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Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai Shine in a Beautiful Coming of Age Story
Our Generation is everything I hoped for and more. From the acting to the storyline, it delivers a heartfelt slice of life journey that beautifully balances youth, friendship, family struggles, and slow burn romance. I waited so long for this drama, and it didn’t disappoint. If you love realistic coming of age stories with heartfelt romance and stellar acting, this one’s worth every minute.
Zhang Linghe’s micro-acting is simply phenomenal. You can see every emotion in Jiang Qiaoxi’s eyes, like when he was happy to see Yingtao again but had to pretend otherwise, only to run around looking for her moments later because he was so worried. These subtle yet powerful moments are what make his portrayal so real and sweet. Zhao Jinmai is equally outstanding. Yingtao feels like a breath of fresh air, resilient, kind, and unafraid to stand by her values, especially when it comes to protecting her friends. Their chemistry is natural and heartwarming, from the adorable blush moments to the emotional shower scene that had me crying with Cherry.
I also love the dynamic with the side characters like Duchang and Cai Fangyuan, though I admit I get them mixed up in stills sometimes (both are so good-looking 😍). Ye Yun’s storyline, particularly her relationship with her father, is incredibly moving. When she realises how much he cares for her despite his struggles, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
The drama does a brilliant job at layering its characters with depth. For example, Jiang Qiaoxi being shown underwater felt like a metaphor for how suffocated he feels under his mother’s strict control. His mother’s behaviour is frustrating (sometimes downright infuriating), but it’s clear she’s projecting her own unresolved pain onto him. It makes his relationship with Yingtao even more special, she brings warmth and colour to his life.
Unlike many dramas where the male lead does all the chasing, I love how Our Generation flips this dynamic. Yingtao actively pursues her feelings, showing courage and sincerity, which feels refreshing. Their love story isn’t built on grand gestures but on trust, memories, and quiet moments, the little things, like how he wants to treat her the way his cousin treats his wife.
The episodes fly by, which shows how much I enjoy them. Some moments are funny (like the ep 2 jumpscare when JQX just appears behind her 😂), while others are deeply emotional. Episodes like 9, 15, and 21 stand out as my favourites for their emotional depth and romantic tension. Ep 21 especially was perfection, the angst, the heart to heart conversations, and their growth as a couple made me cry and smile at the same time. The wedding scene where they talk to their younger selves was such a beautiful and symbolic ending, telling us that no matter what hardships you face, you will find your happiness and the person who will stand with you.
Our Generation is a touching story of growing up, love, and healing. It’s not just about romance; it’s about family dynamics, self discovery, and finding light during difficult times. Sure, some people expected a rom-com and were disappointed, but this slice of life gem is special in its own way. From its relatable high school setting (love that the cast actually looks their age!) to its emotional arcs, it’s a drama that lingers with you.
Zhang Linghe’s micro-acting is simply phenomenal. You can see every emotion in Jiang Qiaoxi’s eyes, like when he was happy to see Yingtao again but had to pretend otherwise, only to run around looking for her moments later because he was so worried. These subtle yet powerful moments are what make his portrayal so real and sweet. Zhao Jinmai is equally outstanding. Yingtao feels like a breath of fresh air, resilient, kind, and unafraid to stand by her values, especially when it comes to protecting her friends. Their chemistry is natural and heartwarming, from the adorable blush moments to the emotional shower scene that had me crying with Cherry.
I also love the dynamic with the side characters like Duchang and Cai Fangyuan, though I admit I get them mixed up in stills sometimes (both are so good-looking 😍). Ye Yun’s storyline, particularly her relationship with her father, is incredibly moving. When she realises how much he cares for her despite his struggles, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
The drama does a brilliant job at layering its characters with depth. For example, Jiang Qiaoxi being shown underwater felt like a metaphor for how suffocated he feels under his mother’s strict control. His mother’s behaviour is frustrating (sometimes downright infuriating), but it’s clear she’s projecting her own unresolved pain onto him. It makes his relationship with Yingtao even more special, she brings warmth and colour to his life.
Unlike many dramas where the male lead does all the chasing, I love how Our Generation flips this dynamic. Yingtao actively pursues her feelings, showing courage and sincerity, which feels refreshing. Their love story isn’t built on grand gestures but on trust, memories, and quiet moments, the little things, like how he wants to treat her the way his cousin treats his wife.
The episodes fly by, which shows how much I enjoy them. Some moments are funny (like the ep 2 jumpscare when JQX just appears behind her 😂), while others are deeply emotional. Episodes like 9, 15, and 21 stand out as my favourites for their emotional depth and romantic tension. Ep 21 especially was perfection, the angst, the heart to heart conversations, and their growth as a couple made me cry and smile at the same time. The wedding scene where they talk to their younger selves was such a beautiful and symbolic ending, telling us that no matter what hardships you face, you will find your happiness and the person who will stand with you.
Our Generation is a touching story of growing up, love, and healing. It’s not just about romance; it’s about family dynamics, self discovery, and finding light during difficult times. Sure, some people expected a rom-com and were disappointed, but this slice of life gem is special in its own way. From its relatable high school setting (love that the cast actually looks their age!) to its emotional arcs, it’s a drama that lingers with you.
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