3
2
EVERY DECADE OR SO A VERY PRECIOUS GEM IS FOUND..
Every decade or so, a rare gem emerges from the endless sea of recycled tropes and commercial fluff.A story so powerful it lodges itself in your bones. I call these dramas “DNA Adjusters” because they don’t just entertain,they shift something fundamental inside you. Definitely Not Today is one of those.
Finding this drama was pure destiny. I wasn’t looking for it; it found me. It took four years, but somehow, the timing was perfect. I stumbled upon it while scrolling through a list curated by legendary watchers on this platform. They’d given it a perfect 10, and that was enough to pique my curiosity. One click later, I was eight episodes deep, not even realizing how time had slipped by. They’re short episodes, yes,but I could’ve watched 36 of them and still craved more. That’s how good this was.
The Story
This was my first Asian drama I ve watched with a “dark humor,” label and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Making light of something as heavy as suicide could easily go wrong. But after reading a few thoughtful reviews, I dove in and what I found was far from offensive. It was moving, sincere, and surprisingly funny in all the right places.
Told in a narration style voiceover, the main lead’s voice was so soothing, it felt like a bedtime story,comforting even while discussing life’s darkest moments. The animation sprinkled throughout was subtle, never flashy, just enough to add texture without stealing focus.
The suicide theme is delicate and rarely tackled with such raw honesty, especially in Chinese dramas. But here, humor paired with Viki’s timed comments,made space for empathy. We found ourselves rooting for the main character, especially the ML, whispering in unison: “Not today, buddy. Try tomorrow.” The female lead’s story was equally heartbreaking, deeply relatable, and a reflection of issues that are too often left out of mainstream narratives. I applaud the creators for their bravery in telling it.
Casting & Performances
The casting was spot-on. Instead of banking on the glitter of fame, the director chose actors who look and feel like everyday people. It gave the show an intimacy and realism that big-name dramas often lack. For a moment, I even thought it was a Taiwanese production it had that grounded, Taipei aesthetic that made me double-check its origin.
And then, there’s Leo Leong. What a discovery. I remember watching Meteor Garden, yet somehow, I missed him. But in this role, he doesn't just act,he becomes the story. There’s no vanity in his performance. No perfect angle or overdone styling. Just pure, honest emotion. He is Mi Chong,the boy next door that nobody really sees, quietly trying to end his life without causing a fuss. But fate, ironically, won’t let him go quietly.
To put it simply: I think I found the Chinese Park Bo Gum.
The Technicals
I could go on about the cinematography, the lighting, the editing (which was among the best I’ve seen), the English-language OST, or the wardrobe simple and true to the world they created. The natural, small-town settings gave the drama a soul. Every element worked in harmony to support the story, never distract from it.
This is a drama about deliverance. About healing. Two people drowning in despair, but instead of dragging each other deeper, they choose to swim using the last of their strength to the surface.
Definitely Not Today isn’t just a drama I watched. It’s one I’ll carry with me, for a very, very long time.
OVERALL:It was extremely BEAUTIFUL,It was extremely WELL DONE,It was extremely SHORT and It was extremely UNCHINESE
Finding this drama was pure destiny. I wasn’t looking for it; it found me. It took four years, but somehow, the timing was perfect. I stumbled upon it while scrolling through a list curated by legendary watchers on this platform. They’d given it a perfect 10, and that was enough to pique my curiosity. One click later, I was eight episodes deep, not even realizing how time had slipped by. They’re short episodes, yes,but I could’ve watched 36 of them and still craved more. That’s how good this was.
The Story
This was my first Asian drama I ve watched with a “dark humor,” label and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Making light of something as heavy as suicide could easily go wrong. But after reading a few thoughtful reviews, I dove in and what I found was far from offensive. It was moving, sincere, and surprisingly funny in all the right places.
Told in a narration style voiceover, the main lead’s voice was so soothing, it felt like a bedtime story,comforting even while discussing life’s darkest moments. The animation sprinkled throughout was subtle, never flashy, just enough to add texture without stealing focus.
The suicide theme is delicate and rarely tackled with such raw honesty, especially in Chinese dramas. But here, humor paired with Viki’s timed comments,made space for empathy. We found ourselves rooting for the main character, especially the ML, whispering in unison: “Not today, buddy. Try tomorrow.” The female lead’s story was equally heartbreaking, deeply relatable, and a reflection of issues that are too often left out of mainstream narratives. I applaud the creators for their bravery in telling it.
Casting & Performances
The casting was spot-on. Instead of banking on the glitter of fame, the director chose actors who look and feel like everyday people. It gave the show an intimacy and realism that big-name dramas often lack. For a moment, I even thought it was a Taiwanese production it had that grounded, Taipei aesthetic that made me double-check its origin.
And then, there’s Leo Leong. What a discovery. I remember watching Meteor Garden, yet somehow, I missed him. But in this role, he doesn't just act,he becomes the story. There’s no vanity in his performance. No perfect angle or overdone styling. Just pure, honest emotion. He is Mi Chong,the boy next door that nobody really sees, quietly trying to end his life without causing a fuss. But fate, ironically, won’t let him go quietly.
To put it simply: I think I found the Chinese Park Bo Gum.
The Technicals
I could go on about the cinematography, the lighting, the editing (which was among the best I’ve seen), the English-language OST, or the wardrobe simple and true to the world they created. The natural, small-town settings gave the drama a soul. Every element worked in harmony to support the story, never distract from it.
This is a drama about deliverance. About healing. Two people drowning in despair, but instead of dragging each other deeper, they choose to swim using the last of their strength to the surface.
Definitely Not Today isn’t just a drama I watched. It’s one I’ll carry with me, for a very, very long time.
OVERALL:It was extremely BEAUTIFUL,It was extremely WELL DONE,It was extremely SHORT and It was extremely UNCHINESE
Was this review helpful to you?
