Not the best creation, but I see the passion shines in this project
I was really looking forward to this film ever since I watched the trailer, but I was disappointed by the lack of a strong script. Regardless of how hard the actors worked, the intentions behind the cinematography, or the quality of the setting, all those efforts fell flat without a convincing story. This left me feeling regretful.
However, the ambition to depict a maturity journey through love and friendship over more than ten years is admirable. What’s particularly interesting is that it feels like I’m observing individuals born in the late '80s and early '90s navigate their youth, much like the two young Gen Z characters in the film. The film conveys a clear message: "Love is valuable, and everything that has happened and been chosen is worthy of appreciation in the present."
The drama evokes a rather nostalgic feeling reminiscent of the early 2010s film adaptations such as Fleet of Time (2014), The Left Ear (2015), With You (2016) (maybe because it was set in that period too, even though the storytelling differs). The main themes of the film—such as pursuing careers and dreams, settling down in a big city, and the complexities of love—remind a generation that was once young and experienced subtle inner transformations. Although I didn't experience these feelings personally, I can vividly imagine the young people of that era rushing forward to embrace their desires, along with their misconceptions and realizations.
After years of watching Chinese dramas, I've noticed a particular trend: when it comes to films about early adulthood and youth topics, many current works tend to reflect the experiences of a previous generation (like in the 2010s I saw youth films set in 2005, and now in 2020s the films set in 2010). This drama has condensed that experience of reflecting youth into a long journey of the two main characters from living wildly to being constrained by reality, becoming disillusioned and finally accepting, almost giving me the feeling of watching an autobiography.
I hope that the script pays more attention to detail and creates stronger connections. However, I appreciate this film for its enthusiasm for directing, filming, and especially acting, as it stands out in a 2020s film market that often recycles ideas.
However, the ambition to depict a maturity journey through love and friendship over more than ten years is admirable. What’s particularly interesting is that it feels like I’m observing individuals born in the late '80s and early '90s navigate their youth, much like the two young Gen Z characters in the film. The film conveys a clear message: "Love is valuable, and everything that has happened and been chosen is worthy of appreciation in the present."
The drama evokes a rather nostalgic feeling reminiscent of the early 2010s film adaptations such as Fleet of Time (2014), The Left Ear (2015), With You (2016) (maybe because it was set in that period too, even though the storytelling differs). The main themes of the film—such as pursuing careers and dreams, settling down in a big city, and the complexities of love—remind a generation that was once young and experienced subtle inner transformations. Although I didn't experience these feelings personally, I can vividly imagine the young people of that era rushing forward to embrace their desires, along with their misconceptions and realizations.
After years of watching Chinese dramas, I've noticed a particular trend: when it comes to films about early adulthood and youth topics, many current works tend to reflect the experiences of a previous generation (like in the 2010s I saw youth films set in 2005, and now in 2020s the films set in 2010). This drama has condensed that experience of reflecting youth into a long journey of the two main characters from living wildly to being constrained by reality, becoming disillusioned and finally accepting, almost giving me the feeling of watching an autobiography.
I hope that the script pays more attention to detail and creates stronger connections. However, I appreciate this film for its enthusiasm for directing, filming, and especially acting, as it stands out in a 2020s film market that often recycles ideas.
Was this review helpful to you?
