7
77
3
I want to be part of their friend circle!
Let’s start with the ending (no spoiler). I personally really like the ending. It’s not one that is typical of a youth drama but one that feels so much more mature yet fun. The last episode is a big recap on all that happened in the past 29 episodes, but not in a super flashback-heavy way. The chemistry of the whole cast is evident throughout the drama but it’s especially heartwarming to see them all sit together chatting, making fun of each other, and reminiscing about the past. It makes me want to be part of their friend circle! As they face their past selves and reflect on past hopes and dreams, it’s great to see how far they have come and how much they have changed and matured.
The acting of the cast is awesome. I really had no expectations when I started it but did know “Always Home” has great reviews. I just finished watching Daniel Zhou in “A Moment but Forever” and really liked his character there. He’s even better as Song Cong, the mature and quiet straight A student. Together with Jing Xi Chi (such a fun green flat) and Chen Huan Er (lovable and not annoying FL), these 3 best friends who live in the same neighborhood, provide us with a lot of laughter, tears and heartwarming moments. Their friendship, in addition to the closeness of their parents, are what C-dramas are famous for. The three families take care of each other through life’s ups and downs. As much as I love scenes of the three youngsters, I enjoy the parents' rowdiness just as much.
Romance is slow-burn and you need to be patient. And I don’t recall seeing SO many one-sided crushes in a high school drama. However, Jing Xi Chi and Chen Huan Er have so much chemistry together. Love, love, love this couple as well as them as individuals. Their frequent banters and jokes feel natural and real. They are open and honest with each other. They are indeed best friends-turned-lovers. I might have wanted the romance to start a little sooner because they are just so adorably shy and I want more fluffy scenes. Unfortunately, the secondary romance between Song Cong and Qi Qi is not as satisfying. I don’t feel their chemistry and really don’t think they’re a good pair (maybe that’s what the director is trying to convey). Without giving away too much, what these couples go through are part of their journey to become their mature present selves.
High school days took over more than half of the drama. I would have liked to see that shortened a little, even though the high school days are the most fun to watch. College life was not bad in the beginning (especially when the main romance finally develops) but then nothing much really happened to create excitement. Not many episodes are dedicated to the adult/professional days, but I do like the message that they are not protected and sheltered anymore by their school and families. Even though there are small and big crises/events happening throughout the drama, they are resolved pretty quickly within an episode or two.
China is really a pro in these coming-of-age dramas. “Always Home” is one of the better ones in recent memory. The acting is great all around from the main cast to the veteran supporting cast. The chemistry and friendship feel natural and realistic. Despite some challenges in life, this drama is a pretty easy watch. Because I like the last episode so much, it cements a solid 8.5 for me.
Completed: 4/25/2025 - Review #569
The acting of the cast is awesome. I really had no expectations when I started it but did know “Always Home” has great reviews. I just finished watching Daniel Zhou in “A Moment but Forever” and really liked his character there. He’s even better as Song Cong, the mature and quiet straight A student. Together with Jing Xi Chi (such a fun green flat) and Chen Huan Er (lovable and not annoying FL), these 3 best friends who live in the same neighborhood, provide us with a lot of laughter, tears and heartwarming moments. Their friendship, in addition to the closeness of their parents, are what C-dramas are famous for. The three families take care of each other through life’s ups and downs. As much as I love scenes of the three youngsters, I enjoy the parents' rowdiness just as much.
Romance is slow-burn and you need to be patient. And I don’t recall seeing SO many one-sided crushes in a high school drama. However, Jing Xi Chi and Chen Huan Er have so much chemistry together. Love, love, love this couple as well as them as individuals. Their frequent banters and jokes feel natural and real. They are open and honest with each other. They are indeed best friends-turned-lovers. I might have wanted the romance to start a little sooner because they are just so adorably shy and I want more fluffy scenes. Unfortunately, the secondary romance between Song Cong and Qi Qi is not as satisfying. I don’t feel their chemistry and really don’t think they’re a good pair (maybe that’s what the director is trying to convey). Without giving away too much, what these couples go through are part of their journey to become their mature present selves.
High school days took over more than half of the drama. I would have liked to see that shortened a little, even though the high school days are the most fun to watch. College life was not bad in the beginning (especially when the main romance finally develops) but then nothing much really happened to create excitement. Not many episodes are dedicated to the adult/professional days, but I do like the message that they are not protected and sheltered anymore by their school and families. Even though there are small and big crises/events happening throughout the drama, they are resolved pretty quickly within an episode or two.
China is really a pro in these coming-of-age dramas. “Always Home” is one of the better ones in recent memory. The acting is great all around from the main cast to the veteran supporting cast. The chemistry and friendship feel natural and realistic. Despite some challenges in life, this drama is a pretty easy watch. Because I like the last episode so much, it cements a solid 8.5 for me.
Completed: 4/25/2025 - Review #569
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