A Better Life (2025)

Brilliant Storytelling and Acting

I don’t normally watch modern C drama because most of the time it’s so cliche. There is always an annoying FL best friend who will end up with the guy’s (almost always a rich handsome young CEO) assistant. And also an ex gf somewhere. But this one, although has most of the usual characters, turns out to be realistic.

Acting wise
The acting by both ML and FL are brilliant. Sun Li is already well known for her historical dramas acting but this is the first time I watch her in a modern drama and I am blown away. She is miles ahead of all other c actresses to date. Her portrayal as a woman who lost everything including marriage and career overnight is amazing. I think it’s how she uses small gestures to express her character that makes all the difference. As for the ML, this is my first time seeing him. He is very annoying to be honest and I kept wondering why they didn’t find a better looking and less annoying actor. In the end I realise it’s probably because he can act so well and manage to bring out the character itself. Everyone else is ok. I like the fact that there isn’t too much over dressing or make up. Everyone is normal. And has their own little story. Main characters were fleshed out brilliantly with their flaws including the leads.

Storyline
Not very unique but as mentioned very well told. It is also a story of redemption, forgiveness, learning to stay grounded and humble. No one is bad or good. It’s always circumstances that decides if one is seen as good or bad. So yes, you will still like it and want to know what comes next or how it pans out.

This is worth watching unless you’re after an idol love story . Love the song Ke Xi Ai Ren by Sun Li. So beautifully sung . I am waiting for it to be available on Spotify!

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This woman deserves to be happy!

I loved this series, but as usual, the ending felt like it was missing something.

What I really appreciate is how it was a learning experience for all the characters. Life always has its ups and downs, and the way you handle them determines whether the consequences will be good or bad. I loved watching the FL and ML grow together. The FL is highly successful in her career, but she also made plenty of mistakes—some out of naivety, others because she didn’t always follow the strict rules of her profession.

One of the best parts was how the ML and FL leaned on each other during their hardships. She didn’t just take him in and care for him; she also taught him valuable lessons and helped him mature. At first, I think most viewers disliked the ML, but by the end, it was hard not to root for him.

Her husband’s realization—that he had taken her for granted their entire marriage—was a powerful moment. And her son? Both the character and the actor were fantastic.

While I loved that this story avoided the usual CEO/Cinderella trope that Chinese dramas rely on so much, I do wish it had more depth. The plot was fairly predictable, so there weren’t many surprises. Still, compared to many other Chinese dramas I’ve seen, this one stands out and deserves a 9/10.

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