2019 or 2020 CDrama
if you're feeling nostalgic for the slice-of-life Chinese dramas from around 2019-2020, this show will feel like a comforting return to that style. Despite some issues, the charming characters made it engaging enough for me to watch to the very end.What I Liked (Pros):
The Female Antagonist: The "villain" of the series was a highlight. The character was well-written and superbly acted, making her the most compelling and memorable character for me.
Standout Side Character: "Monkey" was an amazing side character. He had so much presence and charm that he often stole the show, feeling more like a main character.
A Capable Female Lead: While her character had development issues, I appreciated that the female lead wasn't portrayed as a weak or helpless victim. Her happiness and naivete were part of the story, but she was never powerless.
What Could Be Improved (Cons):
Choppy Editing: The biggest drawback was the editing. Several storylines felt like they were cut short, leaving confusing gaps in the narrative. Key plot points, like the grandmother's illness or the roommate's surgery, were introduced but never concluded.
Underdeveloped Female Lead: We are given almost no backstory for the main character. She arrives on screen as a perpetually happy person, but we never learn why she is that way. Without that context, it was difficult to connect with her on a deeper level,
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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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This review may contain spoilers
don't use your western lense
ZJM(FL) I don't think she does many cheesy easy urban dramas. This drama is heavy not as heavy as stand by me but a little heavier than Amidst a Snowstorm of Love and if you not ready for the emotional toll then skip it but do they have some great quotes and themes to inspire and motivate...YES.First major theme-running away from problems will not solve anything but create more problems. ML dad and him move away from ML mom cause she needs to do work but there are hints she might have been having an emotional brekadown and didn't want the ML during that time.
Second or simultaneously theme- you can't replace one thing for another. you can't replace a child with one you lost, you next child is not the same as your first. A rabbit is not a cat.
Third theme that is more underlying-get therapy,
Fourth theme- have friends to support you during the hard times. For example, the ML mom had no friends (obsessed and crazy) but ML's dad had friends so he is way more adjusted than the wife/mother of ML. The friend group shows how having true friends help you get through the rough times. and can push your forward.
Biggest Theme- parental projection which is when a parent projects their own, often unfulfilled, needs, beliefs, or desires onto their child, essentially trying to live vicariously through them. Or A child raised with parental projection may feel pressured to conform to their parent's expectations, rather than forming their own opinions and beliefs. This movie is saying that this type of parenting is not good. We see that most of the friend groups family give them the choice to choose their own life but the ML family does not, instead it is what the ML mother wants.
Other reviews that it is toxic relationship- not really, somehow the FL feels it is her job to help all people who came from her hometown you are made to understand this very early and then in later episodes when the parents are talking. You learn about it in the stories, she is liked because she is the one always helping others. In the first or second episode when they are kids the ML grabs the FL arm and keeps her from falling and we later learn in later episodes helps her in math. I think this was to let the viewers know this is why ML and Fl were so connected. The ML helped her as well. During the show the families always talk about the FL and how she was always helping the other kids and bringing a smile to everyone. Uncle Wang who was always down because didn't have job or couldn't keep steady work. The lottery she one was not really a lot of money but it was enough to make a splurge. Once again the FL was spending it on everyone else and not her self. The ML also points this out, how she is always thinking of others. I understand the ML for "ghosting" her during his worse time and feel embarrassed. I have done the same thing, because is so hard to be vulnerable and raw in front of people who knew you when your were great but I know being vulnerable and real with your friends is the best way to heal. I think that is the last theme. Falling doesn't mean you have to stay at the bottom forever. You can get back up again especially if you have the right people in your corner.
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