I ended up giving this a 9 and the reason being is the acting. The acting alone is what sold the whole story.To…
You can put this in Review? it is a bit spoiler-ish, but I agree with you generally. Still, because of the way things turned out in the end tying some loose ends together and even making good use of the Meng Meng arc (over long, and based on a bad premise, I agree), I put this drama in the top ones for ZLS. About the Solar Terms in the last episode, I liked that they showed the way over a year had passed after the previous events. It was a nice reminder, not that long, and in the calendar order, whereas some Solar Terms had been dropped before. I found the drama nicely instructive and satisfying, also because I was not looking for torrid romance The Forbidden Flower style. Toutou and Tianzhen are one of those nice couples one might meet who don't flaunt their feelings overmuch. Their chemistry is okay and the dancing/ celebration did not feel weird to me, but a nice change from the expected tropes of proposals and grand wedding. LQ story served as one more example of the redeeming purpose in the drama. The "lies" were so outlandish that they clearly to me, were a test of some sort, to be viewed as allegorical and I was happy to find that my hunch was right. Perhaps it could have been written differently, but then perhaps it would have been bland and boring, humdrum, to me.
Lemme tell you an unpopular opinion. RXZ may be a great doctor, a good teacher. But he is an irresponsible father,…
So righteous an opinion ! well, that's on you, a bit nearsighted, in my opinion.
Master Ren is not an ordinary man, that's for sure, and his ways are sometimes inscrutable. He is an avowed sect leader. The wife accepted the full package as a thorny way to sainthood. The son was never abandoned and got enough education and money. None of them, elders and disciples included, ever starved. They all put themselves second to the service of the people's health.
The story is not an example to follow blindly by lesser humans who are prone to be tempted to enter debt or worse when they go about launching a random business.
Lies hurting your family : you mean his telling everyone that TT was his daughter ? As all those who knew him thought, this was probably (and was) a test of their sound judgement and confidence in the path they had chosen with him. In fact he did not even lie, since TT was already his daughter in law in his mind! Or the outlandish story of the 300 year tile? This was clearly an allegory for "they would do their utmost and try even the impossible" to help the hopeless one. Making it so that time would heal the mind's wound, which was more important than the physical injury. Even modern science recognizes and uses the placebo effect.
Don't think it's just OK to conclude with an attack like "YOU PEOPLE .. but I" in haughty self justification. It's all right not to like a story. Me I am in the unpopular set who hated "Love In Flames of War", but I would not attack those who find merit with it and adored the character played by Chen Duling. I even admit that this actress has a talent to portray characters that are truly hate-able. To me, Master Ren is as sweet and stinky as a spiky durian, but I am quite satisfied with how his inner faithful, benevolent, shrewd and loyal core is revealed :)
all i have to say is that if i were any of the people in that class or family .. i’d never speak to li quan…
The drama is about redemption, so the Master (and the victim Mr Wu) agreed to let a way out for LiQuan to change. Which LiQuan did after not having been allowed to suicide or to drop out. He proved that he had learned enough to be of use in fighting the deadly epidemic and changed his ways for the better. This is in harmony with the spirit of what a person should become : useful to others, and transformed from sinner into a person abhorrent of evil. China knows historically the importance of such an attitude, to deal with past (and present) horrors. Different from the illogical Christian attitude of forgiveness and acceptance, it is being conscious of past sins but moving forward to absorb them and make them the soil on which uprightness be grown. Like having reformed Red Guards or hooligans reform and work for the greater good, or class enemy former emperor and (forced to) collaboration with enemies be reformed as a gardener in Beijing. That's the purpose of the system which puts emphasis on reeducation if possible. Of course, if the sin is viciousness to children and rape of women, murder, or treason, there is no redemption: it's either very long hard prison sentence (like for Kris Wu) or death penalty. LiQuan had balked at outright murder, so there was hope for him yet. Forcing him behind bars would not have been useful for the TCM sect or for the State. Letting him get the option to turn himself in, realize suicide was another, but taking away that option by saving him and lending the money to get him free from the company that had put temptation his way was the most efficient way to get LiQuan in better debt, to turn the page. The class was not told what LiQuan did. Only Mr Ren, Mr Wu, and Toutou knew the grave sin that he had been tempted to and committed. So the class and others had no reason to hate and despise him. As for the two elders and even Toutou, they were adult enough to not react knee jerkingly like children who cannot see the greater picture and forge ahead with vengeful thoughts that create a vicious circle.
Btw about the name change requested by Toutou, here are my views : Master Ren explained that he could not call her Sun Wukong 孙悟空 who is the famous Monkey King. But after having long considered her as an impish but sweet and wild little "Monkey Sun", he found a name that would be more serious and cultured than 孙头头 : one that would fit a growing leader, and remind also of the greatness of the path-clearer for pilgrim Tang Sanzang in the epic Journey to the West, the most universally known Chinese classic. Dà Yuàn 大 愿 means "Great Ambition" and being humble does not mean one should lack ambition. The "yuan" key and personal name (usually last in Chinese two-character given names) is that in 意愿 Yìyuàn (will) which is also in 愿意 Yuànyì (be willing to). It is also homonym with some words that are linked to officialdom such as 教员 Jiàoyuán (teacher), 辅导员 Fǔdǎo yuán (counselor). The new name will establish her as one who has the drive and backing of her elders, sect and authorities. It is a very nice sounding name too, in Chinese. (Adding this to the Traditional Chinese Culture Discussion.)
I will miss this cast and story. Luo Yizhou jumping in to show his mastery of the dance, in last episode, was a wink to his other career as singer and dancer. As a tribute to the sentiments elicited by the drama, I contributed a small piece about well known Tang poetry, with translation from the Zhang Jiu Ling poem that Toutou was thinking about in ep. 39. It's in the Discussion. Here if you are interested : https://kisskh.at/discussions/hou-lang/100789-about-traditional-chinese-culture?page=3 Feel free to add your thoughts, the other poems and chengyu that you noticed in the drama, or just your favorite piece of Chinese poetry?
Hi, this is unrelated to page title, although I landed here because of fruitlessly searching for the whereabouts…
I think it is another one bc it was trending before PE was aired, under the title UNDERCOVER POLICEWOMAN but not long ago. Mysterious, isn't it ? Ah, but I am not so gifted an investigator as can hunt down those dramas that keep changing names (prob what happened) so it's difficult to identify them. Right now for instance, we have When Dreams Begin - lingering title for what WeTV offers as "The Youth Memories" (the new drama with Xiao Zhan).
introduction (plot):Chang Ming, a policewoman of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, is a negotiator and is…
Hi, this is unrelated to page title, although I landed here because of fruitlessly searching for the whereabouts of a C drama that's supposedly trending under the name UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICER. Would you perhaps know where to watch it (couldn't find it on the usual platforms (weTV, iQiyi, Viki, Youtube, kiss, ...cool) and whatever permutation of words or synonyms on MDL also drew a blank. So I am curious... Perhaps you can help me with that search?
The plot you outlined makes me put this future drama on my tbw list :) I'd probably would click on it bc of ZLY anyway ! :))
I really appreciate the history lesson too. I also like that we're not hit over the head with it, but it's just…
Cool. The dramas I list do watch... Those I log on MDL as watching are on my screens, although I watch others too, that I don't list until finished, oof. Sometimes forgetting to list them, until much later. So, where's Frost at, to paraphrase Marcus? * I am on episode 8 of A Date with the Future on WeTV (contributed a discussion there) , * on episode 10 of The Youth Memories on WeTV * on episode 37 of Gen Z Houlang on the youhug channel (contributed a 2 page discussion about Chinese culture, tales, legends, Shennong, Lao Zi, Daoism, hexagrams and baguazhang) ; * on episode 22 of Here We Meet Again on WeTV , bc moderate fan of Erbin and not disliking Janice... but only mentioning my presence in conversation * on episode 13 of Mr Insomnia Waiting For Love on kiss (because I needed a touch of fluff, and this is literally what it's about) with no need to express myself about this dessert drama. I'm not detailing more, since the rest of the 11 are logged on "my list" incl the two xianxias (BFTB competing w latest BOR starring Ju Jingyi), the PE police Dilraba and the TWC hospital Peng GuangYing, except the minguo YIFOW and the Craftsmen, that I'll just log in when finished, bc following discussions elsewhere. All this while foreseeing to be tied up with some celebrations that are upcoming for my Earthling incarnation + needed periods of R&R ! 一定要去祝我身体健康吧 !
Actually, I am a lazy person but I get too easily embroiled into watching too much, and giving in to temptation to comment here and other places with overlong observations. So, for the sake or my Qi and my eyes, I ought to slow down. Just ... not yet, lol
Currently watching : Gen Z Houlang, Here We Meet Again, Where Dreams Begin The Youth Memories, A Date with the Future, Mr Insomnia waiting for love, Youth In Flames of War, A Generation of Craftsmen, Back from the Brink, Prosecution Elite, The White Castle, and re-watching snippets from "old" In a class of her own, Count Your Lucky Stars, and Legend of Yunxi, TTEOTM, and miscellaneous stuff, while singing C pop and OST songs in pauses. I have noticed some other C drama maniacs who also seem to have grown several heads to watch. I have no merit : despite being a true blue alien from deep space on my planet size star ship, with heads that grow at will when necessary, there are others who line up even more staggering lists than I do !
Will I have enough time for it all ? Time will tell. Maybe I'll use the time bender or time traveling between threads of alternate worlds' option on the star ship. Trouble is : I hate to give up midways or to press ff in a drama, so perhaps it might be more efficient to solve the problems, by seeking treatment against the addiction, lol Or press "turn off". Again : just ... not yet lol !
Joining the pack to watch! It was on my tbw list, but I am slow and don't mind catching up with a nice binge watch of first episodes. The first sequence with the earthquake was spectacular. The dog was very cute; so I am watching on, after quickly going through comments to check if there was anything I'd need to know. Nothing special apparently, so will just enjoy the ride in the next few hours of blissful quiet, with my noise cancelling headphone for better immersion in the story. The actor I remember from a couple other dramas; the FL 's name rings a bell and is pretty, but I'm not quite sure whether or not I saw her before. Will take notice if this drama does not get my disapproval : but, I am a very lenient person, so it takes a lot for me to up and go in disgust, or "drop" a drama, once I've sampled first episode to satisfaction or to get curious enough to find out what's special that would justify my staying on and warm to it in spite of first impression. I am probably going to stay till end, after the good impression this started with. I will try not to post too many comments, and only if there's something I think is useful, or as usual, my thanks to those who provide good enrichment, like PeacheyBlossom and her excellent OST translation and transliteration MVs.
Wow you posting a comment every after a scene😂😂😂 not complaining.. though
Congrats ErickaRamirez! I got one too yesterday, though I wondered why and what it entailed; it's like a dun-colored and white-cream Pikachu design with a microphone. What does your one look like and what did you do with it? Me, after pondering, decided to show it in reply to some thanks at the end of one over long discussion that's reached 2nd page, but I think I got it for another one where I'd been indulging a bit too much in answering comments and expanding with explanations from what I know about period and more.
The music in the drama is excellant. The osts are very soothing and am glad they went with an instrumental opening…
Glad you could access and liked the Discussion part that you requested.
The PRC years from Liberation to Liberalization, going through upheavals that effectively uprooted the old stifling ways, is a period that remains polarizing for many outsiders, who view it sketchily and/or with a foreign negative judgmental attitude. Especially those who have been steeped in rosy or romantic views furthered by fluff or "historical costume" dramas, Jin Long epics (don't get me wrong, I also love wuxia, xianxia and xuanhuan) and get their ideas of "right and wrong" from these and from new age western ideas.
To the Chinese, who have gone through centuries of oppression and invasions, brilliant dynasties founded on the blood of past ones or common people, and a particularly dark couple of centuries from 1757 to 1980, the longing for peace and harmony has infused an infectious optimism that is very remarkable. It infuses much of what we can see in the drama. Such as the peaceful solution to the announced "mass fight" in the beginning. And the way for Chinese citizens to put aside weighty and vengeful baggage in order to move always forward, ordinarily, like in the lovely Pu Shu song.
Probably Mr Ren's (future) daughter (in law). = No lying, if Mr Ren had noticed and agreed about TZ falling for his dad's ward. A daughter, but not necessarily by blood and infidelity. It is now become quite the melodrama, with twists and turns, although the LiQuan spin was not a surprise. He did look sly from the start (good acting, actually). ... 2hrs to go until next episode.
2 
4 
1 
I know a couple who did that in real life, while the future mom was sick in hospital, to boot !!
Still, because of the way things turned out in the end tying some loose ends together and even making good use of the Meng Meng arc (over long, and based on a bad premise, I agree), I put this drama in the top ones for ZLS.
About the Solar Terms in the last episode, I liked that they showed the way over a year had passed after the previous events. It was a nice reminder, not that long, and in the calendar order, whereas some Solar Terms had been dropped before.
I found the drama nicely instructive and satisfying, also because I was not looking for torrid romance The Forbidden Flower style. Toutou and Tianzhen are one of those nice couples one might meet who don't flaunt their feelings overmuch. Their chemistry is okay and the dancing/ celebration did not feel weird to me, but a nice change from the expected tropes of proposals and grand wedding. LQ story served as one more example of the redeeming purpose in the drama.
The "lies" were so outlandish that they clearly to me, were a test of some sort, to be viewed as allegorical and I was happy to find that my hunch was right.
Perhaps it could have been written differently, but then perhaps it would have been bland and boring, humdrum, to me.
Master Ren is not an ordinary man, that's for sure, and his ways are sometimes inscrutable. He is an avowed sect leader. The wife accepted the full package as a thorny way to sainthood. The son was never abandoned and got enough education and money. None of them, elders and disciples included, ever starved.
They all put themselves second to the service of the people's health.
The story is not an example to follow blindly by lesser humans who are prone to be tempted to enter debt or worse when they go about launching a random business.
Lies hurting your family : you mean his telling everyone that TT was his daughter ? As all those who knew him thought, this was probably (and was) a test of their sound judgement and confidence in the path they had chosen with him. In fact he did not even lie, since TT was already his daughter in law in his mind!
Or the outlandish story of the 300 year tile? This was clearly an allegory for "they would do their utmost and try even the impossible" to help the hopeless one. Making it so that time would heal the mind's wound, which was more important than the physical injury. Even modern science recognizes and uses the placebo effect.
Don't think it's just OK to conclude with an attack like "YOU PEOPLE .. but I" in haughty self justification. It's all right not to like a story. Me I am in the unpopular set who hated "Love In Flames of War", but I would not attack those who find merit with it and adored the character played by Chen Duling. I even admit that this actress has a talent to portray characters that are truly hate-able.
To me, Master Ren is as sweet and stinky as a spiky durian, but I am quite satisfied with how his inner faithful, benevolent, shrewd and loyal core is revealed :)
China knows historically the importance of such an attitude, to deal with past (and present) horrors. Different from the illogical Christian attitude of forgiveness and acceptance, it is being conscious of past sins but moving forward to absorb them and make them the soil on which uprightness be grown. Like having reformed Red Guards or hooligans reform and work for the greater good, or class enemy former emperor and (forced to) collaboration with enemies be reformed as a gardener in Beijing. That's the purpose of the system which puts emphasis on reeducation if possible. Of course, if the sin is viciousness to children and rape of women, murder, or treason, there is no redemption: it's either very long hard prison sentence (like for Kris Wu) or death penalty.
LiQuan had balked at outright murder, so there was hope for him yet. Forcing him behind bars would not have been useful for the TCM sect or for the State. Letting him get the option to turn himself in, realize suicide was another, but taking away that option by saving him and lending the money to get him free from the company that had put temptation his way was the most efficient way to get LiQuan in better debt, to turn the page.
The class was not told what LiQuan did. Only Mr Ren, Mr Wu, and Toutou knew the grave sin that he had been tempted to and committed. So the class and others had no reason to hate and despise him. As for the two elders and even Toutou, they were adult enough to not react knee jerkingly like children who cannot see the greater picture and forge ahead with vengeful thoughts that create a vicious circle.
Master Ren explained that he could not call her Sun Wukong 孙悟空 who is the famous Monkey King. But after having long considered her as an impish but sweet and wild little "Monkey Sun", he found a name that would be more serious and cultured than 孙头头 : one that would fit a growing leader, and remind also of the greatness of the path-clearer for pilgrim Tang Sanzang in the epic Journey to the West, the most universally known Chinese classic.
Dà Yuàn 大 愿 means "Great Ambition" and being humble does not mean one should lack ambition. The "yuan" key and personal name (usually last in Chinese two-character given names) is that in 意愿 Yìyuàn (will) which is also in 愿意 Yuànyì (be willing to). It is also homonym with some words that are linked to officialdom such as 教员 Jiàoyuán (teacher), 辅导员 Fǔdǎo yuán (counselor). The new name will establish her as one who has the drive and backing of her elders, sect and authorities.
It is a very nice sounding name too, in Chinese.
(Adding this to the Traditional Chinese Culture Discussion.)
As a tribute to the sentiments elicited by the drama, I contributed a small piece about well known Tang poetry, with translation from the Zhang Jiu Ling poem that Toutou was thinking about in ep. 39. It's in the Discussion. Here if you are interested : https://kisskh.at/discussions/hou-lang/100789-about-traditional-chinese-culture?page=3
Feel free to add your thoughts, the other poems and chengyu that you noticed in the drama, or just your favorite piece of Chinese poetry?
The plot you outlined makes me put this future drama on my tbw list :)
I'd probably would click on it bc of ZLY anyway ! :))
So, where's Frost at, to paraphrase Marcus?
* I am on episode 8 of A Date with the Future on WeTV (contributed a discussion there) ,
* on episode 10 of The Youth Memories on WeTV
* on episode 37 of Gen Z Houlang on the youhug channel (contributed a 2 page discussion about Chinese culture, tales, legends, Shennong, Lao Zi, Daoism, hexagrams and baguazhang) ;
* on episode 22 of Here We Meet Again on WeTV , bc moderate fan of Erbin and not disliking Janice... but only mentioning my presence in conversation
* on episode 13 of Mr Insomnia Waiting For Love on kiss (because I needed a touch of fluff, and this is literally what it's about) with no need to express myself about this dessert drama.
I'm not detailing more, since the rest of the 11 are logged on "my list" incl the two xianxias (BFTB competing w latest BOR starring Ju Jingyi), the PE police Dilraba and the TWC hospital Peng GuangYing, except the minguo YIFOW and the Craftsmen, that I'll just log in when finished, bc following discussions elsewhere.
All this while foreseeing to be tied up with some celebrations that are upcoming for my Earthling incarnation + needed periods of R&R !
一定要去祝我身体健康吧 !
Contributed a piece of info about earthquakes in China and dramas or movies featuring them which I posted as Discussion above. If you have something to add there, feel free to do it ! :)
Direct link : https://kisskh.at/discussions/a-date-with-the-future/105311-earthquakes-in-china
Answering another user's request, I have collected 4 of my comments on this title, adding some enrichment, in Discussion. For some unknown reason it does not appear immediately above, but it should do so, if you press "new topic". If it doesn't, here's the direct link :
https://kisskh.at/discussions/where-dreams-begin/105281-history-bacground-for-where-dreams-begin-the-youth-memories
Actually, I am a lazy person but I get too easily embroiled into watching too much, and giving in to temptation to comment here and other places with overlong observations. So, for the sake or my Qi and my eyes, I ought to slow down. Just ... not yet, lol
Currently watching :
Gen Z Houlang, Here We Meet Again, Where Dreams Begin The Youth Memories, A Date with the Future, Mr Insomnia waiting for love, Youth In Flames of War, A Generation of Craftsmen, Back from the Brink, Prosecution Elite, The White Castle, and re-watching snippets from "old" In a class of her own, Count Your Lucky Stars, and Legend of Yunxi, TTEOTM, and miscellaneous stuff, while singing C pop and OST songs in pauses.
I have noticed some other C drama maniacs who also seem to have grown several heads to watch. I have no merit : despite being a true blue alien from deep space on my planet size star ship, with heads that grow at will when necessary, there are others who line up even more staggering lists than I do !
Will I have enough time for it all ? Time will tell. Maybe I'll use the time bender or time traveling between threads of alternate worlds' option on the star ship.
Trouble is : I hate to give up midways or to press ff in a drama, so perhaps it might be more efficient to solve the problems, by seeking treatment against the addiction, lol
Or press "turn off". Again : just ... not yet lol !
The first sequence with the earthquake was spectacular. The dog was very cute; so I am watching on, after quickly going through comments to check if there was anything I'd need to know. Nothing special apparently, so will just enjoy the ride in the next few hours of blissful quiet, with my noise cancelling headphone for better immersion in the story.
The actor I remember from a couple other dramas; the FL 's name rings a bell and is pretty, but I'm not quite sure whether or not I saw her before. Will take notice if this drama does not get my disapproval : but, I am a very lenient person, so it takes a lot for me to up and go in disgust, or "drop" a drama, once I've sampled first episode to satisfaction or to get curious enough to find out what's special that would justify my staying on and warm to it in spite of first impression. I am probably going to stay till end, after the good impression this started with.
I will try not to post too many comments, and only if there's something I think is useful, or as usual, my thanks to those who provide good enrichment, like PeacheyBlossom and her excellent OST translation and transliteration MVs.
Me, after pondering, decided to show it in reply to some thanks at the end of one over long discussion that's reached 2nd page, but I think I got it for another one where I'd been indulging a bit too much in answering comments and expanding with explanations from what I know about period and more.
The PRC years from Liberation to Liberalization, going through upheavals that effectively uprooted the old stifling ways, is a period that remains polarizing for many outsiders, who view it sketchily and/or with a foreign negative judgmental attitude. Especially those who have been steeped in rosy or romantic views furthered by fluff or "historical costume" dramas, Jin Long epics (don't get me wrong, I also love wuxia, xianxia and xuanhuan) and get their ideas of "right and wrong" from these and from new age western ideas.
To the Chinese, who have gone through centuries of oppression and invasions, brilliant dynasties founded on the blood of past ones or common people, and a particularly dark couple of centuries from 1757 to 1980, the longing for peace and harmony has infused an infectious optimism that is very remarkable.
It infuses much of what we can see in the drama. Such as the peaceful solution to the announced "mass fight" in the beginning. And the way for Chinese citizens to put aside weighty and vengeful baggage in order to move always forward, ordinarily, like in the lovely Pu Shu song.
Since I am at it, and in case you or other readers here do not know that one, here are the lyrics to ponder, and a lovely stage rendition :
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbxCYdyRuro&pp=ygUbcHUgc2h1IG9yZGluYXJ5IHJvYWQgbHlyaWNz
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExSGYFBPuu0
If you're interested in more background on period, I compiled some previous answers of mine, adding some pics and links, which you can access directly from the direct link to MDL discussion https://kisskh.at/discussions/where-dreams-begin/105281-history-bacground-for-where-dreams-begin-the-youth-memories
= No lying, if Mr Ren had noticed and agreed about TZ falling for his dad's ward.
A daughter, but not necessarily by blood and infidelity.
It is now become quite the melodrama, with twists and turns, although the LiQuan spin was not a surprise. He did look sly from the start (good acting, actually).
... 2hrs to go until next episode.