This review may contain spoilers
Wow!!!
This is my first Taiwanese drama but I heard so many great things about it, I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did because WOW!! This drama managed to intrinsically weave together a complex storyline in the most beautiful and meticulous way. It was absolutely amazing in its execution, depth, creativity, and attention to detail.... leaving me guessing throughout each episode. It was one of the rare dramas where you actually have NO idea where the plot is going and you don’t want to miss a single moment in case you skip something important. For a time travel drama, this was such a masterpiece and so tightly written that loopholes were few and far between (an amazing feit considering how complex this drama was).The leads in this drama.... my goodness.... even in my novice eyes, they were a 10. How they managed to play vastly different characters so convincingly and completely was amazing. Their relationship was beautiful and the leads delivery were rich, full of depth, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. It was a love that transcended time and they completely drew me into their world(s). I applaud how the drama tackled issues of mental health and depression. It was a very real portrayal of how dark depression can be and you don’t just simply wake up the next day and feel better. It’s a dark place to climb out of and many grow tired and weary... as do those around them, when you just want someone to “be happy”.
I thought the drama wrapped up its story line well and I was even convinced it was the best choice they had... then again the tragedies during the drama made me feel like ANY other outcome was better than what they had gone through!! I’m sure like many others, we wanted more from the ending ... BUT the bonus scene was icing on the cake. I’m thankful they filmed it and gave those of us that needed more closure, a chance to take a sigh of relief knowing our beloved leads were where they were suppose to be.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This drama was very sincere and heartfelt. It’s not a light and fluffy drama like I initially thought, but it wasn’t filled with angst and melodrama. Although it covered deeper issues of depression, suicide, and bullying, it also shined light on hope and the joy of friendship. The FL and ML were very well cast and I thought they portrayed their characters in a believable and sincere way. Romance was definitely not the focus and for once I was actually relieved because the ML was still mentally a 28 year old man. There were little cute moments but nothing that overstepped that line. I’m glad the writers left the romance for when FL and ML were both the same age!! I’m not typically a big fan of time travel dramas because there are usually too many loopholes. This drama though gave just enough attention to the time travel theme and covered enough details that I can see friends getting together for coffee and giving their take on what happens when and with who and so forth (I think FL went back after ML was already there!!). There isn’t an obvious answer and I can see it being a fun and debatable conversation to have.
I do wonder though at the end, since both ML and FL are alive... who died in their place. Since the event still occurs but the person is different... is it okay to save one life for another? Does the cycle never end?
Was this review helpful to you?
Second time was better
This was the second time I tried this drama. The first time, I couldn't get past Episode 4 because none of the characters were clicking for me. FL wasn't someone I'd actually want to be friends with, the 2ML looked really creepy to me, I was too fixated on the roommate's eyebrows, and I was really, really, struggling and distracted by FL's style. I've said it before but I don't know why Chinese dramas like to dress the FL as either an 8 year old in patent shoes or like a grandmother in frumpy dresses, lace, and frills. I don't know what look they were going for with the FL but how I wish I could dress her!!! It makes me wonder too if the actresses ever say anything about these outfits!!I was in between dramas so on a whim, I decided to try this again. Once I got through a few more episodes, the FL and ML grew on me as did the other side characters. I ended up enjoying the rest of the drama and it was a good filler for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A very well done, nicely executed, thoughtful and heartfelt youth drama. I absolutely loved it! There's a sweetness and pureness about this drama, from the music to the cinematography, that really drew me in. I adored the leads and the side characters... they all brought to life the essence of youth and friendship. This is a youth drama, so the romance was subtle, but I have to say that the leads were adorable. Although they mainly communicated through their eyes and smiles, there was no doubt how they felt about one another. ML was handsome and charming and FL with her beautiful smile, I felt like I could watch endless scenes of the two of them. They didn’t hesitate to say they would always be there for one another and ML’s complete devotion (and smile) was swoon worthy. l loved how situations were handled in this drama and misunderstandings were cleared up quickly. I never wanted to hit my head because of some ridiculous overreaction or sacrificial move made by one of the leads! The plot moved along and never felt draggy... I was sad when I knew the end was near.
This drama was refreshing and left me believing that somewhere there is a little town near the sea, where a group of friends grew up together and stayed forever bonded. (I may just go buy a Mint plant after this! lol).
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Loved this initially but halfway through and was ready to drop it. A drama with a group of the pushiest people ever… which is the problem… pushy people. ML, Mother. Sister, Music friend. business partner.. everyone!!I love ML as an actor and he’s one of my favorites. BUT in this drama, FL is like a glass figurine and ML has a savior complex. He’s a man that can’t accept no and thinks he alway knows what FL wants. Actually everyone is out to “save” FL cuz she has to make copies at her new job and teach music to children. ML uproots everyone else’s life to make FL happy … I mean these people have families and jobs. What’s worse is FL agrees to everything without a thought to their circumstances. FL is a spoiled and entitled porcelain princess who isn’t actually very sweet or nice… at least imo. sorry!!!
Drama made music out to be a ride or die thing but it wasn’t convincing … at all. I am bummed cuz I was really looking forward to this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I love my slice of life dramas and was super excited to watch this one. Overall, it was sincere, heartfelt, and a wonderful portrayal of family and friends living in a small but tight knit community. I loved the friendship between the 5 youth and the stories of their parents added depth and heart wrenching moments to the drama. ML didn’t disappoint and I was impressed by his range of emotions. He was still charismatic and charming and I loved his little smirk. FL grew on me as she got older…. her initial over the top acting cute and bratty (Chinese peeps really like that!!) didn’t fit her persona. I think you really have to be a certain actress to be able to pull that off and still be likeable.
I loved ML and FL’s chemistry and sweet moments together and wish there was more. At times, I felt like their story didn’t quite have that flow because there were SO many stories going on. Aside from the 5 friends and their respective parents, drama also focused on the lives of co-workers, roommates, and master teachers. It spent a lot of time diving into certain storylines but then there would be years in between that barely got touched upon. I appreciate drama for at least giving us the last 2 episodes!!
As in almost all C-dramas, I didn’t know what was going on with the English dubbing. This one in particular with the robotic voice over… oh my goodness. FL would have been better off speaking English herself!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I didn't expect to finish this drama so quickly or that I would love it as much as I did! It reminded me of Twilight with our handsome yet tortured, immortal ML who is utterly devoted to his destined FL and love of his life. The FL was quirky, a free spirit, and her job was so fitting... the show definitely didn't shy away from showing us exactly what she did! The ML was the opposite of her and I really loved their chemistry as they came together as a couple. The dialogue was hilarious and so well written. The scenes were original and hilarious... props to the writer for their creativity and randomness (who has a pet goose?!). The side characters in this drama were all well cast and I found myself rooting for every single one of them. ML's "brothers" were all charismatic and charming... the loyalty they had for one another was genuine and heartfelt. The plot and story could have been better and if you're looking for a clean and well thought out storyline... probably not the drama for you! Lots of loopholes and unanswered questions, not to mention times when you'll ask yourself what you're watching.... is this a rom com? more of a drama? slapstick comedy? fantasy? sci-fi? For me, I was enchanted by our main CP and "band of brothers" ... their banter and wit kept me watching and laughing.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I give this drama an 8 in part because I did finish it and lately I can’t seem to find a drama that keeps my interest long enough to actually finish (without the help of the fast forward button). But I liked this one. The production was terrible and editing was pretty bad too. The story was confusing and parts of it made absolutely no sense. But despite ALL that, I liked the CP! I’ve watched my share of older girl/younger guy dramas and it’s always hit or miss. Either the older FL acts like a 13 year old in a relationship and .is too desperate to get married or the younger ML just doesn’t have that extra “something” to convince me that an older woman would be interested in him. This drama, at least for me, met that formula. ML had that handsome boyish charm and extra “something” and FL was beautiful and exactly who she portrayed herself to be… a normal 28 year old. She wasn’t any different at work or at home which I SOO appreciated. I can’t handle the independent strong business woman who turns into an insecure and weak mess when she’s in a relationship.At the end of the day, this is a decent drama to watch when you’re between dramas but you really have to accept it for what it is… a low budget production with lots of flaws, but a sweet romance between the CP’s.
Was this review helpful to you?
Hidden Gem!!
I did not expect to love this drama as much as I did, but it truly is one of my ALL time favorites!! The ML and FL completely drew me in from the first episode. Their chemistry was spot on and their antics were hilarious and so absurd that it made me laugh out loud (pure comedy done well)! The ML’s boyish charm came through for me and he was so sweet and instinctively protective of the FL (ML has the BEST facial expressions), you could see his facade breaking down every time he was around her. The FL was innocent and naive but smarter than you think. I loved that about her character... she wasn’t overly dramatic or emotional but sincere and grounded in her sense of self. The ML (as much as he fought it) didn’t stand a chance!The second half of the drama did get a little long for me as it was more about the jewelry hunt and side characters, and less about the main couple. There were plot holes here and there and some “no way” moments but as unrealistic of a drama as this was, I completely bought it, believed it, and loved it.
Props to the writers for their creativity and laugh out loud moments (star gazing, electricity, blood vs snow, uncle’s eyes... I mean who comes up with this stuff? Hilarious!!) The ML and FL were perfectly cast... definitely one of my favorite couples. They did an AMAZING job executing and bringing this story to life!! I rarely rewatch dramas but I find myself going back to this one.
I wish I could find more BTS videos... it would be fun to see how they filmed some of these scenes and interacted off camera. I don’t normally ship couples either.... but I’d make an exception for these two!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Wow! I was not expecting this drama to be this good. Completely surpassed my expectations in the depth of the story line and how each character captured me with their individual stories. The casting was well done and I didn't see a weak link in the group. Although there was a ML and FL, I felt like the 5 students were also leads too. The flashbacks worked well and drama did a great job of drawing you in so that you cared about each character and really saw and experienced their trauma. It didn't minimize what happened to them and they did it in a way that was genuine and not over the top where it became a drama troupe. I don't know how realistic it was for all of them to improve their gao kao scores by that much... but ML did handpick them in a way so... maybe? lol! Nevertheless, I was rooting for each one of them.The only problem I had was the last episode and I wish I had listened to one person and not watched it. If anything I would highly recommend skipping the last part of episode 30 at the 12 year jump. Casting actors that look nothing like the original 5 was odd and seemed like an after thought. If the students were 8 and now they're 20 years old... that's one thing. But going from 18 to 30... I mean no one is going to look that much different sans a different haircut and clothes. Drama touched on romance here and there during the show but it became obvious that wouldn't be the focus. What they showed in the first part of episode 30 brought some closure and was enough. But then the second half of episode 30 left unanswered questions and not the lasting impression I thought the show would want to leave. I was disappointed because my heart was full and suddenly I'm trying to figure out who is who and wondering why they didn't look or act remotely like the younger version they were suppose to play.
I really did love this drama and maybe I'll go back and watch episode 29 to erase the last episode from my memory!
Was this review helpful to you?
Surprisingly Good!
I tried this drama about a year ago but couldn’t get past the 1st episode listening to FL’s baby voice and crazy princess behavior. The reviews I read didn’t make me want to watch it either so I dropped it. BUT, out of sheer boredom, I tried this drama again and surprisingly, I really liked it!!FL’s over the top princess behavior eases and she is not only likeable but you really start to root for her. ML… how did I miss him the first time?! I was charmed by this handsome, protective hero with the prettiest eyes and swoon worthy smile. I liked the chemistry between the leads although I can see why some say there’s a small element missing … whether it was in the editing or cut… it would have taken the drama to the next level.
But despite some plot holes and typical troupes to get through when watching a c-drama, I enjoyed this one. Hoping to see the ML in more leads… he truly has found the fountain of youth too!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Where do I even begin?! It says a lot when I start missing a drama before I’m even close to finishing, but this one was a sweet surprise! It’s heart warming and heartfelt, serious and emotional, and yet comedic and funny all at the same time. The filming was so well done with the cinematography and I loved how time travel was depicted as it weaved in and out of flashbacks to give us a story. I was so impressed by the fluidity of the drama... questions were slowly answered and it’s been a while since I didn’t want to fast forward through a single episode. ML and FL’s chemistry was probably one of the most natural I’ve seen on screen and they didn’t miss a comedic beat. Their banter, wit, and rapid comebacks was so fun to watch, I wondered at times if it was even scripted. ML was charismatic and charming (I do love his hair!!) and FL was adorable and smart. They both brought to life their characters and I was hooked early on. There wasn’t one person I didn’t like in this drama… every supporting character was well written... drama took time to. show us their struggles and flaws and how even the most brilliant and ambitious can fall when faced with the harsh reality of life.
I usually don’t say much about the OST but this one has a few songs that really stood out and brought out the best in this drama (not to mention some tears too). Overall, a really good watch!! I’m going to miss this one!
Was this review helpful to you?
The ML is a hidden gem! He completely brought to life an introverted bookstore owner in his 20's that wasn't the typical stone-faced, pretty yet cold ML, but a flannel wearing, slightly disheveled, good looking guy that we might meet in real life. ML has this boyish charm and charisma that is so appealing... there's something about him that makes me smile when he smiles. There's not only depth and substance to the characters he portrays, but ML is hilarious with his micro expressions and comedic beat.
I adored the natural chemistry between the FL and ML. They interacted as a couple would and their simple hugs made the drama so sweet, because she fit in his arms so comfortably. ML and FL looked at each other with such adoration, I never got tired of watching the two of them together.
The story line itself was interesting and although there were plot holes here and there, I was more than willing to overlook them. This was a sweet and fun rom com that was well done and I'm loving these actors because they are genuinely good at their craft (and they can sing too if you listen to the OST!).
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I absolutely loved this drama for its simplicity and sincerity. It doesn't try to give you more than what it is, which is a sweet and fluffy rom com. The leads oozed with chemistry and I never got bored watching them. This drama stays away from extreme angst, evil antagonist, and unnecessary break ups which made it a refreshing and easy watch.It does take the leads a long time to get together but for once (shockingly), I didn't mind! There were enough sweet moments and quiet gazes between them that kept me interested and looking forward to the next episode. The time they spent together gaming and all their fate-like encounters were well choreographed and I saw why a beautiful idol star would fall in love with a college student. The ML did a great job, as his confidence, charisma, and boyish charm had me smiling and understanding why the FL would be reduced to a puddle around him. I also liked the portrayal of the FL who was independent and strong, yet she was vulnerable and leaned (but was not dependent) on those around her. The ML and FL both came across as equals in the relationship and I absolutely loved their natural chemistry (on and off screen!).
On a side note, the second female lead's struggle with depression was well done and I appreciated the story line. Depression is an uphill battle and right when you think you're okay, something can trigger you and take you right back to square one. It's not something you can just get over because everyone around you thinks its time to let go. It's a personal battle and not one you can fight on your own. I liked seeing how those around her supported her and stuck by her to the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A sweet drama that captured the essence of youth and friendship. This drama was a typical high school drama, yet it wasn't because it didn't follow through with a lot of cliches and tropes (possessive childhood friend/pushy SML). The ML and FL were well cast and had a sweet and endearing chemistry between them. The first few episodes were a little tough because of the FL's arrogance and righteous attitude, but there is character development and you see her grow and change as the drama progresses. The ML was charming and had a natural charisma which made their relationship sweet and believeable. The subtle things they did for one another and the reaction of their classmates to their bickering and flirting was funny and realistic. All the side characters were likeable and even though there were many, I felt like they all contributed in some way or another to the story line. Conflicts were resolved quickly and there was no unnecessary angst or drama.This drama also did a great job in showing the intense pressure high school students faced in taking the gaokao. It was probably one of the first youth dramas that made me teary and really feel for all of them (in every class). Class 7’s teacher was the hidden gem as his heart for his students was portrayed in the most sincere and heartfelt way (between him and the ost in episode 23 ... oh my goodness... so so good). I loved how the drama showed how there is more than one path to success and it's not always about being in the best class or going to the best university.
Was this review helpful to you?
