A Pretty but Painfully Shallow Idol Drama
I went into Youthful Glory expecting Song Weilong’s nuanced acting (after his standout role in Go Ahead), but what I got was a low-budget, logic-defying idol drama dressed up in wuxia cosplay. Imagine a school play written by a lovesick teenager - filled with over-the-top romance, fight scenes that defy physics, and characters with the emotional range of a cardboard cutout. That’s this show.The "Glory" Here is Only Skin-Deep (And Even That’s Questionable)
Let’s start with the leads, because oh boy, do they test my patience.
The Male Lead (Song Weilong): A flawless, suffering saint. He’s a genius commander, a martial arts prodigy, a devoted husband, and so morally upright he probably rescues kittens between scenes. Yet, his entire personality collapses into "I LOVE MY WIFE" - to the point where he forgets how to function like a normal human being. From a cool, composed leader, he devolves into a love-struck nincompoop who can’t focus on anything but his childish wife. Character assassination at its finest.
The Female Lead: Imagine a spoiled trust-fund baby who's never worked a day in her life. Her limited hobbies include pouting, looking doe-eyed, and being inexplicably adored. She's framed as the epitome of perfection but her only talents? Recognizing luxury goods and making men fall for her for no reason (only for existing, perhaps?). If this were real life, she’d be canceled on Weibo for sheer audacity and blocked on WeChat for being insufferable.
Their romance isn’t #CoupleGoals—it’s #WhyIsHeWithHer. She’s a walking red flag, and he’s the human equivalent of a golden retriever who’s lost all survival instincts - yet the show insists this is #RelationshipGoals.
The "F4" Knockoff & Other Nonsense
The supporting cast? A watered-down F4 with zero chemistry and paper-thin personalities. They exist purely to fill screen time and occasionally look cool in slow-motion. Ok, and to form side couples.
Martial Arts? More Like Martial Farts
The fight scenes are so absurd they border on parody. Characters freeze mid-air like buffering YouTube videos, levitate like they’re in a low-budget The Matrix and fly like they’re in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on a budget. I've seen better fight scenes from the 90s era, when technology was way less advanced. It’s more anime than wuxia - and not in a good way. Ok, but I do have to admit, I love the way the male lead spins his sword around. Very flashy and cool lols.
Makeup & Aesthetic Crimes
Song Weilong, a man blessed by the visual gods, looks ghastly in some scenes - chalky foundation, lips that look like he had a bad filler appointment, and a general "why do I look like a wax figure?" vibe (did the makeup artist hate him?). Though to be fair, he’s still ridiculously handsome 70% of the time - as he should be.
The female lead is forever stuck in Bambi-eyed pout mode, as if she’s permanently surprised by her own existence.
Final Verdict: So Bad It’s… Still Bad, but... Entertaining?
If you turn off your brain, Youthful Glory might be mildly entertaining as a so-bad-it’s-funny watch. But if you expect actual plot, character growth, or believable romance, you’ll be writing angry tweets by Episode 10 and screaming into a pillow by Episode 20.
Rating: 2/5 – Pretty faces can’t save this shallow, poorly written mess. And how this scored over 8 on MDL? Bribery? Collective delusion? The world may never know.
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A Riveting Yet Bittersweet Nostalgic Journey
Our Times is a compelling drama that masterfully captures the spirit of China’s reform era in the late 80s and 90s, blending entrepreneurship, friendship, and betrayal against a backdrop of rapid societal change. With stellar performances, meticulous period details, and witty dialogue, the series immerses viewers in a world where ambition and idealism collide with harsh realities.Strengths: A Faithful yet Creative Adaptation
The drama excels in its authentic recreation of the 80s-90s aesthetic - from fashion and technology to the cultural shifts of the time. The chemistry between the leads, particularly Wu Lei’s portrayal of the passionate yet flawed Xiao Chuan, anchors the story. His character is inspiring yet tragically human: fiercely loyal, bold in business, and deeply caring, yet hampered by pride and impulsiveness ("go big or go home"). The supporting cast, including his friends and love interest, adds layers to the narrative, making their bonds feel genuine.
The storyline is gripping, balancing high-stakes business ventures with personal drama. The dialogue crackles with urgency and wit, and the pacing keeps viewers invested - even when the plot takes dark, unexpected turns.
The Emotional Toll: A Rollercoaster of Betrayals
However, the drama’s strength - its unflinching realism - also makes it emotionally exhausting. Xiao Chuan’s journey is a relentless cycle of triumphs and devastating setbacks. Just as he gains footing, betrayal (from friends, partners, or fate itself) knocks him down. While this reflects the cutthroat nature of the era, the lack of reprieve grows disheartening, especially since Xiao Chuan remains fundamentally good-hearted.
The cliffhanger ending exacerbates this frustration. With no Season 2 in sight (despite setup for one), viewers are left hanging - an especially bitter pill given the novel’s reportedly tragic conclusion for Xiao Chuan. The adaptation already takes liberties, but if the source material’s bleak fate holds true, it casts a shadow over the entire narrative.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, but brace yourself. Our Times is a well-crafted, emotionally charged drama with outstanding acting and production. The acting from Wu Lei in particular, was brilliant. However, its unrelenting tension and unresolved ending may leave some viewers drained. If you seek a hopeful underdog story (like I did), this isn’t it. But if you appreciate complex characters and gritty realism, it’s a standout.
Rating: 4/5 – Brilliant yet bittersweet, with a lingering sense of "what could’ve been."
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