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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Love Story is not the focus
“Reborn” is a beautifully intense drama that dives deep into themes of family, personal trauma, and inner strength. While it was heavily marketed as a romantic story centered around the two leads, the actual focus is almost entirely on the female protagonist's struggles within her family and her journey of resilience and rebirth.This shift in focus might disappoint viewers who, like me, were drawn in by the promise of a heartwarming love story. The chemistry between the main couple is undeniably powerful—so strong, in fact, that it shines even outside of the show in their real-life interactions. That’s why it feels like a missed opportunity that their relationship was pushed to the sidelines, with far too few scenes together.
I found myself watching mostly for them—their dynamic was electric and full of potential. Sadly, fans of romance may feel let down by how little screen time is actually devoted to their connection. If you’re here purely for the romantic storyline, you might be better off watching their behind-the-scenes clips on TikTok—they’re absolutely magical and give more butterflies than the drama itself.
That said, “Reborn” still stands out for its portrayal of deep, difficult topics and the emotional growth of its characters. It’s heavy at times, especially due to the closed-mindedness of some figures in the story, but it remains a compelling watch—just not the romantic ride many expected.
Recommendation: Don’t start this drama expecting a love story. Start it if you’re ready for an emotional, sometimes dark, but ultimately inspiring journey.
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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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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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Promising young woman.
I don't use the word "perfect" lightly when it comes to dramas because, it's my opinion, there's always room for improvement. But the team behind Reborn were on a superior state of being when they created this story, something many filmmakers, producers and scriptwriters dream to achieve. This is truly a perfect drama, from beginning to end, and I am so glad I was able to experience it.When I first started to watch it, I didn't mention it on social media because I wanted to see where the Reborn team were taking a story that handles so many sensitive issues for contemporary China. It could easily turn into an over the top melodrama, with one dimensional characters, instead of serious study on how society and family dynamics can destroy the life of a young woman.
The social commentary alone is enough to consider this the best drama of the year. Period. It's not usual for a youth cdrama to so openly call out China's ugly face regarding women's marginalization and discrimination. To show in the exact way they are thought and treated as less than, a family's internalized misogyny and its consequences. All while waving into the main story other issues such as AIDS, debt, sexual harassment, domestic abuse and the clash between generations.
This might sound like too heavy of a drama and I admit it has it's moments where, as a viewer, you want to reach through the screen and burn an entire house (and then some) but the story manages to balance the difficult subjects with the more light moments of budding romance, newfound friendships, and normal growing pains. These lasts elements are crucial for our lead as she learns to stand up for herself, her sister and, even, her mother. At the same time, the family unit also learns from our lead as they slowly but surely break free from a toxic filial obligation in a way that feels both real and satisfying.
I had my eye on this Reborn because Zhang Jingyi and Zhou Yiran, whom I believe have impeccable taste when choosing a script and with this drama they have proven me right (once more). They are the stars of the show as Qingyu and Ming Sheng, two lonely teens learning that life and humans' relationships, particularly with our parents, are far more complex and nuanced than we first thought so. They come together at the perfect bad timing in order to help each other grow and heal.
But the heart of Reborn are Wu You and Liu Dan as Qing's older sister and mother, respectively. They had a lot of silent, steady work to do, as our lead discovers a family secret buried deep. Liu Dan, particularly, should be nominated for every single award under the sun for the incredible character building and development she put into Qing's mother. Everyone in the cast, to be honest, brought their A+++ game and will get something, some emotion, positive or negative, from the viewer as the story unfolds and more of this family secret is revealed.
I already like the actors cast in this drama but I have a newfound respect for them. Because they chose to involve themselves in a story that's it's a screaming denunciation told through the female gaze. Yes, the entire team behind the camera -from the producer, director and writer- are women. Only women could tell this story and do it justice.
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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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lighthouse
this is criminally underrated. i get if this is slow to people, but while watching this i have never watched a drama that makes me understand a culture. this helps people see the dynamics of what family actually means to asians and how it truly affects everything. for me i love how you see everything as one way in the beginning and than when the story fully unfolds, you switch sides. biggest takeaway is that love shows many faces and so does forgiveness. the lighthouse theory at the end just had me in tears.Was this review helpful to you?
