2
1
1
1
This review may contain spoilers
A Thoughtful and Nostalgic Portrait of Love in 1970s China
Here we have a well-crafted series, carefully produced, with a refined aesthetic. The director truly immerses us (and for me, it was my first time—so thank you for that journey) into 1970s China, where we mainly follow four couples, each with different kinds of love and different life goals.
The main couple builds their relationship slowly, based on first love. Their relationship is very healthy, mutual, and balanced, with romantic moments. It’s an exemplary relationship built on mutual support, friendship, and encouraging each other’s dreams, with the modesty and innocence of first love.
The second couple comes from past traumatic relationships. With more experience and maturity, they portray a more passionate love. At first, there is a lack of communication, but it gradually evolves into something more open as they learn to express themselves.
The third couple, involving the female lead’s brother, represents a more traditional, domestic kind of love typical of the time—less romantic and less idealized, but still very solid.
The fourth couple shows younger characters who make rational choices. Their relationship works because they understand that their personalities and life paths are compatible.
Character writing:
All of the above shows how extremely well-written the characters are. They feel alive, and we can understand every single one of them—not only the couples, but also the parents and supporting characters.
Casting:
I want to highlight the entire cast, which is very consistent and strong. It truly feels like an ensemble rather than a show built around one standout star, and I appreciate that.
The director gives us many romantic and nostalgic moments, with very positive vibes. It also reminds us that in the past, people may have had less materially, but they communicated more and found happiness in simple things.
Context and pacing:
The series takes its time, which can be both a strength and a weakness. For me, the energy drops after episode 20, and the show loses some of its charm afterward. Otherwise, I would have considered it flawless.
The series also portrays the social realism of 1970s China, with professional constraints, strong social pressure, and limited access to education—yet an even stronger desire to learn and grow.
Fei Ni is the central character: pragmatic, ambitious, and clear-minded. She is quite rare in Chinese dramas, and it’s refreshing to see a character who can sew, work, write, study, and still be kind.
Her love interest is resourceful and positive—thanks to these qualities, there is almost nothing he cannot achieve. The early episodes are also quite humorous.
Another strong point is the absence of clichés. The story is not built just to glorify a star, but offers a genuine and thoughtful narrative.
To sum up:
It has a “When Life Gives You Tangerines” kind of mood in a C-drama version, but more stretched out—which is also its main weakness.
The main couple builds their relationship slowly, based on first love. Their relationship is very healthy, mutual, and balanced, with romantic moments. It’s an exemplary relationship built on mutual support, friendship, and encouraging each other’s dreams, with the modesty and innocence of first love.
The second couple comes from past traumatic relationships. With more experience and maturity, they portray a more passionate love. At first, there is a lack of communication, but it gradually evolves into something more open as they learn to express themselves.
The third couple, involving the female lead’s brother, represents a more traditional, domestic kind of love typical of the time—less romantic and less idealized, but still very solid.
The fourth couple shows younger characters who make rational choices. Their relationship works because they understand that their personalities and life paths are compatible.
Character writing:
All of the above shows how extremely well-written the characters are. They feel alive, and we can understand every single one of them—not only the couples, but also the parents and supporting characters.
Casting:
I want to highlight the entire cast, which is very consistent and strong. It truly feels like an ensemble rather than a show built around one standout star, and I appreciate that.
The director gives us many romantic and nostalgic moments, with very positive vibes. It also reminds us that in the past, people may have had less materially, but they communicated more and found happiness in simple things.
Context and pacing:
The series takes its time, which can be both a strength and a weakness. For me, the energy drops after episode 20, and the show loses some of its charm afterward. Otherwise, I would have considered it flawless.
The series also portrays the social realism of 1970s China, with professional constraints, strong social pressure, and limited access to education—yet an even stronger desire to learn and grow.
Fei Ni is the central character: pragmatic, ambitious, and clear-minded. She is quite rare in Chinese dramas, and it’s refreshing to see a character who can sew, work, write, study, and still be kind.
Her love interest is resourceful and positive—thanks to these qualities, there is almost nothing he cannot achieve. The early episodes are also quite humorous.
Another strong point is the absence of clichés. The story is not built just to glorify a star, but offers a genuine and thoughtful narrative.
To sum up:
It has a “When Life Gives You Tangerines” kind of mood in a C-drama version, but more stretched out—which is also its main weakness.
Was this review helpful to you?
