Well, personally, I've been so fed up with xianxia dramas with repeated concepts. I understand that most xianxia dramas involve reincarnation, multiple lives and all, but I just find this concept too used. The thing is I've already read the novel "Zhu Yan" and so far, I really love the story of Zhu Yan and Shi Ying. The novel is actually a xuanhuan, but the drama is a semi-xianxia because so far, I've seen few changes from the original piece. The added scene (the childhood part) is amazing, knowing how shallow the first meeting Zhu Yan and Shi Ying in the novel.

One thing I love about the drama version is the fact that both actors are doing really great in portraying their characters. I've always picture Shi Ying as elegant, and as handsome as hell like Xiao Zhan. I've always known how good is Ren Min when it comes to expression herself, be whatever role that is.

I love how the drama give emphasis to the entanglement of Ah Yan and Ying's life without ruining the added scenes.

The one I'm looking forward the most actually is the scenes after volume 1.
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CompletedDianRoss
7 people found this review helpful
Other reviews by this user 0
Overall9.5
Story8.5
Acting/Cast10
Music8.0
Rewatch Value10
This review may contain spoilers
love Xiao Zhan visual

I don't know about dramas, I think they are pretty good and their visuals spoil audiences like me who are not used to watching Chinese dramas..
but this drama presents quite an interesting visual, for the storyline the plot is quite fast but what makes it interesting is the good acting of Xiao zhan and ren min, even though their chemistry hasn't built much, hopefully as the story develops their chemistry will get stronger, regardless of the blasphemy the visual ren min who was slammed by xiao zhan is quite concerning, hopefully ren min can silence the haters with his good acting and can keep up with xiao zhan who has also developed a lotRead More

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Xiao zhan

most of the watchers of this drama, I too watched this solely because of Xiao Zhan. The drama was quite good but, it left me a little disappointed. I expected a drama to which I could atleast give a 8.5 rating, which I could not because of its many flaws.

This drama is based on the story of young heroes of army, who strived hard to become the legendary Ace Troops. It tells us about their lives and dreams and how they made it through all the dark situations, which forced them to make difficult choices regarding their life and career. This drama revolves around Gao Liang, Gu YiYe and Jiang NanZheng. They came from different backgrounds and have different personalities. Although, Gao Liang and Gu YiYe were rivals in both career and love, they were great friends and cherished eachother.

The character development in this drama was an aspect that I liked. With their passing time in the army, all the characters learned new meanings and aspects of life, which became turning points in their lives. Gu YiYe's character arc was the best out of the three. As the story went on, he transformed from an proud, arrogant, know-it-all soldier to an ideal person, without altering his original traits.

The pace of this drama was really draggy. I had to fast forward many times. But, the ending was really heart warming. The romance plot in this was just meh, excepet for YiYe and A'Xiu's part. They were a perfect match. Although, YiYe married A'Xiu out of responsibility, it then turned out to be true love. I really liked it when A'Xiu told that she would rather squeeze in the small house that let YiYe take off his uniform. She had someting that noone else could give him. Another thing that I loved in this drama was the portrayal of the bond between the soldiers. They know how to care for others as well as fight

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Story:
A slice of life that did a remarkable job portraying how specific life choices molded people into who they become. They all didn’t start off as great or evil characters but because of the people they chose or the choices they made. I think the best part about this story was that it felt true to real world circumstances. The writers truly made you analyze every individual character and the choices they made. It wasn’t easy to just stamp good or bad on them because they didn’t make the choices because of ill intentions but because of human characteristics such as jealousy, sadness, etc. The storyline was cohesive and fluid and allowed us to understand where it went wrong or right for every character. Really a well written script!

Acting:
The actors in this drama did an exceptional job including the supporting cast members. There are 3 actors that were great and really showed their acting prowess - Xiao Zhan, Li Qin & Liu Ruilin. Xiao Zhan really impressed me with how much he improved and how well he was able to portray his character. The scenes where he was supposed to portray grief really hit hard. It wasn’t over the top but felt that he understood how his character would portray that specific emotion.

Would I Recommend:
Yes! I understand the time span of this drama might not be the most appealing and it even swayed me a little. I thought it would be a drama that I would come in for the male lead but not enjoy the story as much except for maybe certain parts. However, I was truly impressed by how much I enjoyed it and even rewatched episodes while waiting for new ones. So, if you could get past the 70s era than I think people can truly enjoy it because it really is a great slice of life drama with an incredibly written script.
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CompletedJuliet Godwin
20 people found this review helpful
Other reviews by this user 0
Overall10
Story10
Acting/Cast10
Music8.0
Rewatch Value9.5
Awesome

Im placing this drama with the level i placed some Cdrama classic faves like Nothing But Thirty (2020) and Go Ahead (2020).

Very relatable and educating. very good drama and it shows how time can change people.
Came for the Male Lead and stayed for the story.
too bad is coming to an end but i really enjoyed it. i rarely a movie person, this drama kept me captivated and comiong back for more. kudos to the actors and team that made this. My emotions are still raw because this drama was so relatable from high point to low point of each character.
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CompletedSnail that arrived
8 people found this review helpful
Other reviews by this user 0
Overall10
Story10
Acting/Cast10
Music10
Rewatch Value10
A fascinating tapestry of life

A masterful period drama that is well worth seeing even if that isn't your usual cup of tea (like in my case).

An excellent script about the life of one Xiao Chunsheng and people around him, starting from the turbulent times at the end of Cultural Revolution onwards, brought to life by incredible acting is the shortest way to sum up this drama. Something that is probably the biggest problem currently in Chinese entertainment - good writing - was annulled by the expert pen of Xu Bing, the scriptwriter of this drama and then flashed out by an excellent group of young actors, led by a masterful performance by Xiao Zhan.

Can the strongest friendships of our youthful days survive the trials and tribulations of adult life? At the most difficult times that no person should face, what are the choices one will make and why? Why do some stray off the moral path and why do some stuck to it? Are idealism and realism two incompatible ways of looking at life? Are our first loves, no matter how memorable, the ones that will last through the trials of adulthood?

Can a person stick to their original righteous intention and live their life through according to their core principles no matter what life keeps throwing at them?

All this and much more is answered and presented to us while the characters grow in front of our eyes, wondering the very authentic streets of Beijing in the 70s, suffer in war fields and finally live their adult lives, changed by the harsh realities of life itself from the youth they once were. They are all distinct characters, fully realised and their actions are always understandable. The viewer may hate some of them but will always know the why. There is no excessive or unreasonable emotion. All scenes are there for a reason and help tightly weave this fascinating story that will keep you glued to the screen.

Is it a perfect drama? No, there is no such thing as perfection and there are always things one can nitpcik but this one, like Xiao Chunsheng himself, strives to get there, sticks throughout to what it set out to do from the start and ultimately succeeds in delivering. It does not get any closer to perfect than that. You will not be sorry if you give it a chance.Read More

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The best youth drama

This drama is just so precious and pretty that I just HAD TO make an account on this website to review it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AND I'VE PROBABLY WATCHED KAZILLION DRAMAS may it be korean, chinese, taiwanese, japanese, even anime, etc. but this just really comes into my "WOULD PROBABLY REWATCH THIS A FEW MORE TIMES CAUSE IT MADE ME FEEL SO GIDDY & HAPPY." Up to you to not watch it but just know that you're missing out.

PLUS, HI? HELLO? Look at that gorgeous Hu Yi Tian in this drama. I probably would've appreciated it more if had cried. Like a tear would have sufficed. BUTTTTT, nonetheless, I would still rewatch this. Seeing him so in love with a girl in this drama made me just want to find a boyfriend stat. lol

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Dream" is about team spirit as a positive force that allows a group to excel itself. The KMovie is carefree, harmless and heartily. However, it is not trivial, as it sides with those commonly referred to in society as the weak.

You shouldn't expect too much, then everything works quite well. Obviously, IU and Park So-joon are the show's carthorses. But that doesn't do justice to the rest of the cast, who all contribute their unique esprit. “Dream” comes across as teamwork through and through.

Although it was filmed at original locations in Budapest, somehow, in my opinion, the casting (unfortunately) often enough doesn't work so well, when Korean productions are dependent on actors from different origin. For whatever reason. Even if it's only supporting roles or extras in this case, they seem to be rather amateurish. Hm.

All in all: “Dream” is a KMovie for high spirits and light fare. Not intrusive. With a few flaws here and there. However, also with some well-placed, wonderful and valuable messages in passing.
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Completedabcdefg
98 people found this review helpful
Other reviews by this user 0
Overall10
Story10
Acting/Cast10
Music9.0
Rewatch Value10
The most youthful youth drama!

The best youth drama I have watched this year. Felt like I lived the high school life I always wanted through them. The scenes did not feel like cringe at all but showed how crushing on someone at that age looks so innocent and lovely. No unnecessary dramas and no dull moments. The love between them won my heart and got me kicking the air and dying of jealousy. However, I find the lines to be more powerful and even a simple line went really deep to my heart. A simple drama that I can't recommend

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best drama

Best best best show! I have got so many of my Indian friends addicted to this show! It's flawless! What chemistry!! Imagine having Hyun bin character in real! His smile and his positivity will ball you over! His acting was always praised but this one did a huge number to us .
We love him and his character is our most favorite ever. You have lived us through so many emotions, you have made us cry, we felt pain when u were hurt, we were happy n clapping when you hugged her and we were worried when you crawled out from tunnel.Thankyou director for giving us him.

The casting is spot on! From the leads to support, no one could have played these characters better than this crew. First of it's kind that I have gone n googled n Instagram followed a supporting cast! Go n sweep away all the awards of this year. You have set a benchmark and it will take a while to some other Kdrama to match you. The writer knows his characters and these actors have really skinned their characters especially Dan's mom ( who was also in Oscar winning movie parasite), the way she speaks English n says "oh my gosh". It's quite tough to say who is my favorite supporting cast. Maybe it's all four soldiers and Dan's mom!

Yejin, Se-ri, she has never played such a fun character before who is Rich but street smart. I am just smiling when I see them together.
She never played a victim and that's what made this drama more interesting. The way she looks at him and gets all worked up wen he answers he is okay. She knows he is always pained. She wants to help him by stepping back , n we feel that emotion of hers! Best expressions she ever gave on the show was wen she takes him shopping and he steps out in a suit . Omg not only her jaws fall down, mine too along with 1million girls watching the show!!!
They have paid so much attention to detail that even his video game name was "tomato cultivator" because se ri had gifted him a tomato plant. Such small small details not only makes us smile but wonder how romantic the writer is himself!

Definitely kdramas have fate as their backbone story but it's so touching that you become their cheerleaders. I have watched all the episodes at least 4 times in loop! I am glad to learn Korean language and I m so eager to visit South Korea!

From secret garden to something in the rain, you both have got the crown of king n queen of melodrama respectively but this show has made u both king and queen of our hearts forever. It's gem and we will treasure this forever. I will still smile and blush and cry and cheer for this every time I see it .

Special mention of beautiful OST. Amazing songs and lyrics. Descendants of the sun and Globin had their ost on billboard charts and now Cloy is taking over!

I would like to thank the crew of crash landing who have worked round clock to deliver this . I remember reading news of cast falling sick because of tight deadlines. Thank you u deserve all that applause.

Main cast to supporting cast, everyone just stands out and has their own charm. It's one of those few shows, in which u will have favorite supporting actor and will always remember their character and their names. Amazing bonding with leads, their humour to their feelings, when they unite, I m sure even the toughest heart will cheer and have a tear! Screenplayng is their backbone . Now it's over, what I am going to do on my weekends??
Plz come to India also. U have massive fan following here!
1632 people found this helpful.

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Xiao Zhan always acting naturally

Young designer Sheng Yang (Xiao Zhan) meets his longtime idol award-winning director Jian Bing (Bai Baihe). Despite a 10 year age difference he has a strong affection for her and she’s drawn to him as well. He tries to be a little ray of sunshine to brighten her life.
Filmed in the city of Chongking this workplace drama has a movie feel to it. The way it’s shot, the attention to detail, and the great city scapes make for a very artistic urban atmosphere.
In addition to the slice of life story surrounding Sheng Yang and Jian Bing, the drama depicts struggles faced in different generations and stations in life, broaching hot-button issues such as sexism, ageism and bullying.
The acting is natural and on point - cast and crew included seasoned professionals along with fresh faces.
Xiao Zhan is an impressive actor with great range. He has three dramas of different genres in 2023 with three very different characters. The loyal persistent social cow Xiao Chun Sheng, the cool reserved high priest Shi Ying, and now the joyful and warm puppy Sheng Yang. Sheng Yang is so real that after just a few episodes I feel like I know him.
Sunshine By My Side is an interesting and entertaining watch so far. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds! this is very nice drama

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