Underrated gem
What an underrated gem! I couldn't have imagined that I'd be so charmed by a simple story about two childhood friends, seven years apart, who grew up together like siblings, only to meet again as adults and fall in love. But that is exactly what happened here. This is a solid rom-com filled with warm, thoughtful characters. The comedy is on point while the emotionally charged scenes are wonderfully handled. Script is great, dialogue is witty. Best of all THE LEADS. The bond that these two have fostered since childhood is the cutest, while as adults they both had me laughing and swooning left and right.
Lin Yang, now 31, finds herself reluctantly welcoming Lu Zheng An, now 24, back into her life. He's on a mission to finally win her heart after some growing up, while she soon realizes he is no longer the little boy she took care of as the big "sister." On the contrary, he's quite the man and an irresistible one at that. In spite of her reservations, he's the perfect antidote, bringing spark into her life that has begun to feel hollow from the stress of adulthood.
I'll admit I overlooked this drama myself seeing as how the drama has been out for four years. What I discovered is that this is not only a wonderful older woman/younger man drama, it's one of the best modern Chinese dramas I have had the pleasure of viewing thus far. At about 40 minutes per episode, it's a breezy watch in spite of the episode count, and not once did it compel me to skip, which is significant coming from someone with experience watching these types of dramas. And the drama manages to do this by balancing enough reasonable conflicts to keep things going without sacrificing character growth or engagement. As the drama progresses, it peels back layers in the form of childhood memories that converge with the present storyline in a heartwarming manner, revealing an indelible bond that extends beyond the leads. Every episode holds something special, down to the last one.
I would note that perhaps the male lead character profile may come across somewhat unrealistic, but I believe the execution is what sets this drama apart. Because of strong acting and directing with a tight script, the characters and relationships feel authentic. The heroine is smart, competent, sexy. Though she inevitably faces prejudice from society as a woman of a certain age, she is also widely recognized as a capable colleague. Lin Yang is mature and independent and she may not need Lu Zheng An but it doesn't mean she cannot be passionately in love with him either. For Lu Zheng An, it's an all consuming love. His world is structured around Lin Yang in that he has his own life, a budding career he's passionate about and is able to live a carefree life thanks to privileged background, but in an instant he can throw it all away for her. In his life she will always come first, period. Such different approaches to their relationship but somehow it works and it is convincing for me as a viewer.
One of the things I like about Lu Zheng An is his honesty and how he never forces or gives Lin Yang an ultimatum. Even when they have bitter arguments, he exits with so much maturity and understanding. It's never you owe me for my devotion. It's simply, you take care of yourself. I'll be here if you ever need me. Undoubtedly, he's one of the greenest male leads to grace dramaland. It's the way He Yu portrays his character that makes it such a joy as well. Boyish yet mature. And what a flirt! He is incredibly charming and manages to be both funny and hot all at the same time. I think he solved half the problems in the drama with his cheeky smile. His energy, enthusiasm, and excitement for the female lead is infectious; I couldn't stop smiling.
I'll be honest that I was somewhat disappointed with one of the biggest driving forces of conflict, which is another woman in her 30s acting like a scorned lover. But the handling of the conflict is well done. Every friend, colleague, and family come together to protect our precious couple with loving support. That's part of the reason the drama is so pleasing. It includes a well-rounded cast of characters while awful characters are kept to a minimum and told off in due time in the most satisfying ways. Additionally, it is refreshing to see the female lead and her two best friends living realistic lives as women in their thirties. The friends hold contrasting views about love and romance that make for great, comical conversations.
I will close this review with the drama's wonderful parting message: What aging brings us is not a limitation but more choices. It gets better and better!
Lin Yang, now 31, finds herself reluctantly welcoming Lu Zheng An, now 24, back into her life. He's on a mission to finally win her heart after some growing up, while she soon realizes he is no longer the little boy she took care of as the big "sister." On the contrary, he's quite the man and an irresistible one at that. In spite of her reservations, he's the perfect antidote, bringing spark into her life that has begun to feel hollow from the stress of adulthood.
I'll admit I overlooked this drama myself seeing as how the drama has been out for four years. What I discovered is that this is not only a wonderful older woman/younger man drama, it's one of the best modern Chinese dramas I have had the pleasure of viewing thus far. At about 40 minutes per episode, it's a breezy watch in spite of the episode count, and not once did it compel me to skip, which is significant coming from someone with experience watching these types of dramas. And the drama manages to do this by balancing enough reasonable conflicts to keep things going without sacrificing character growth or engagement. As the drama progresses, it peels back layers in the form of childhood memories that converge with the present storyline in a heartwarming manner, revealing an indelible bond that extends beyond the leads. Every episode holds something special, down to the last one.
I would note that perhaps the male lead character profile may come across somewhat unrealistic, but I believe the execution is what sets this drama apart. Because of strong acting and directing with a tight script, the characters and relationships feel authentic. The heroine is smart, competent, sexy. Though she inevitably faces prejudice from society as a woman of a certain age, she is also widely recognized as a capable colleague. Lin Yang is mature and independent and she may not need Lu Zheng An but it doesn't mean she cannot be passionately in love with him either. For Lu Zheng An, it's an all consuming love. His world is structured around Lin Yang in that he has his own life, a budding career he's passionate about and is able to live a carefree life thanks to privileged background, but in an instant he can throw it all away for her. In his life she will always come first, period. Such different approaches to their relationship but somehow it works and it is convincing for me as a viewer.
One of the things I like about Lu Zheng An is his honesty and how he never forces or gives Lin Yang an ultimatum. Even when they have bitter arguments, he exits with so much maturity and understanding. It's never you owe me for my devotion. It's simply, you take care of yourself. I'll be here if you ever need me. Undoubtedly, he's one of the greenest male leads to grace dramaland. It's the way He Yu portrays his character that makes it such a joy as well. Boyish yet mature. And what a flirt! He is incredibly charming and manages to be both funny and hot all at the same time. I think he solved half the problems in the drama with his cheeky smile. His energy, enthusiasm, and excitement for the female lead is infectious; I couldn't stop smiling.
I'll be honest that I was somewhat disappointed with one of the biggest driving forces of conflict, which is another woman in her 30s acting like a scorned lover. But the handling of the conflict is well done. Every friend, colleague, and family come together to protect our precious couple with loving support. That's part of the reason the drama is so pleasing. It includes a well-rounded cast of characters while awful characters are kept to a minimum and told off in due time in the most satisfying ways. Additionally, it is refreshing to see the female lead and her two best friends living realistic lives as women in their thirties. The friends hold contrasting views about love and romance that make for great, comical conversations.
I will close this review with the drama's wonderful parting message: What aging brings us is not a limitation but more choices. It gets better and better!
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