This drama has EVERYTHING. Romance, family, friendship, school and career --- everything is tackled in this...and they did it so beautifully. This is definitely one of those dramas that are a gem to find, you don't expect it to be good but IT IS. The plot, writing, cinematography, acting and directing was perfection. No pointless jealousy and no unecessary angst.
There isn't too much or too little of anything. Looking for a light romcom with a sprinkle of realism? THIS IS IT. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THIS IS THE DRAMA THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!!! WATCH THIS. NOW. You won't regret it! It's available on YouTube too!! Go go go!
Was this review helpful to you?
Casts and Storyline were amazing!
The original novel title caught my attention and I instantly marked the drama!! I could feel myself getting sucked into the series slowly as the episodes progressed and I really loved the casts in the show and their relationships (e.g. The sisterly bonds between Zhao Qiao Yi and Hao Wu Yi)Qiao Yi is someone that slightly wears her heart on her sleeve and Yan Mo on the contrary is always indifferent about most things...except Qiao Yi. So it was really nice to see how Yan Mo tried to be more affectionate towards Qiao Yi yet be like 'uh no im not concerned at all'.
The chemistry between the two leads were really good and their interactions were as natural as this series, I enjoyed watching every single moment of them being together and slowly coming closer.
I also think that the styling on Qiao Yi was great, as the series managed to show her mature and grow with the outfits her character wears over the years and at the same time kept it visually appealing - she looked so pretty throughout the series!!
Lastly, Qiao Yi's family is really adorable. Her parents are very supportive of her and her goals and her step-dad is really sweet towards his step-children. Her mother, while constantly berating Qiao Yi for her ignorance and actions, deep down really cares for her and would secretly support her within her means - which I think many asian children may be able to relate to.
I hope to be able to pick up the original novel again when I come across it to support the author for blessing me with such a good love story ♥
Was this review helpful to you?
The chemistry, the plot, the relationship between the main leads, 2nd couple and the family is just so touching.
You will never regret watching this one eventhough the teenager part is a bit long for my preference.
Another plus point is that this story is from the writer's own story which made it more realistic and touching with no exaggerated part.
Thus overall this one is definitely a must watch drama for those who love Chinese drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The drama is based on a novel which tells a true story of the author's youth and what she has gone through and the people she encountered, especially her husband.At first I was a bit hesitant to watch in case it was too draggy, but I'm so glad that I watched it cause the plot was amazing. It showed development of each character which were realistic to how people growing up would be. We have our main protagonist, Qiao Yi who is your average student but doesn't always excel in studies and you have Yan Mo a very aloof but top student. We see the unfolding of a relationship between two very unlikely pairings. The troupe of having a smart guy and dumb girl isn't new but usually its played off with so much exaggeration it can be quite annoying to watch the story further. However for this drama, I see that Yan Mo starts coming out of his stoic bubble and slowly helps Qiao Yi out in his own way. His efforts are sometimes questioned by Qiao Yi but he means well and she knows that. The fact that most of the scenes are flashbacks and they're talking based on the perspective after being married to one another also pushed me further to completing the series in one sitting. At least there's reassurance that they have their happy ending.
The prominent scene in the drama/ the prominent line from the novel was somewhere along the lines of
"How is the person you adored in high school doing now?" Which came from Qiao Yi when she was a TV writer and before she and Yan Mo made amends after separating in high school. This wasn't responded by Yan Mo until years later as they reminisced about their past with the absence of another. He finally answered with, " She became my wife and now she sleeps beside me". I combusted. It's not cheesy at all but gosh, it got me hooked to wanting to rewatch this drama. When watching them grow up, it was bittersweet when they didn't have one another but necessary because it allowed both of them to become comfortable with the thought of being with themselves but fate decided that they were even better when they are together.
Other characters had a lot of development and I really appreciated it. A lot of plots tend to forget that characters which aren't the main leads also play a role in contributing to the plot too. Hao Wu Yi is deadly loyal but still very childish. She tends to live in her own bubble but it's her way of coping with not wanting to grow up. Guan Chao is the typical eldest sibling who seems to berate Qiao Yi but is silently supporting and protecting her. Da Chuan is almost like a free spirit in a sense but works hard despite people having misconceptions about him. HWY and DC played a vital role in making sure QY would we supported and in return she supports them wholeheartedly and is loyal. Friends play a significant role in ensuring that you won't get left behind in the world and if it felt like you did, they'll walk along beside you in the journey.
The songs were great and represented different arcs of the drama so no questions for it.
As for the cast, Janice Wu and Zhang Yu Jian's chemistry felt so natural and their acting was suitable for the characters they played. Ma Li did a great job for her role and I was convinced by her acting. Quite surprised that this was her first main role ever.
I suggest everyone should also give a chance to read the novel, it's called " I Don't Like This World, But I Like You".
Was this review helpful to you?
Best. Drama. Ever.
This drama swept me away rather quickly and I ended up unable to move on for about a week.Admittedly, the format is a little confusing because the story takes place at three different times, but it is fairly easy to keep up and anyone who watches this will quickly get invested in the relationship of Yan Mo and Qiao Yi.
This is a very slow-burn sort of drama and there’s a lot of pining and longing and the main couple have quite the history, but their relationship feels real. The relationship is very special and chemistry-charged and the developments feel hard-won, but thankfully there are other relationship to enjoy. The familial relationship between Qiao Yi and her brother, between both of them and their step-father, between the step-father and their mother, between Qiao Yi and her best friend, etc. Really, it’s the relationships and the realistic nature of them that really make the entire show. The characters feel like human beings with complex emotions that run beneath the surface, not the typical over-exaggerated actions and reactions like other dramas tend towards,
When I found out that this was based off a true story, it made me love it even more and I think this is one of those classic dramas that won’t easily be forgotten under the multitudes of new dramas being released every year.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This show is Real and Shows the Messiness of A Relationship
It has not been directly mentioned in the show description but, because of my extended family experience with it, my assessment of Yan Mo is that he has some sort of autism spectrum disorder (ASD, probably Asperger's). I love that the story is based on real life and the manner in which the characters have been written and portrayed. Living and loving someone with ASD can be challenging at times (as shown by the awkward moments sprinkled throughout and this show really highlights that it is possible with the right partner.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This Drama Has an Underrated Charm
I cannot remember ever rooting for a couple as I did with the 2 main leads - Qiaoyi and Yan Mo because the love story in this one was just incredible. I started watching the first episode and just knew it was going to be a good one when I realized that the 2 leads have such great chemistry. How do I know that this drama completely blew my mind? The fact that it had my absolute worst Asian drama trope (the "smart guy, stupid/dumb girl") AND YET still got me hooked. I felt every heartbreak, mourned the misunderstandings and rejoiced when Qiaoyi and Yan Mo finally got together (yeeees, there's a happy ending!!!)Let's talk about the story (which I learnt after finishing the drama was based on a real couple). It is so realistic, which makes sense in hindsight. because there weren't any cliches (I promise) Instead we got an imperfect supposed-to-be-ordinary-but-completely-isn't kind of love story. The casting for this drama was perfect. The acting was a bit lacking. But did I mention the chemistry? I really loved the documentary camera style and the seamless way the plot weaved through the past and the future.
In sum, binge-worthy, great love story.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I loved the fact that this is a true story but I definitely had a few problems with it. I feel like it could have been condensed, I skipped quite a few scenes. We got a lot more romantic scenes that progressed the romantic relationship with the secondary couple compared to the main couple which I found frustrating! I really liked some of the main couples interactions but I was left wanting more.I really didn't like the acting by some of the cast. Some was very over the top especially when it came to Dachaun's character and Wuyi's character. It was cringe at times which made me want to skip some of their scenes.
I didn't really notice the music therefore doesn't stand out for me.
I don't think I'll be watching it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Okay, I won't write what I liked as you can see it in any other review but I would like to write what I didn't.First of all the story is a bit vague and confusing in beginning but don't leave it.Trust me DON'T(For at least the 2nd ML(male lead))**SPOILERS AHEAD**
Ok those who have watched a bit know that the songs r a bit depressing which may lead u to think the drama is also sad but its NOT. Then while I loved it chemistry between all 3 leading pairs but I have few complains like qioyi's and guanchao's parents acc to me focused only on qioyi. Wuyi ignoring Guanchao every single time and not trusting him was also wrong was also not right.Also the last episode was not that great.
But apart from that its BRILLIANT. AND PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RECOMMEND ME AN DRAMA SIMILAR TO SECOND LEADS (GUANCHAO AND WUYI) AND DON'T WORRY THIS IS A REVIEW ONLY
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I have to write this down before I move on to another drama La very heartwarming and incredible drama.A lot of youth cdramas starts with a puppy love or unrequited love in their teen years and they would soon reunite years after.This one definitely is just so fluffy and cute.Since it"s a real life story it doesn"t look cliche to me.The chatacters are very much relatable.Starting with Yanmo who keeps his poker face on right from the very start till the end of the drama.Qaoyi the sweetest and cutest female lead.The actors were very convincing in their role and the chemistry was offcharts.The sibling bond and friendship felt so real.It was simply amazing.I've always like the cold Naoki type looks cold on the outside but warm on the inside .I just feel in love with this drama probably 2nd to ALSB.one of those doramas where it would take me a week or so to move on.
The songs were amazing and the pacing of the story and the development of the characters were good.
I feel nostalgic watching this kind of dramas thinking what my life would be if i ever experienced falling in love in my high school years.i believe that would be the nicest feeling.
A must watch drama.I don't know if it's your cup of tea but better give it a try and it will get you hooked.
Was this review helpful to you?
