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This review may contain spoilers
A Beautiful Heartwarming Journey of Love and Growth
My review is based purely on the drama.
I did not read the novel.
Our Generation is an adaptation of the novel, Ying Tao Hu Po (Cherry Amber) by Yun Zhu. It is a story of enduring friendships, family, love, and growth in pursuit of dreams and self-knowledge. It centers around a girl named Ying Tao (Cherry) and her friendship with Jiang Qiao Xi, Yu Qiao, Qin Ye Yun, Du Shang, and Cai Fang Yuan. They call themselves the Qunshan gang. Ying Tao forms a special bond with Qiaoxi, and their story is one of young love that grows beyond time and overcomes adversities. Our Generation is a beautiful emotional journey that shows how the characters share experiences and traverse through societal expectations and the challenges of their personal lives to find themselves.
⊰FORMAT⊱
The drama begins with an introduction of the young characters primarily through the eyes of Ying Tao in episode1. By episode 2, the drama uses a time skip to the high school years. The high school years end around ep 15 and move into the college years, ending with their adult years in ep 24. Throughout the drama, flashbacks are used to inform or highlight the connections between the past and present. The flashbacks add significance to the theme of growth beyond time. Pay close attention to dialogue and expressions as everything in this drama holds significant meaning.
⊰CHARACTERS ⊱
🍒Ying Tao is a bubbly, kind, empathetic, and resilient girl who is the center of the Qunshan gang. As Yu Qiao once told her, "It is not you who needs us, it is we who need you." Perhaps her positive nature and confidence come from growing up in a loving home with wonderful parents who love her. She isn't afraid to face conflicts. Her outgoing, positive nature is the sugar coating to her tough backbone. She does not give up. This aspect of Ying Tao's personality remains constant throughout her growth. She has a wonderful sense of empathy for others, and she will take the initiative to help those she feels are in need. Her friendship within the Qunshan gang endures the changes through time. And her bond with Qiaoxi grows from friendship to one of love. Ying Tao's realization of her goals to become a teacher who uses her strength to help her students know themselves embodies the themes of Our Generation. This innate aspect of her character makes it easy to understand why she was drawn to help young Jiang Qiaoxi.
❤️🩹Jiang Qiao Xi is introduced as a quiet and subdued child who was a brilliant student and a math prodigy in episode 1. He comes from a family with a tragic history. His older brother died. His parents treated him as a substitute son. His mother sets high expectations for him because she wants him to fulfill her dreams of what her late son should have achieved. He had to wear black because that was his brother's favorite color. He was never allowed to be himself. But when he meets the young Ying Tao, she tells him his name is special after she discovers his parents chose it randomly with no thought for its meaning. She make him feel he is Jiang Qiao Xi. She brings light and warmth into his life. She is his "hero." But Qiaoxi is a flawed character due to the mental abuse from his mother.
A significant quote from Jiang Qiao Xi that describes his character flaws:
"Back then I thought life was just a cage. For my freedom, for the people I loved, I kept searching for the key.
I was so sure... I am that smart, so I can pick every lock.
Now I see, the world is not only full of notable cages...but with countless invisible confinements.
In front of those, I am a fool.
I will not pull the people I love into those cages with me. "
✈️Yu Qiao is Ying Tao's close friend who stood out apart from the rest of the Qunshan gang. Even though Yu Qiao has special feelings for Ying Tao, he never puts his needs before hers. He admires her for her kindness and courage. He knows she can take care of herself. He once said, " She can make a rock look innocent." I liked his character so much that I hoped until the end that he would be happy. It is satisfying that he succeeds in his goal to be a pilot.
💘Ye Yun is Cherry's best friend. She works hard to help her crippled father in his business, and she appears mature and level-headed. Even though Ye Yun acts as if she doesn't need anyone, Ying Tao never gives up when Ye Yun pushes her away. She sees her struggles and wants to make her happy. She softens Ye Yun with her persistent friendship. When Yu Qiao signs up Ying Tao for the cheerleading team, she objects until she sees Ye Yun sitting apart from the rest of the team. This experience of teamwork in facing adversities strengthens their friendship. Ye Yun has feelings for Yu Qiao, but it was never reciprocated. However, the drama leaves us with some hope that these two will one day become more than friends.
🍒FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP🍒
Ying Tao's parents are supportive and caring. This contrasts Qiaoxi's parents and the reason Qiaoxi often eats meals and spends time at her home. The families from Qunshan support each other. They share each other's burdens.
The friendship between Ying Tao, Qiaoxi, Yu Qiao, Ye Yun, Cai Fang Yuan, Du Shang is heartwarming. They will run to help each other and even give up a birthday wish to the one who needs it most. One scene that stands out for me is when Qiaoxi made red scarves for all of them, and when his mother came to take him away, they all stood with the red scarves around their necks in a clear sign of solidarity. How wonderful for Qiaoxi to turn around to see this sight. While the drama makes it clear that Du Shang and Cai Fang Yuan are equal in friendship with the rest, their characters were not as developed as Yu Qiao and Ye Yun. I would have liked to have seen more of them.
🍒💕🍒YING TAO & JIANG QIAO XI🍒💕🍒
The romance between Ying Tao and Qiaoxi develops during high school. I will highlight some significant moments to show that there is a gradual development in their romance. Every episode adds some meaning to their relationship. Their first meeting in high school in episode 2 begins with a misunderstanding. Even though the misunderstanding is not cleared up until ep 6, there were many moments in between showing they cared for each other. In episode 6, after Qioaxi chases Ying Tao's bus to talk her about the misunderstanding. The drama hints at Qiaoxi's dream of a future with Ying Tao when he tells her he wants to live up to his promises to her the way his cousin in Hong Kong keeps all his promises to his wife. He doesn't want to get her hopes up when he is not free to follow through on his promise. And yet he contradicts himself by showing his desire to get close to her. Qiaoxi's explanation for his behavior is simply, "Heart over head."
A pivotal moment that highlights the romance is in episode 9 when Qiaoxi sees Ying Tao at her cheerleading performance. He stands apart from the crowd with eyes fixed on Ying Tao. This is one of my favorite scenes because of Zhang Ling He's portrayal of a love-struck young man...the stare, the smiles, the look of pure delight...makes it clear he is in love with Ying Tao. He made me smile. But personal struggles get in the way and by the end of high school, which takes place in episode 15, Ying Tao and Qiaoxi reach the turning point of their relationship. They confess to each other and Qiaoxi tells her his dreams of their future together. Then he disappears. While some might dislike his actions for not being honest with her, I saw the struggle within him as if he wished his words were true. It was clear he did not want to leave her. While some criticized the drama for not revealing his reasons for leaving, I felt Zhang Ling He's acting was enough to show how much his character wanted to stay and how deeply he loved Ying Tao. I felt too sad knowing Qiaoxi was going through something he did not want Ying Tao to know. His last vision of her before he leaves is one of happiness.
Ying Tao and Qiaoxi meet again in episode 19 when she goes to find him in Hong Kong. He tries to make her leave, feeling he is not worthy of her. Jin Mai put everything of Ying Tao into her acting. This is where we see the empathy and courage of her character. Her performance, especially her speech in episode 21, is one I have watched multiple times. She makes it clear that Ying Tao understands Qiaoxi. Jin Mai put enough anger into her performance without overacting. She tempers anger with empathy and love. Ying Tao does not back down and tells Qiaoxi, "I fought like hell to get here. I am not leaving!" The last 5 episodes of Our Generation culminate in a beautiful outpouring of love, trust, and acceptance. Zhang Ling He's emotional performance as he struggles to resist his need to be with Ying Tao is one that stands apart from his previous roles. Qiaoxi appears tired and defeated as if hanging on to the last thread of resistance. There are glimpses or yearning between the facades of stubborn resistance. There is also humor and witty dialogue. The scenes are so beautiful, I watch on slow speed to catch every single word and expression. I will not spoil it for you with the details, except to say they are emotional yet funny.
🍒💕💍THE ENDING🍒💍💞
Our Generation has a happy ending. The wedding scene is beautiful and creative. However, I wish they had included the family and friends. I felt as if I ate the whipped topping of a delicious piece of cake and didn't eat the rest of it. I know the family and friends are present, but we don't get to see them. The final episode shows their life together as a couple and their relationship with parents and friends. It also includes their careers and accomplishments of their goals. Our Generation is one I will watch again and again. I found myself rewatching scenes and pausing to absorb the dialogue and emotions. Our Generation was a beautiful and heart-warming journey of love, family, and friendship.
🍒SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM YING TAO🍒
"Once I decide to love you, I'll love you forever.
Even if you become extraordinary, I will not love you anymore
Even if you remain ordinary, I will not love you any less."
" Jiang Qiaoxi, do you really think you won that battle with your mother as child?
That was a superficial victory. You've always wanted us to love you as you truly are,
But do you ever know your true self? Do you accept and love that person?
You just want to add a halo around your true self so you feel worthy of love.
This is the toxic root of yourself."
"You pushed me away and still, I don't hate you.
Because I know deep down, you wanted to come to me and be there for me." 🥰
❤️🩹SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM JIANG QIAO XI❤️🩹
"I know I'll never be perfect in my lifetime
But don't you see, Ying Tao? I just don't want you to suffer with me."
"Ying Tao, all these years I've been trying so hard to prove that I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
Back then I had good grades, I gave up math and forfeited my guaranteed admission.
Even resorted to extreme methods to prove I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
But just now when I heard you say my name...I realized I existed all along."
🍒❤️🩹 HE CARRIED HER ON HIS BACK🍒❤️🩹
Qiaoxi: Ying Tao, I can hardly keep my life together. How can I be there for you?
Ying Tao: That's why I came. Jiang Qiaoxi, don't be scared, I found you!
🎶FAVORITE OST- GROWTH BEYOND TIME (excerpt)🎶
...You're the key to who I am
Accompany me to become myself
...Silent dreams are calling
You're the key to all I've dreamed
Accompany you to become yourself
...The story takes root and loneliness melts away in warm embrace;
I've always been here....💞
I did not read the novel.
Our Generation is an adaptation of the novel, Ying Tao Hu Po (Cherry Amber) by Yun Zhu. It is a story of enduring friendships, family, love, and growth in pursuit of dreams and self-knowledge. It centers around a girl named Ying Tao (Cherry) and her friendship with Jiang Qiao Xi, Yu Qiao, Qin Ye Yun, Du Shang, and Cai Fang Yuan. They call themselves the Qunshan gang. Ying Tao forms a special bond with Qiaoxi, and their story is one of young love that grows beyond time and overcomes adversities. Our Generation is a beautiful emotional journey that shows how the characters share experiences and traverse through societal expectations and the challenges of their personal lives to find themselves.
⊰FORMAT⊱
The drama begins with an introduction of the young characters primarily through the eyes of Ying Tao in episode1. By episode 2, the drama uses a time skip to the high school years. The high school years end around ep 15 and move into the college years, ending with their adult years in ep 24. Throughout the drama, flashbacks are used to inform or highlight the connections between the past and present. The flashbacks add significance to the theme of growth beyond time. Pay close attention to dialogue and expressions as everything in this drama holds significant meaning.
⊰CHARACTERS ⊱
🍒Ying Tao is a bubbly, kind, empathetic, and resilient girl who is the center of the Qunshan gang. As Yu Qiao once told her, "It is not you who needs us, it is we who need you." Perhaps her positive nature and confidence come from growing up in a loving home with wonderful parents who love her. She isn't afraid to face conflicts. Her outgoing, positive nature is the sugar coating to her tough backbone. She does not give up. This aspect of Ying Tao's personality remains constant throughout her growth. She has a wonderful sense of empathy for others, and she will take the initiative to help those she feels are in need. Her friendship within the Qunshan gang endures the changes through time. And her bond with Qiaoxi grows from friendship to one of love. Ying Tao's realization of her goals to become a teacher who uses her strength to help her students know themselves embodies the themes of Our Generation. This innate aspect of her character makes it easy to understand why she was drawn to help young Jiang Qiaoxi.
❤️🩹Jiang Qiao Xi is introduced as a quiet and subdued child who was a brilliant student and a math prodigy in episode 1. He comes from a family with a tragic history. His older brother died. His parents treated him as a substitute son. His mother sets high expectations for him because she wants him to fulfill her dreams of what her late son should have achieved. He had to wear black because that was his brother's favorite color. He was never allowed to be himself. But when he meets the young Ying Tao, she tells him his name is special after she discovers his parents chose it randomly with no thought for its meaning. She make him feel he is Jiang Qiao Xi. She brings light and warmth into his life. She is his "hero." But Qiaoxi is a flawed character due to the mental abuse from his mother.
A significant quote from Jiang Qiao Xi that describes his character flaws:
"Back then I thought life was just a cage. For my freedom, for the people I loved, I kept searching for the key.
I was so sure... I am that smart, so I can pick every lock.
Now I see, the world is not only full of notable cages...but with countless invisible confinements.
In front of those, I am a fool.
I will not pull the people I love into those cages with me. "
✈️Yu Qiao is Ying Tao's close friend who stood out apart from the rest of the Qunshan gang. Even though Yu Qiao has special feelings for Ying Tao, he never puts his needs before hers. He admires her for her kindness and courage. He knows she can take care of herself. He once said, " She can make a rock look innocent." I liked his character so much that I hoped until the end that he would be happy. It is satisfying that he succeeds in his goal to be a pilot.
💘Ye Yun is Cherry's best friend. She works hard to help her crippled father in his business, and she appears mature and level-headed. Even though Ye Yun acts as if she doesn't need anyone, Ying Tao never gives up when Ye Yun pushes her away. She sees her struggles and wants to make her happy. She softens Ye Yun with her persistent friendship. When Yu Qiao signs up Ying Tao for the cheerleading team, she objects until she sees Ye Yun sitting apart from the rest of the team. This experience of teamwork in facing adversities strengthens their friendship. Ye Yun has feelings for Yu Qiao, but it was never reciprocated. However, the drama leaves us with some hope that these two will one day become more than friends.
🍒FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP🍒
Ying Tao's parents are supportive and caring. This contrasts Qiaoxi's parents and the reason Qiaoxi often eats meals and spends time at her home. The families from Qunshan support each other. They share each other's burdens.
The friendship between Ying Tao, Qiaoxi, Yu Qiao, Ye Yun, Cai Fang Yuan, Du Shang is heartwarming. They will run to help each other and even give up a birthday wish to the one who needs it most. One scene that stands out for me is when Qiaoxi made red scarves for all of them, and when his mother came to take him away, they all stood with the red scarves around their necks in a clear sign of solidarity. How wonderful for Qiaoxi to turn around to see this sight. While the drama makes it clear that Du Shang and Cai Fang Yuan are equal in friendship with the rest, their characters were not as developed as Yu Qiao and Ye Yun. I would have liked to have seen more of them.
🍒💕🍒YING TAO & JIANG QIAO XI🍒💕🍒
The romance between Ying Tao and Qiaoxi develops during high school. I will highlight some significant moments to show that there is a gradual development in their romance. Every episode adds some meaning to their relationship. Their first meeting in high school in episode 2 begins with a misunderstanding. Even though the misunderstanding is not cleared up until ep 6, there were many moments in between showing they cared for each other. In episode 6, after Qioaxi chases Ying Tao's bus to talk her about the misunderstanding. The drama hints at Qiaoxi's dream of a future with Ying Tao when he tells her he wants to live up to his promises to her the way his cousin in Hong Kong keeps all his promises to his wife. He doesn't want to get her hopes up when he is not free to follow through on his promise. And yet he contradicts himself by showing his desire to get close to her. Qiaoxi's explanation for his behavior is simply, "Heart over head."
A pivotal moment that highlights the romance is in episode 9 when Qiaoxi sees Ying Tao at her cheerleading performance. He stands apart from the crowd with eyes fixed on Ying Tao. This is one of my favorite scenes because of Zhang Ling He's portrayal of a love-struck young man...the stare, the smiles, the look of pure delight...makes it clear he is in love with Ying Tao. He made me smile. But personal struggles get in the way and by the end of high school, which takes place in episode 15, Ying Tao and Qiaoxi reach the turning point of their relationship. They confess to each other and Qiaoxi tells her his dreams of their future together. Then he disappears. While some might dislike his actions for not being honest with her, I saw the struggle within him as if he wished his words were true. It was clear he did not want to leave her. While some criticized the drama for not revealing his reasons for leaving, I felt Zhang Ling He's acting was enough to show how much his character wanted to stay and how deeply he loved Ying Tao. I felt too sad knowing Qiaoxi was going through something he did not want Ying Tao to know. His last vision of her before he leaves is one of happiness.
Ying Tao and Qiaoxi meet again in episode 19 when she goes to find him in Hong Kong. He tries to make her leave, feeling he is not worthy of her. Jin Mai put everything of Ying Tao into her acting. This is where we see the empathy and courage of her character. Her performance, especially her speech in episode 21, is one I have watched multiple times. She makes it clear that Ying Tao understands Qiaoxi. Jin Mai put enough anger into her performance without overacting. She tempers anger with empathy and love. Ying Tao does not back down and tells Qiaoxi, "I fought like hell to get here. I am not leaving!" The last 5 episodes of Our Generation culminate in a beautiful outpouring of love, trust, and acceptance. Zhang Ling He's emotional performance as he struggles to resist his need to be with Ying Tao is one that stands apart from his previous roles. Qiaoxi appears tired and defeated as if hanging on to the last thread of resistance. There are glimpses or yearning between the facades of stubborn resistance. There is also humor and witty dialogue. The scenes are so beautiful, I watch on slow speed to catch every single word and expression. I will not spoil it for you with the details, except to say they are emotional yet funny.
🍒💕💍THE ENDING🍒💍💞
Our Generation has a happy ending. The wedding scene is beautiful and creative. However, I wish they had included the family and friends. I felt as if I ate the whipped topping of a delicious piece of cake and didn't eat the rest of it. I know the family and friends are present, but we don't get to see them. The final episode shows their life together as a couple and their relationship with parents and friends. It also includes their careers and accomplishments of their goals. Our Generation is one I will watch again and again. I found myself rewatching scenes and pausing to absorb the dialogue and emotions. Our Generation was a beautiful and heart-warming journey of love, family, and friendship.
🍒SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM YING TAO🍒
"Once I decide to love you, I'll love you forever.
Even if you become extraordinary, I will not love you anymore
Even if you remain ordinary, I will not love you any less."
" Jiang Qiaoxi, do you really think you won that battle with your mother as child?
That was a superficial victory. You've always wanted us to love you as you truly are,
But do you ever know your true self? Do you accept and love that person?
You just want to add a halo around your true self so you feel worthy of love.
This is the toxic root of yourself."
"You pushed me away and still, I don't hate you.
Because I know deep down, you wanted to come to me and be there for me." 🥰
❤️🩹SIGNIFICANT QUOTES FROM JIANG QIAO XI❤️🩹
"I know I'll never be perfect in my lifetime
But don't you see, Ying Tao? I just don't want you to suffer with me."
"Ying Tao, all these years I've been trying so hard to prove that I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
Back then I had good grades, I gave up math and forfeited my guaranteed admission.
Even resorted to extreme methods to prove I am Jiang Qiaoxi.
But just now when I heard you say my name...I realized I existed all along."
🍒❤️🩹 HE CARRIED HER ON HIS BACK🍒❤️🩹
Qiaoxi: Ying Tao, I can hardly keep my life together. How can I be there for you?
Ying Tao: That's why I came. Jiang Qiaoxi, don't be scared, I found you!
🎶FAVORITE OST- GROWTH BEYOND TIME (excerpt)🎶
...You're the key to who I am
Accompany me to become myself
...Silent dreams are calling
You're the key to all I've dreamed
Accompany you to become yourself
...The story takes root and loneliness melts away in warm embrace;
I've always been here....💞
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