This review may contain spoilers
A bittersweet story that reminds you not to let life pass you by
This was the first Asian drama I ever watched. Many dramas later, it still feels like something special. Highly recommend, even if you usually prefer historical dramas (like me). A few reasons why it really works for me:
First, the show is very easy to get into. I've become used to historical cdramas that give you a few boring episodes up front as they set up the plot. Not this show; the premise is very easy to get behind. Sick girl stuck at home starts sneaking out to pursue her love interest --- sold. The early episodes are so fun to watch that you don't realize you're being led into a deeper, richly rewarding story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking about your own life.
The plot itself is romantic, soft, and bittersweet. There are many problems without solutions for the main characters, but this is by design; the show reminds us that love is the best medicine for tragedy, and that we should love like there's no time to lose -- any moment can be your last, or someone else's last. Each episode ends leaving you either very sad or with a full heart, and sometimes both. This is exactly what I'm looking for in my dramas :)
Next, the setting: Everything in the show is beautiful to look at. The southern China waterfront scenery, Xiao Han's family home in the mountains, He Ran's beautiful house... even the characters' jobs create beauty, with Xiao Han's prized horticulture skills and He Ran's unique artistic talent. Practically every scene is pleasing to look at, with the exception of He Ran's mother's scenes. This is, of course, by design; He Ran's sole focus is to bring love, light, and joy into her life, and she brings us into her world of color.
The soundtrack is unforgettable. Years after my first watch, I can still recognize every song from the show and sometimes listen to the OST for fun. There are a surprising number of songs, and every one of them is great.
Finally, like any good cdrama, there are several indelible moments from the show that I'll never forget; the night blooming flower, the night hike in the mountains, the scavenger hunt, and ESPECIALLY the reveal of the flowers at He Ran's house.
First, the show is very easy to get into. I've become used to historical cdramas that give you a few boring episodes up front as they set up the plot. Not this show; the premise is very easy to get behind. Sick girl stuck at home starts sneaking out to pursue her love interest --- sold. The early episodes are so fun to watch that you don't realize you're being led into a deeper, richly rewarding story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking about your own life.
The plot itself is romantic, soft, and bittersweet. There are many problems without solutions for the main characters, but this is by design; the show reminds us that love is the best medicine for tragedy, and that we should love like there's no time to lose -- any moment can be your last, or someone else's last. Each episode ends leaving you either very sad or with a full heart, and sometimes both. This is exactly what I'm looking for in my dramas :)
Next, the setting: Everything in the show is beautiful to look at. The southern China waterfront scenery, Xiao Han's family home in the mountains, He Ran's beautiful house... even the characters' jobs create beauty, with Xiao Han's prized horticulture skills and He Ran's unique artistic talent. Practically every scene is pleasing to look at, with the exception of He Ran's mother's scenes. This is, of course, by design; He Ran's sole focus is to bring love, light, and joy into her life, and she brings us into her world of color.
The soundtrack is unforgettable. Years after my first watch, I can still recognize every song from the show and sometimes listen to the OST for fun. There are a surprising number of songs, and every one of them is great.
Finally, like any good cdrama, there are several indelible moments from the show that I'll never forget; the night blooming flower, the night hike in the mountains, the scavenger hunt, and ESPECIALLY the reveal of the flowers at He Ran's house.
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