This review may contain spoilers
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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Learning to fly while being stuck in a cage....
This is a rare gem, dare I say one of the most powerful C-dramas I have seen in a long time. Addressing several issues at once and unfolding them slowly, slowly to keep the suspense alive.This drama has about 3 moments of fluff, sweetness, romance, and another 3 moments of friendship between the excruciating pain, misunderstandings, lies and moments that made me want to shove some people off cliffs, shake some sense in to others and just give the rest a really long hug. While I do not agree with most of the characters choices I appreciated the way they showed nuance and different perspectives to several situations as well as the view on perpetrator/victim, right/wrong and Freedom... Putting them in to context and making a total mess in my mind.
The female lead spent most of this drama holding back, showing very few moments of emotion, turning the other cheek over and over again, yet at the same time she is smart, creative, assertive, and bad ass in som many ways. The way the actress goes between these expression shows great talent and had me hooked.
The other characters do their job well but it is clear that the female lead (and her mom) are the center the rest are just there to support the flow of the story and highlight the different aspects of the female leads personality.
I binged this drama in just a few days, spending every moment I had between adult responsibilities (gotta hate being an adult), sleep, and food watching this, so it is highly bingeable but it it is in no way an easy watch neither is it a drama you should watch solely for the romance genre in it. But I dare say the quality of the storytelling, the acting, the drama is top, top up there with the movies Better days and Us and Them. It is a drama that tears you apart without fully picking up the pieces.
As you may have noticed I do have a lot of good to say about this, however part of me wanted to deduct several stars for a slightly rushed ending, some of the twists as well as a few too many "talking to the dead" moments. That said r i do believe the story, the symbolism (for example the caged bird) made up for it giving it a sold 9,5 star rating.
P.s. This is actually a c- drama that tells a story with discrimination and issues and very little praise China the motherland our saviour.
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JUST AVERAGE
> Just a average series with full of females matters with family issues, and that's all.> If you're watching this series just to get some romance then it's not for you cuz this series barely have any romance type stuff cuz as I already said THIS series is full of family matters issues.
So Gonna recommend you if you love some dark, investigation family matters type dramas, then it's for you!
> And if you're watching this series for to see love story then it's not for you cuz this series barely have 20m's of Love story of two lead's.
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This review may contain spoilers
It will teach you how people heal.......
I started watching it because I saw familiar faces.but unexpectedly I kept watching because I was so intrigued. in this drama you'll know how people heal how people aren't perfect how parents are not perfect you'll learn to view things from different perspectives.
at first I hated qiao qingyu's parents but as I watched more I learned they were suffering too. every character had their own battles to fight everyone was suffering but how they came together and healed.
let me talk about qiao qingyu and ming Sheng..... you won't even see a kissing scene until the last ep but you'll feel love. i never felt a need to want to watch an intimate scene cause there was so much love. love that doesn't need all that a love so profound that it can be felt even without a touch
anyone who is hesitant to watch it please do give it a try it's a gem .
I cried so much....
but so good
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A drama that actually gives you story not just scenes!
The chemistry, the relationships, the direction everything is done beautifully. After so long I actually liked a series. All the others I watched were more ships and love triangles but this one is DIFFERENT~~. I love the cinematography, China never looked this natural and prettier. Tbh everyone is main character here, everyone holds their own story and problem you can relate to. It also showcases how small words and action can determine if you will go through hell or heaven.Recommend it 10/10 so good. I would not rewatch it again though cause I am scared it will lose it colors trying to watch after knowing everything. The antagonists, were so freaking annoyed which also tells how good their acting and direction was.
This is not for popcorn viewers, its for the ones who tuck themselves in blanket in the midnight and can't fall asleep because the drama is so good.
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Growing up...
I'll get straight to it. Nothing about this was an easy watch. It covers heavy topics from the real world about family, life, growing up, health and what love is.Beiyu suffered because she never found answers to any of those topics in her life. She is a victim. Qing Yu, Ming Sheng, their family and friends felt like real people. Someone in your life or you know is like one of those main characters, maybe even you.
This drama is more than just finding a villain to Beiyu's life. It's also more than the romance. It's about how painful and also wonderful life is.
Qing Yu and Ming Sheng grew throughout the show. Their love was subtle but remained a light in this dark drama. He was always right behind her. Their lives changed a lot in the show, but they were each other's constant in a world filled with variables.
Don't be afraid to watch this. It was eye opening but also beautiful and the ending was perfect to me.
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Whew!!!
First off the FL mother's is really the star of this show. The rest of the cast really just get to enjoy being in her presence. She is an amazing. Overall everyone in the cast is great, the story is great. You are meant to hate the families and I did. As older person I could see where the teens are going wrong. As a teen I could feel the same desire of wanting to leave my family and the desire for freedom. Once again I don't try to put my Western world views on Cdramas.This movie tackles so much in 23 episodes. HIV, Depression, suicide, bullying, China former hierarchy and patriarchal systems (that still linger in rural areas or 3 tier cities) and children left in those areas as parents have to work in the city. The pressure to succeed and do well in school. The joy of wanting to be loved and have love. The cost of medical care. This is one of the first time, I felt that a cdrama handle the ending very well. This series pulls you in.
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Not for everyone, but definitely worth a watch.
The series feels cinematic—more like a movie than a typical TV drama—and its unusual concept makes it refreshingly unique. Set in the 2000s, the context fits the story well; if you’re Asian, you might find the plot even easier to follow. There are a few small flaws, but they never derail the overall experience.The mystery of the sister’s death might be easy to guess early on, but that’s not the point. The show is about how her death affects the people around her: how the female lead learns the truth in stages, how she copes and grows, and how each character arrives at their own form of acceptance (even the “villains” at the end have their own acceptance moments). The male lead also has a meaningful arc about understanding and acceptance, just a bit more typical.
Acting is solid if not spectacular for the leads, while the parents deliver standout performances. Side stories add depth and are well-written. The setting creates a suitably gloomy atmosphere without feeling oppressively dark. Each episode includes quiet romantic beats between the leads—there isn’t much overt chemistry , which fits for high schoolers not to get too much sexual looks in their eyes like other series.
Overall: a dark but calm watch that won’t leave you emotionally drained. If you want a quick breakdown: 3 parts detective/mystery, 5 parts psychology, and 2 parts romance.
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A Heartfelt Journey Through Life’s Struggles: A Drama that redefines Love beyond romance
This drama offers a simple portrayal of unseen love, with a deeply emotional exploration of life's struggles. While it may not satisfy traditional romance loverssince the romance only materializes in the final episode and even then, only in the last few minutesit makes up for it with its raw depiction of family trauma, personal growth, pain, and resilience. The focus is on the complexities of everyday life, where financial struggles are not the central issue, but emotional and relational challenges take precedence.The actors did an absolutely stellar job, bringing the characters to life in a way that truly captures the complexity of the story. There are moments where you'll find yourself despising certain characters for their actions, while others will have you completely invested in their journey, making you root for them with all your heart. The cast really justified their roles, delivering performances that are both convincing and emotionally charged.
This show is a reminder that life isn’t always about romantic idealism, but about navigating the hardships that come with love, loss, and personal growth. The slow-burn narrative may feel frustrating for those expecting a typical love story, but if you approach it as a reflection of real lifewhere love isn't always obvious or easy you’ll find a deep sense of satisfaction. In essence, it’s a celebration of life’s imperfections and a reminder to cherish both the good and the bad, because without the struggles, we wouldn’t fully appreciate the moments of love and joy.
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Highly Recommended Slice of Life Drama!!!
Reborn is a drama that gives us a glimpse of the reality some women in other parts of the world might be enduring. Some of us, while watching could possibly relate somehow to the characters of the drama. The word Romance is always connected to a sweet, happy feeling with a happy ending, sadly real life romance doesn't end that way.The Story 10/10....reality bites, so we try to avoid this kind of film as much as we can but ...it's better to learn by watching than by experiencing.
The drama bravely tackles what most film makers wouldn't because most likely it will not make money. I believe these all-women production team wants to be the voice for many women silently enduring hardship in life. from Sexual Abuse and it's harsh effect on victims and their family, HIV, Mental health, Bullying. All these are wonderfully tackled here. I give my high respect to this team.
Acting-10/10...I seldom see a Cdrama where everyone acted so well. Good job everyone!!!
My goodness what can I say.... Liu Dan, I wish you win an International Award for your magnificent performance. As a mother myself, I feel your anxiety, pain and unconditional love for your children, your portrayal of all these emotions is soooo good!!!
Zhou Yi Ran- He's a revelation for me here. He bring Ming Sheng to life, what a good performance.
Zhang Jing Yi- I always love her choice of drama. This by far is her best. As usual, Jing Yi 's acting is on point, becoming better and better but hope you will try something else like mystery, comedy and fantasy drama.
Music- Love the ending song. Zhou Shen what an angelic voice you have!!!
Lessons Learned:
1. Love is not just about feelings, it is a commitment to firmly stand with the one you love thru thick and thin. That's why the marital vows explicitly expressed both the good and the bad married couple will face together. Sadly, most of us only focus on romantic feelings so much so when we problem comes, the first thing we want is to escape either by breakup or divorce.
2. True Love waits...unwavering love is the best!!! Young people be wise in your choices, no need to hurry, be discerning. Many young women these days ended up being single parents, if not divorced.
3. Parents stop talking and listen more. Just because we are older means we are always wiser and right. Look at your children in the eyes when you talk to them (this is something I learned from my daughter's school because sometimes, we parents are too busy that when are children talk to us, we maybe listening while doing something). Close the gap, befriend them. Make them feel comfortable opening up to you so that they will not seek refuge somewhere else that might lead them astray.
4. Mental health is real... family be mindful of your members who are suffering from anxiety and depression. Seek professional help. Do not leave them alone, be their light in their moment of darkness.
God bless everyone!!!
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Not your typical highschool drama
We got less romance between Ming Sheng and Qiao Qingyu, but sometimes a drama doesn’t need a strong romantic storyline to be great.
It’s not just a typical high school drama, this one felt very deep to me, and I genuinely felt connected to it. It also includes meaningful advocacies and tackles social issues, like the stigma and prevention of HIV/AIDS and Mental ilness such as depressions and many more.
Also, how Qingyu became Beiyu’s voice, she didn’t think it was too late to speak on her behalf. She said the things Beiyu never had the chance or strength to say to the elders until her death.
Last thing, let’s give applauses to the cast who did so well that the drama felt more emotional. 👏🏻
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