Great Themes, Weak Storytelling
I picked up this drama because of Zhao Lusi and its focus on traditional Chinese medicine. I don’t usually enjoy romance-heavy or school-themed dramas, so I appreciated the different premise. What worked for me was the exploration of Chinese medicine versus Western medicine, the cultural references, and some thought-provoking dialogue. Zhao Lusi delivers a strong performance, even if her character felt overly immature in the early episodes.Where the drama really falters is in the storytelling. The resolution of conflicts often felt unrealistic, poor decisions were brushed over too easily, and the pacing dragged across 40 episodes. Just when it seemed like a climax was building, it never really arrived. The writers aimed for something unique, but the plot came off fragmented and rushed.
If you enjoy Chinese philosophy, poetry, or the cast, there are still redeemable qualities here. I wouldn’t rewatch it, though a few scenes with meaningful dialogue stood out. Overall, it’s a 7.5/10 — decent but not essential viewing.
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Ever wished you were an Alpaca?
🎶 我是一只羊驼 (Wǒ shì yì zhī yángtuó)I really like so many elements of this drama. The story was unique there were many cliffhanger moments to keep me engaged. The comedy was very good. The main storyline and the sub plots were also very good. I felt the drama could have ended at episode 30 because the last two episodes seemed a bit unnecessary however those final two episodes are probably the best wrap up I have seen for a story where I invested a lot of time and emotion. They really bring it home with the final scene. The ending leaves you happy with tears of joy. A beautiful story … I am still laughing at the scene 🎬 on the water … watch and you will LOL 😂 too.
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A Charming Start, but an Overcooked Ending — Mixed Feelings
As someone who doesn’t typically enjoy romantic comedy dramas, I went into Dating in the Kitchen (我, 喜欢你) with modest expectations — and to my surprise, the first two-thirds of the series really won me over.The chemistry between the main characters is engaging, with a blend of quirky humor and genuinely heartfelt moments. Even the secondary character arcs added flavor and emotional depth, making the early episodes both entertaining and satisfying to watch.
However, the final stretch of the drama left me cold. The plot took a turn that felt overly dramatic and not entirely believable, as if conflict was stirred up simply for the sake of creating tension. The resolution tied everything up neatly — perhaps too neatly — in a way that might appeal to viewers looking for a feel-good ending, but for me, it felt rushed and emotionally unearned.
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with a light-hearted vibe and a dash of melodrama, this might be just your cup of tea. I’d recommend trying the first 2–3 episodes — if you’re hooked, great! Just be prepared that the payoff at the end might feel more like something to “get through” than truly enjoy.
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A Celebration of Friendship, Finding Yourself, and the Quiet Bravery of the Human Spirit
I started watching this drama in support of my Mandarin studies (input) — I’m taking online classes and needed something with clear dialogue and subtitles in both Chinese and English. That was my initial reason for choosing it.I’m a guy, and twice the age of the characters in this story. I’ve never experienced college life in China (or anything similar), and I certainly can’t relate to being a young woman at that stage of life. Still, the first few episodes were pretty good, and I figured I’d stick with it.
Then I hit episode 4 — and honestly, it just didn’t work for me. I actually stopped watching and put the drama on the back burner.
But as my Mandarin studies continued, I realized I still needed something that fit those original requirements. So I came back, pushed through episode 4 (still not a favorite), and then something remarkable happened: I got completely drawn in. I found myself enchanted by these characters — by their spirit, honesty, vulnerability, and above all, their strength.
I had expected a romance-heavy story, which I wasn’t really looking for. But to my surprise, this isn’t a typical romance drama. While there are some dating and couple dynamics, the relationships are portrayed in a grounded, authentic way. Love here isn’t just about being cute — it’s about connection, support, sacrifice, and putting your heart on the line. And not all the romantic storylines go smoothly, which to me reflects real life.
By the time I reached episode 18, it was the first time a drama had made me cry in a long time. From episode 18 to 24, I kept a box of tissues close — not just for sadness, but for joy. These girls’ stories touched something deep in me. I smiled through tears, and each moment meant something.
Episode 24 wrapped it all up perfectly. It felt like a complete, honest ending that stayed true to the journey we’d taken with these characters.
As for rewatch value — absolutely. I plan to return to this drama as part of my Mandarin study routine. The dialogue is rich, the emotions are sincere, and the characters stay with you. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. And I’m genuinely grateful to have experienced this story.
This is easily in my top five of all the Chinese dramas I’ve watched so far.
I first saw Shen Yue in the 2021 Netflix drama Use for My Talent, and I already liked her there. But in Be Yourself, she is simply phenomenal. In fact, all three of the main girls are outstanding. The entire cast — including the male leads — was perfectly chosen. The music was beautiful. The pacing worked. Everything came together in a way that felt sincere and impactful.
In the end, Be Yourself isn’t just a story about growing up — it’s a reflection on the courage it takes to be true to who you are, the power of friendship, and the bittersweet beauty of life itself.
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One of the few dramas I have re-watched and still enjoyed even more each time.
I am typically not a fan of love stories, and I cannot really relate to the experiences of the characters. All I can say is watching this drama makes me believe in the beauty of love and devotion to a partner. I love the chemistry between the two lead characters and towards the ending of the story, you will be emotionally and mentally impacted by the beauty of the plot. I did not want to say too much about this drama other than it is a must watch and it made me a fan of Kimura Takuya, who I have watched basically everything he has ever performed. For me this is totally a masterpiece for the role that he plays. Just thinking of the story right now brings tears to my eyes. It is so beautiful.Was this review helpful to you?
