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There is beauty in simplicity—even in ones that simply talk about home.
I have been compelled to write another review on this platform because I ended up really loving this show and I have to talk about it with someone.
STORY:
Home is the central theme of this show. It is evident in the title, and even more evident if you watch the show yourself. You can find traces of home in the dynamics of the families (within the family itself and among the little compound they live in); in the friendships, and in the relationships. There are different types of home and this show sure showed a lot of them.
The story is actually simple. It's mundane. There are no grand scheme of things. But the heart in the writing made it compelling to watch—to see where life will take the main characters and how they will grow as people.
Special Mention: Xichi and Huan'er's relationship. The writers wrote neighbors to best friends to lovers perfectly. Their dynamic is so good as best friends; and when they shifted to becoming lovers, it's even better than before. It's such a joy to see their relationship go from one level to another. They're like that classmate of yours that you know like each other and you can't help but root for them to finally get together. It's not really an "in your face" romance, but their little moments left me giggling more than I do when watching actual romance shows. Maybe it also helps that Zhai Xiaowen and Yang Xizi's chemistry is so good!
ACTING/CAST:
I have always been neutral about Zhai Xiaowen, but he was really good in this show. His acting is very natural and he really brought Jing Xichi to life. This made me see him differently as an actor and made me want to look forward to his projects in the future.
As for Yang Xizi, she has always been an actress I like. I don't know if people have noticed, but she's actually a side character in a lot of Cheng Yi's dramas. And even then, she has always delivered. This show is no different. Like Xiaowen, her acting is also very natural and she brought nuance to a character people would usually consider a Mary Sue. She is a joy to watch as the sweet and lovely Chen Huan'er. And I'm looking forward to her future projects as well.
As for Zhou Keyu and He Qiu, their portrayals as Song Cong and Qi Qi are also good. In fact, all the other characters delivered and watching this show really felt like watching a bunch of high school friends going through life. In short, the acting was really convincing.
Special Mention: The parents. Their acting? Chef's kiss. I have nothing else to say.
MUSIC:
THE MUSIC IS PERFECT. Every song fits the scene and I've been listening to that one song by CigarHan a lot. Watch it and you'll know what I'm talking about.
REWATCH VALUE:
This is a comfort show for me, so I'd definitely watch it a lot. I can't explain it concretely, but to describe the feeling I had while watching this show: It feels like going back home after a long day of work—cozy, peaceful, and definitely like a warm hug. It's a feeling that you want to chase again.
OVERALL:
This is the #1 youth drama for me now. I know a lot of people had no expectations for this show; and there are some who believe that the low expectations they had for this show made their watch a pleasant surprise. But for me, I had expectations. I was waiting for this show since the announcement of casts (mostly for Xizi) and despite the expectations, it delivered and gave more. It was a lovely culmination of my waiting. Anyway, whether you have expectations or not, I hope everyone would give this show a try.
STORY:
Home is the central theme of this show. It is evident in the title, and even more evident if you watch the show yourself. You can find traces of home in the dynamics of the families (within the family itself and among the little compound they live in); in the friendships, and in the relationships. There are different types of home and this show sure showed a lot of them.
The story is actually simple. It's mundane. There are no grand scheme of things. But the heart in the writing made it compelling to watch—to see where life will take the main characters and how they will grow as people.
Special Mention: Xichi and Huan'er's relationship. The writers wrote neighbors to best friends to lovers perfectly. Their dynamic is so good as best friends; and when they shifted to becoming lovers, it's even better than before. It's such a joy to see their relationship go from one level to another. They're like that classmate of yours that you know like each other and you can't help but root for them to finally get together. It's not really an "in your face" romance, but their little moments left me giggling more than I do when watching actual romance shows. Maybe it also helps that Zhai Xiaowen and Yang Xizi's chemistry is so good!
ACTING/CAST:
I have always been neutral about Zhai Xiaowen, but he was really good in this show. His acting is very natural and he really brought Jing Xichi to life. This made me see him differently as an actor and made me want to look forward to his projects in the future.
As for Yang Xizi, she has always been an actress I like. I don't know if people have noticed, but she's actually a side character in a lot of Cheng Yi's dramas. And even then, she has always delivered. This show is no different. Like Xiaowen, her acting is also very natural and she brought nuance to a character people would usually consider a Mary Sue. She is a joy to watch as the sweet and lovely Chen Huan'er. And I'm looking forward to her future projects as well.
As for Zhou Keyu and He Qiu, their portrayals as Song Cong and Qi Qi are also good. In fact, all the other characters delivered and watching this show really felt like watching a bunch of high school friends going through life. In short, the acting was really convincing.
Special Mention: The parents. Their acting? Chef's kiss. I have nothing else to say.
MUSIC:
THE MUSIC IS PERFECT. Every song fits the scene and I've been listening to that one song by CigarHan a lot. Watch it and you'll know what I'm talking about.
REWATCH VALUE:
This is a comfort show for me, so I'd definitely watch it a lot. I can't explain it concretely, but to describe the feeling I had while watching this show: It feels like going back home after a long day of work—cozy, peaceful, and definitely like a warm hug. It's a feeling that you want to chase again.
OVERALL:
This is the #1 youth drama for me now. I know a lot of people had no expectations for this show; and there are some who believe that the low expectations they had for this show made their watch a pleasant surprise. But for me, I had expectations. I was waiting for this show since the announcement of casts (mostly for Xizi) and despite the expectations, it delivered and gave more. It was a lovely culmination of my waiting. Anyway, whether you have expectations or not, I hope everyone would give this show a try.
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