This review may contain spoilers
A Death That Inspires Life...
I loved this. But I'll start with a gripe so I can end on a good note.
I remember interacting with an MDL user once who said she didn't like Cdramas because they glorified work in an unhealthy way. That stuck. I thought it was interesting, since I expected Chinese entertainment to portray more traditional family dynamics, being a traditionally patriarchal country. But I discovered this is not the case. Almost all dramas portray both spouses working in some capacity. So, as I've watched more Cdramas, unfortunately I think this critique is true. I'm not sure if this is just a Chinese ethic or if it's propaganda from the government (any time a drama portrays the government as "goodhearted" and "functional" instantly smells fishy; there is no such government. And entertainment is the place where much of that critique happens in countries with the freedom to speak their mind in media (but not so in Cdramas! It makes me a bit leary)). While the writer and/or director managed to meld this glorifying of work into a much healthier and more tempered message about healing (that includes taking something of a break from work, but not really, because Hongdou can't help but jump in again) and finding your passion, discovering who you are, finding a partner to build a life of mutual dignity and respect with, and figuring out what you want in life, it still smacked of the clear message, "Every good, responsible citizen will do their part." But again, the glorifying of work (thankfully) was almost smothered by the more positive, cozy, and upbeat elements of this story, and these allowed me to embrace it despite some of the drawbacks.
On to what I loved.
The drama just oozed cozy, comfy, and relaxing vibes. The plot plods along at a gentle, soothing pace, like a stream flowing slowly and calmly to its destination. The leads' relationshop was one of the healthiest I've seen in a modern Cdrama. It was all just so comforting and like a warm hug (my favorite kind of slice of life drama). It does remind me of Hometown Cha Cha Cha in ways, but it's a much slower pace, and very little drama or angst in comparison. I love the quiet, ambient moments where a person is just filmed enjoying a breeze in Youfeng Couryard, or sipping a cup of tea as steam wafts from their drink, or shots that almost felt like snapshots or still lifes of the countryside in all its quaint beauty (I can totally see why this area boomed with tourism after this drama aired!).
Finally, as I was close to finishing the drama, I thought about how much Hongdou's life was changed (for the better) by traveling to Yunnan. And it was all because of Chen Nanxing. If it weren't for Chen Nanxing's death, Hongdou would never have gone to Yunnan, and she would never have grown, blossomed and flourished like we see her do as she rediscovers who she is, and what she wants in life. Nanxing changed Hongdou's life, but also so many other people's lives by extension. What a beautiful legacy! I hope my death can mean as much (whenever it happens, haha).
I just loved watching Hongdou grieve, heal, fall in love, and find her feet and stumble upon her passion unexpectedly. It was beautiful, and inspiring.
P.S. Granny has to be my favorite old grandma from any drama to date.
P.P.S. The music was perfect.
I remember interacting with an MDL user once who said she didn't like Cdramas because they glorified work in an unhealthy way. That stuck. I thought it was interesting, since I expected Chinese entertainment to portray more traditional family dynamics, being a traditionally patriarchal country. But I discovered this is not the case. Almost all dramas portray both spouses working in some capacity. So, as I've watched more Cdramas, unfortunately I think this critique is true. I'm not sure if this is just a Chinese ethic or if it's propaganda from the government (any time a drama portrays the government as "goodhearted" and "functional" instantly smells fishy; there is no such government. And entertainment is the place where much of that critique happens in countries with the freedom to speak their mind in media (but not so in Cdramas! It makes me a bit leary)). While the writer and/or director managed to meld this glorifying of work into a much healthier and more tempered message about healing (that includes taking something of a break from work, but not really, because Hongdou can't help but jump in again) and finding your passion, discovering who you are, finding a partner to build a life of mutual dignity and respect with, and figuring out what you want in life, it still smacked of the clear message, "Every good, responsible citizen will do their part." But again, the glorifying of work (thankfully) was almost smothered by the more positive, cozy, and upbeat elements of this story, and these allowed me to embrace it despite some of the drawbacks.
On to what I loved.
The drama just oozed cozy, comfy, and relaxing vibes. The plot plods along at a gentle, soothing pace, like a stream flowing slowly and calmly to its destination. The leads' relationshop was one of the healthiest I've seen in a modern Cdrama. It was all just so comforting and like a warm hug (my favorite kind of slice of life drama). It does remind me of Hometown Cha Cha Cha in ways, but it's a much slower pace, and very little drama or angst in comparison. I love the quiet, ambient moments where a person is just filmed enjoying a breeze in Youfeng Couryard, or sipping a cup of tea as steam wafts from their drink, or shots that almost felt like snapshots or still lifes of the countryside in all its quaint beauty (I can totally see why this area boomed with tourism after this drama aired!).
Finally, as I was close to finishing the drama, I thought about how much Hongdou's life was changed (for the better) by traveling to Yunnan. And it was all because of Chen Nanxing. If it weren't for Chen Nanxing's death, Hongdou would never have gone to Yunnan, and she would never have grown, blossomed and flourished like we see her do as she rediscovers who she is, and what she wants in life. Nanxing changed Hongdou's life, but also so many other people's lives by extension. What a beautiful legacy! I hope my death can mean as much (whenever it happens, haha).
I just loved watching Hongdou grieve, heal, fall in love, and find her feet and stumble upon her passion unexpectedly. It was beautiful, and inspiring.
P.S. Granny has to be my favorite old grandma from any drama to date.
P.P.S. The music was perfect.
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