This review may contain spoilers
An interesting and realistic story full of surprises
Semi-detailed review ahead
I finished this drama around the same time the last episode aired. I decided to rewatch this drama and my opinions remained the same. It is a great story that keeps you watching at the edge of your seat, wanting to know what will happen next. For those that have yet to watch this, please do note that this drama has a LOT of heavy topics ranging from mental conditions/illnesses to suicide. Even I, as someone who consumes an adequate amount of similarly-written stories/dramas, You Complete Me managed to make my heart beast fast with all the heavy topics.
1. Character Reviews:
Lin Wo as a character, without any doubt, was such a well-written character. Although she had her individual fallouts and mistakes, which, normally, would annoy any other viewer, it made the drama even more realistic for me. Lin Wo was such a human character. Her strong and independent character paired with the vulnerabilities she harbored as the story progressed easily made her so much more relatable, especially to people with hyper-independence. Qiao Xin's acting, from the crying scenes to the mental breakdowns, brought Lin Wo to life. She did an excellent job. She made Lin Wo feel like an actual person that could be out there in the world, experiencing all the turmoil she had to go through.
Gao Shan as a character was so skillfully and deeply written. You can tell that there was a lot of thought put into his character -- he is a perfect vengeful genius. Nearly each episode that involved his scheming keeps you watching and the outcomes always exceed expectations. He is an amazing character, and I can definitely say that Hu Yi Tian did this role justice. Some might say that his acting in this felt "bland", "stiff", or maybe even "boring", but for a character who was always meant to be morally grey, those descriptions fit well enough without being an insult. He is the perfect pick for Gao Shan.
Alisa or Wu Dong Na was a character that I didn't know I'd come to love. Much like Gao Shan, she was a complex character -- them being of the same flock was already telling of what her character could be. Despite the similarities between the two, Wu Dong Na stood out in a way that her principles, above all of her other characteristics, made her the way she is. A strong, independent, self-made woman who does not need anyone (or, should I say, can lose anyone) to achieve victory. Her backstory, especially the issues she's had with her brother and mother, her love-hate relationship with the city lights of Guangzhou, and the crisis she keeps having with her true desires pierced deep into my heart. Zhong Qi was the perfect pick for this role. Her aura, the way she carries herself, and the way she spoke about Wu Dong Na's grievances truly made the character come to life. I wish to see her play more characters adjacent to this one -- she is perfect in them.
Su Yuan was a character that could easily be liked by anyone. He's funny, resourceful, and yet, still so weak. Weak in the sense that he always looks out for his friends first, unable to resist his worrywart tendencies. Weak in the sense that he'll happily bend his back over a hundred times just to get Wu Dong Na to spare him a glance. Despite all of this, he managed to also be so strong. Strong in the sense that he'll do anything for his friends. That in need, he'll always run to Gao Shan without him having to say anything. That he'll always know if Wu Dong Na is in need of any help without having him called. That he'll always accompany Lin Wo in the days where she'll haphazardly barge into dangerous situations. Above all of this, he is strong in the sense that he gave up not only his material possessions but also his relationship with his father (although mended down the line) upon knowing that he does not approve of Wu Dong Na. It was such a brave action, and it was rooted in love. Su Yuan is an amazing character. Sean Zheng did amazing. I can never imagine any other actor to portray Su Yuan's love language towards his friends the same way Sean Zheng did.
Bei Xiaorong. What the hell? He was such a pointless character. Annoying all throughout and genuinely did NOT do anything substantial or helpful to the storyline aside from messing things up for Lin Wo and Gao Shan. I can't even do a proper analysis on his character. That's how useless he was to the plot, and if anything, it just feels like he was added in to lengthen the last stretch of the story. Anyway, Hu Hao Bo did this character great justice as well. His monologues, from his musings of infatuation to Lin Wo, up until the moment he lost his marbles and started to hurt Lin Wo physically in Ep. 39 genuinely felt as if Bei Xiaorong was a real person exhibiting mental duress. Even though Bei Xiaorong was a terrible character, you gotta give Hu Hao Bo credit when it's due. He did amazing and I can definitely say he is an effective actor. I hope he gets more roles that allow him to explore the bounds of characters such as this one.
2. Storyline/Plot Review:
Like what was said before I started this review, watch out if you are sensitive to the aforementioned topics.
You Complete Me started with a bang upon presenting us immediately with the Gao Feng case, talking about suicide and pressures. Then there's the Wan Jiahe case, tackling depression, anxiety, and suicide. Among many other cases in this drama, it is of utmost importance that you jump into this drama with a clear mind and a proper knowledge of what you'll be watching. The way they explored these sensitive topics felt so real to the point that I would not be shocked if I were to be told that they based them off of real-life business world cases. Kudos to the writers and everybody else involved in formulating the plot points. Realism is one of the many strong points of this drama. Even the business talk was on-point.
The pacing was alright, although I do agree that there were times it felt draggy. Those times, however, were compensated for by the portrayal of the characters and the overall dynamic of the main four. Maybe this is an isolated case as I have my own experiences, but to me, it was hard to get bored even with all the business talk. The characters were interesting enough to keep me watching.
What I think is crucial to note, however, is the fact that the plot went from 0-100 quite quickly around the middle episodes of the drama. This, to me, is not a bad thing -- I think it did an excellent job in instilling a sense of urgency, dread, and impending doom towards the audience, letting us know of the severity of the upcoming situations, dilemmas, and problems. It also felt like a checkpoint of sorts, almost communicating to the audience that the playtime was over and it was time for the main issues at hand to be tackled (Gao Feng's death, Qin Shengsheng's involvement, and Lin Wo's parents' marriage).
3. Relationship Review:
The chemistry between the characters was great. Lin Wo, Gao Shan, Wu Dong Na, and Su Yuan as a group of friends, despite their differences, blended so well together as a group. Everyone seemed to fill in the parts where one of them might lack in, effectively making them fit like puzzle pieces together. Lin Wo's initiative and bravery, Gao Shan's calculative and cunning nature, Wu Dong Na's guileful yet compassionate principles, and Su Yuan's resourcefulness and care allowed the group to stand out in a way that communicates to the viewers the importance of having variety (in terms of personality) in a friend group.
Lin Wo and Gao Shan as a couple was uniquely relatable. Although the problems their respective families faced weren't things that the average person gets to experience, their dynamic and their personal problems as a couple resonated with me in the sense that it was realistic. Being in the world of business, especially with fields as demanding and as competitive as headhunting and investment banking, does result in relationships such as theirs. It can be admitted that there were a lot of slap-kiss moments in between them but they can easily be ignored with the magnitude of everything else happening in their life.
Wu Dong Na and Su Yuan was a match made in heaven. They fit each other perfectly despite the clashing principles Wu Dong Na had early on -- thoughts of wanting someone self-made and independent just like her. Su Yuan doing everything to become independent and free from the grasp of his parents was such a great plot point for his character and it gave their relationship a deeper meaning. The pregnancy arc, which led to them exploring their deeper thoughts and principles on things, genuinely deepened their relationship to the audience exponentially.
4. Everything else:
Music was alright, it fit the drama's vibe well. Settings were also great. Wardrobe.. well. Sometimes Lin Wo's outfit choices were questionable and sometimes they're okay.
5. Conclusions:
Great drama. 9.5/10. Can be recommended to select/proper audiences. I'll definitely rewatch in the near future when I get the time but I'm also definitely skipping the Bei Xiaorong arc.
I finished this drama around the same time the last episode aired. I decided to rewatch this drama and my opinions remained the same. It is a great story that keeps you watching at the edge of your seat, wanting to know what will happen next. For those that have yet to watch this, please do note that this drama has a LOT of heavy topics ranging from mental conditions/illnesses to suicide. Even I, as someone who consumes an adequate amount of similarly-written stories/dramas, You Complete Me managed to make my heart beast fast with all the heavy topics.
1. Character Reviews:
Lin Wo as a character, without any doubt, was such a well-written character. Although she had her individual fallouts and mistakes, which, normally, would annoy any other viewer, it made the drama even more realistic for me. Lin Wo was such a human character. Her strong and independent character paired with the vulnerabilities she harbored as the story progressed easily made her so much more relatable, especially to people with hyper-independence. Qiao Xin's acting, from the crying scenes to the mental breakdowns, brought Lin Wo to life. She did an excellent job. She made Lin Wo feel like an actual person that could be out there in the world, experiencing all the turmoil she had to go through.
Gao Shan as a character was so skillfully and deeply written. You can tell that there was a lot of thought put into his character -- he is a perfect vengeful genius. Nearly each episode that involved his scheming keeps you watching and the outcomes always exceed expectations. He is an amazing character, and I can definitely say that Hu Yi Tian did this role justice. Some might say that his acting in this felt "bland", "stiff", or maybe even "boring", but for a character who was always meant to be morally grey, those descriptions fit well enough without being an insult. He is the perfect pick for Gao Shan.
Alisa or Wu Dong Na was a character that I didn't know I'd come to love. Much like Gao Shan, she was a complex character -- them being of the same flock was already telling of what her character could be. Despite the similarities between the two, Wu Dong Na stood out in a way that her principles, above all of her other characteristics, made her the way she is. A strong, independent, self-made woman who does not need anyone (or, should I say, can lose anyone) to achieve victory. Her backstory, especially the issues she's had with her brother and mother, her love-hate relationship with the city lights of Guangzhou, and the crisis she keeps having with her true desires pierced deep into my heart. Zhong Qi was the perfect pick for this role. Her aura, the way she carries herself, and the way she spoke about Wu Dong Na's grievances truly made the character come to life. I wish to see her play more characters adjacent to this one -- she is perfect in them.
Su Yuan was a character that could easily be liked by anyone. He's funny, resourceful, and yet, still so weak. Weak in the sense that he always looks out for his friends first, unable to resist his worrywart tendencies. Weak in the sense that he'll happily bend his back over a hundred times just to get Wu Dong Na to spare him a glance. Despite all of this, he managed to also be so strong. Strong in the sense that he'll do anything for his friends. That in need, he'll always run to Gao Shan without him having to say anything. That he'll always know if Wu Dong Na is in need of any help without having him called. That he'll always accompany Lin Wo in the days where she'll haphazardly barge into dangerous situations. Above all of this, he is strong in the sense that he gave up not only his material possessions but also his relationship with his father (although mended down the line) upon knowing that he does not approve of Wu Dong Na. It was such a brave action, and it was rooted in love. Su Yuan is an amazing character. Sean Zheng did amazing. I can never imagine any other actor to portray Su Yuan's love language towards his friends the same way Sean Zheng did.
Bei Xiaorong. What the hell? He was such a pointless character. Annoying all throughout and genuinely did NOT do anything substantial or helpful to the storyline aside from messing things up for Lin Wo and Gao Shan. I can't even do a proper analysis on his character. That's how useless he was to the plot, and if anything, it just feels like he was added in to lengthen the last stretch of the story. Anyway, Hu Hao Bo did this character great justice as well. His monologues, from his musings of infatuation to Lin Wo, up until the moment he lost his marbles and started to hurt Lin Wo physically in Ep. 39 genuinely felt as if Bei Xiaorong was a real person exhibiting mental duress. Even though Bei Xiaorong was a terrible character, you gotta give Hu Hao Bo credit when it's due. He did amazing and I can definitely say he is an effective actor. I hope he gets more roles that allow him to explore the bounds of characters such as this one.
2. Storyline/Plot Review:
Like what was said before I started this review, watch out if you are sensitive to the aforementioned topics.
You Complete Me started with a bang upon presenting us immediately with the Gao Feng case, talking about suicide and pressures. Then there's the Wan Jiahe case, tackling depression, anxiety, and suicide. Among many other cases in this drama, it is of utmost importance that you jump into this drama with a clear mind and a proper knowledge of what you'll be watching. The way they explored these sensitive topics felt so real to the point that I would not be shocked if I were to be told that they based them off of real-life business world cases. Kudos to the writers and everybody else involved in formulating the plot points. Realism is one of the many strong points of this drama. Even the business talk was on-point.
The pacing was alright, although I do agree that there were times it felt draggy. Those times, however, were compensated for by the portrayal of the characters and the overall dynamic of the main four. Maybe this is an isolated case as I have my own experiences, but to me, it was hard to get bored even with all the business talk. The characters were interesting enough to keep me watching.
What I think is crucial to note, however, is the fact that the plot went from 0-100 quite quickly around the middle episodes of the drama. This, to me, is not a bad thing -- I think it did an excellent job in instilling a sense of urgency, dread, and impending doom towards the audience, letting us know of the severity of the upcoming situations, dilemmas, and problems. It also felt like a checkpoint of sorts, almost communicating to the audience that the playtime was over and it was time for the main issues at hand to be tackled (Gao Feng's death, Qin Shengsheng's involvement, and Lin Wo's parents' marriage).
3. Relationship Review:
The chemistry between the characters was great. Lin Wo, Gao Shan, Wu Dong Na, and Su Yuan as a group of friends, despite their differences, blended so well together as a group. Everyone seemed to fill in the parts where one of them might lack in, effectively making them fit like puzzle pieces together. Lin Wo's initiative and bravery, Gao Shan's calculative and cunning nature, Wu Dong Na's guileful yet compassionate principles, and Su Yuan's resourcefulness and care allowed the group to stand out in a way that communicates to the viewers the importance of having variety (in terms of personality) in a friend group.
Lin Wo and Gao Shan as a couple was uniquely relatable. Although the problems their respective families faced weren't things that the average person gets to experience, their dynamic and their personal problems as a couple resonated with me in the sense that it was realistic. Being in the world of business, especially with fields as demanding and as competitive as headhunting and investment banking, does result in relationships such as theirs. It can be admitted that there were a lot of slap-kiss moments in between them but they can easily be ignored with the magnitude of everything else happening in their life.
Wu Dong Na and Su Yuan was a match made in heaven. They fit each other perfectly despite the clashing principles Wu Dong Na had early on -- thoughts of wanting someone self-made and independent just like her. Su Yuan doing everything to become independent and free from the grasp of his parents was such a great plot point for his character and it gave their relationship a deeper meaning. The pregnancy arc, which led to them exploring their deeper thoughts and principles on things, genuinely deepened their relationship to the audience exponentially.
4. Everything else:
Music was alright, it fit the drama's vibe well. Settings were also great. Wardrobe.. well. Sometimes Lin Wo's outfit choices were questionable and sometimes they're okay.
5. Conclusions:
Great drama. 9.5/10. Can be recommended to select/proper audiences. I'll definitely rewatch in the near future when I get the time but I'm also definitely skipping the Bei Xiaorong arc.
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