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Reset Life is a drama released in 2019 that tells the story of Yun Xiao Xi, a young woman with a promising future in the fashion world. While still a university student, she was unfairly accused of plagiarism during a fashion competition, an act committed by Xia Duo. To make matters worse, on the same day of the accusation, she loses her mother in a hit-and-run accident, which deeply devastates her. This series of events marks the beginning of a life filled with hardships, where Yun Xiao Xi becomes undervalued both professionally and personally. After five years, she is once again ridiculed by Xia Duo and some former classmates. Feeling increasingly hopeless, Yun Xiao Xi begins to question her life and the paths she has taken. In a moment of deep sadness and regret, she receives a mysterious "pill of regret," which gives her the chance to travel back in time. With this new opportunity, she decides to change her attitude, face her fears, and alter the course of her life and career.

POSITIVES POINTS:

1. Plot: Considering that this drama only has five episodes, the plot is well-structured, cohesive, and objective. The narrative is straightforward, without unnecessary subplots, focusing on what really matters: the protagonist Yun Xiao Xi’s journey toward her fresh start. Thus, the initial premise of the drama is fulfilled, maintaining fluidity between the episodes and a good pace.

2. Time Travel Theme: Although the time travel theme is not something new, as there are many dramas with similar plots, it is something I personally enjoy because it brings a sense of possibility and hope. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity to explore how our actions and decisions can shape our future. Each drama that adopts this theme finds a unique way to present time travel and the reason behind it. In this case, time travel occurs through a "pill of regret," created by a man in gratitude for the kindness shown to him by the protagonist's mother. Thus, Xiao Xi has the chance to change not only her own fate but also the fate of others around her. Although I find the man who created the pill somewhat caricatured, I appreciated that, even briefly, the drama explains his motivation for creating the pill and how it came to be.

3. Acting: Notably, the performances play a significant role in immersing the audience in the story. Actress Li Ying Ying's (Yun Xiao Xi) conveyed the sweetness and sorrow that her character felt due to the accusations and the loss of her mother. What stood out most in her performance was how her eyes always expressed the love she had for her mother and the fear of losing her again. Actress Jiang Zi Chen (Xiao Duo) also did a wonderful job portraying her character, who is spoiled, selfish, and jealous. She skillfully explored the layers of arrogance, insecurity, and competitiveness, making it convincing. Ding Yu Xi (Cai Tian Mu) is another highlight, especially due to his incredible ability to express emotions through his eyes. His performance is deeply immersive, striking a balance between the gentleness and delicacy of his character. What impressed me the most was how he brought such an enchanting and endearing personality to Cai Tian Mu, making him absolutely lovable.

4. Development of the Female Protagonist: I appreciated the development of Yun Xiao Xi throughout the drama. She undergoes notable personal growth, transforming from an wronged, defeated, shy, and sad young woman into a strong, confident person capable of facing not only those who hurt her but also her internal fears.

POINTS I WOULD ADJUST:

Although the drama has an interesting premise, I would have liked the character of the creator of the pill to be more developed. Specifically, I would adjust the creation of the pill to make it more intriguing, making him less of a caricature. Another point is that, while the drama does not focus on exploring the dimension of time travel, such as the consequences and side effects, since the pill is the main resource for time travel, I would have liked the drama to explore more of its ramifications. Additionally, the romance between Xiao Xi and Tian Mu is so charming that I would have liked to see more romantic interactions between them.

OVERALL VIEW:

Reset Life is a drama I had never heard anyone mention, perhaps because it is an older drama or has only a few episodes. Even though it is predictable, it was a wonderful surprise to follow this story. The development of the characters, the protagonist's love for her mother, Cai Tian Mu's protection and kindness, and the exploration of how our actions can shape the future were all captivating. My rating is 9/10.

"Life has no pill of regret. The time that has passed cannot come back. Valuing the present is the true path to happiness." – Reset Life.