect, provides a grounding force for Qing Yu. Their relationship is refreshingly subtle, never allowed to overshadow the central narrative. Yet, in its quiet moments—a shared glance, an unspoken promise—it feels achingly real. Their bond isn't built on grand romantic gestures, but on trust, warmth, and the understanding that sometimes, survival itself is the foundation of love.

What truly elevates Reborn, however, is the caliber of its performances. Zhang Jing Yi delivers a career-defining turn as Qiao Qing Yu, embodying the character’s resilience and vulnerability with remarkable nuance. Zhou Yi Ran complements her perfectly, portraying Ming Sheng with just the right balance of charm and depth.

Yet, it is Liu Dan, as Li Fang Hao, who steals the show. Her portrayal of the mother is nothing short of masterful. With every hesitant glance, every restrained tear, she breathes life into a character that could have easily been flattened into a stereotype. Instead, she delivers one of the most raw, authentic performances I’ve seen in recent drama. Her pain, her quiet defiance, her eventual breaking point—it all feels heartbreakingly real. Liu Dan deserves every ounce of praise for turning Li Fang Hao into the soul of the story.

Technically, the drama holds its own—the cinematography is understated but effective, the OST perfectly complements the somber tone, and the overall direction wisely lets the performances and script take center stage. But what lingers most is not the visuals—it’s the message.

Reborn is a drama that refuses to look away from uncomfortable truths. It forces viewers to confront issues often brushed aside—harassment, social stigma, the crushing expectations placed on women, the failures of family, the quiet devastation of youth lost too soon. It is not an easy watch—but it is an essential one.

By the time the credits roll, there is no neat resolution, no magical erasure of pain. But there is hope. Hope that by confronting the past, by refusing to let secrets fester, there can be healing. There can be rebirth.

REBORN is not just a drama. It is an experience—a painful, beautiful, necessary reminder that though the weight of silence is heavy, truth—no matter how devastating—will always be the first step towards freedom.

It deserves to be seen. It deserves to be felt. It deserves to be remembered.

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A truly masterpiece

Reborn is truly one of the best C-dramas I’ve watched, a hidden gem that's not easy to come by..but they do exist.

A high school, coming-of-age story, yet its characters are portrayed with striking maturity, especially the main couple. Watching Mingshen remain steadfast despite being painfully rejected by Qingyu's "i hate you, you're a burden to me" 😭 He never gave up on her and continued to protect her quietly. and in every episode, there's always a meaningful moment between them,whether it's a stolen glance or a distant smile. Those subtle interactions never failed to tug at my heart.

As for Qiao family, I truly despised Jinrui’s parents and the grandparents the most. They were the root cause of Beiyu’s suffering. That said, I appreciate how the writers offered closure for nearly all of the characters.

Please watch guys!

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Slow-paced but deeply moving — story filled with emotion, mystery, and strong performances

A MASTERPIECE it easily depicts something that I keep saying irl WE DON'T GROW BY AGE WE GROW BY THE PROBLEMS WE FACE.
This drama beautifully blends mystery, family drama and emotional growth in a way that feels natural and relatable. The plot slowly allow viewers to feel every bit of Qingyu’s pain, confusion, and hope. It’s not just about solving a mystery it’s about how Qingyu learns to cope with loss and find her own strength.
The Characters were beautiful. Zhang Jingyi portrayed the character (Qiao Qingyu) with depth and sincerity. You can see her vulnerability and determination clearly. Also Ming Sheng (Zhou Yiran) complements her well offering support and friendship that gradually turns into something more meaningful. Their chemistry is subtle but believable. The supporting cast also adds layers to the story making the family dynamics feel real and complex (specially the mom and Beiyu I cried a lot with them).
The direction and cinematography were impressive throughout, with beautiful shots that match the mood of each scene. The pacing is deliberate. The music score complements the emotional beats perfectly.
This drama did take its time to develop in me but that patience pays off with a story that stays with you long after the last episode.
Giving it my best Raitings, Easily topped my list❤️

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