This review may contain spoilers
I originally started this drama almost a year ago as this was one of the first dramas I had ever watched that made me fall in love with Chinese dramas. And almost a year later, I decided to finally finish it. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with this drama that made me stop watching a year ago. I was actually mad at myself when I found out that I stopped watching this drama at ep 33 out of 36, but a few weeks ago I decided that I wanted to finish this drama, and the only way to do it was to start from the beginning (hence the 10/10 rewatch score.) When I first started getting into dramas, I somehow found myself only watching high school / college romance ones, but as I started exploring more into korean and chinese dramas, I strayed away from this narrative. So when I decided to rewatch this drama, it added a lot of nostalgia which ignited the love I had for these kind of dramas.
And I could go on and on about the things that I loved about this drama, but that would take super long and I doubt anyone would want to read my research paper. But I can say this: I loved the story of comeback and love in this drama. From the moment Yibai and Yun Duo met, it was an instant connection, even though it took them until ep 26 to finally confess. Their relationship was natural, and very innocent, yet passionate. I loved how they encouraged one another to reach their dreams, yet it took them a little bit to find the perfect mix between encouraging, yet finding their place in one another lives. Yun Duo, from day 1, knew that Yibai was special and no matter what, she would help him reach his dream of being the world's fastest swimmer, but because of that, she was willing to sacrifice her relationship with him, thinking she was a distraction. Yibai, on the other hand, was supportive of her dream, mentally, but didn't know how to express that to her in a way that she would feel supported. It honestly took until Lin Zi to call him out on it for him to realize. But once they finally confessed to one another, it seemed like nothing could tear them apart. Unfortunately, once that happened around ep 30, the drama seemed to take a turn and it seemed that QQ and Yangyang as well as Little One and Ouyang became the main characters in this drama. I think that is one of the things I didn't enjoy about this drama, not enough for me to not recommend it to anyone, but enough for me to be like, what happened to our main characters. Not only did the drama turn a little more intense because of Yibai's past catching up to him, but both Yibai and Yun Duo seemed to mature and change. Don't get me wrong, I am always happy for character development especially when in the beginning, both mains seemed to be kind of ditzy, but this is one of the only cases that I was ok with it. Even though they were both a tad air-headed, they were both very motivated people. Yun Duo, even though has lived through hardships, seemed to live in her own little bubble where everyone was always nice and would never do anything bad. Yibai had gone through hardships, worst than most, but his lax personality rubbed me a little in the wrong way that kind of left me with more questions. Don't get me wrong, Yibai has become a household name (in my house) for being "YaBoi" throughout the drama and especially the end, but he seemed to be so chill about things in his past that should have been important to ask questions. Such as Little One's disappearance. 4 years ago she was the main suspect in your suspension, and she "goes to study abroad" after this whole incident happened as well as after you rejected her feelings, saying that she was a little sister to you, yet in those 4 years, you didn't think it was weird that you both had 0 contact. Seems like ya'll were fake friends to me. It all seemed fishy to me. The 4 of them (Yibai, QQ, Ouyang, and Little One ) were best of friends in high school, yet after this incident, only Yibai and QQ remained friends. Then throughout the drama, QQ never seemed to care about Little One even after he found out what happened to her. Also, QQ and Ouyang never reconciled at the end. Makes me think QQ was just that guy in the group that everyone hungout with because he was Yibai's friend. Confused me.
I do believe, though, that QQ was my favorite character in this drama. He was quirky and straight to the point, except when it came for his romance with Yangyang. Plus, I admired the bromance he had with Yibai, but LOVED even more the friendship he had with Yun Duo. It seemed to me like he was acting the role of her big brother throughout the drama. Even though Yibai and him are "brothers," he was always protective of Yun Duo when Yibai did something stupid. Plus, after watching this drama, yes I am happy that Yibai made his comback, but I honestly thought that QQ was one of the strongest swimmers and I think that he would easily be on the national team along with Yibai and Ouyang. But one of the things I didn't like about him was how he treated Yangyang. Yes, they did get their "happily-ever-after" at the end, but to be honest, I didn't...care...per se. They definitely had more of a friendship relationship, which is cool, you want your best friend and partner to be the same person, but it did seem a little bland to me. The second time around when I started from the beginning, I skipped through all their parts. Happy they got together, but also, it's meh to me.
I also liked Lin Zi, but homie was a weirdo from the get go, always making moves on Yun Duo and catching her off guard, but to be honest, what didn't catch her off guard. It became a thing where she would react to everything with a surprised look. Especially all her open eyed shook kissing scenes. Weirded me out. But Lin Zi was cool, but just went about everything in a wild way. I see his good intentions...sometimes...but terrible execution. His ending was a little weird to me, but I also really disliked Cheng Mei so that doesn't help. Like the last time they had a conversation, he had told her if she didn't turn herself in for what she did to Yun Duo, he would make her life hell. Then we get this ending and I'm like, Lin Zi, please find someone better. But the drama also left "their" story open ended so I guess I can't be too mad? But also speaking of open ended endings, I thought Ouyang, even though a jerk, deserved better than Little One. It almost seemed that she finally gave up on her feelings for Yibai and decided that after all these years that she would give Ouyang a try. Given there was a 3 month time jump, she had some time, but she literally did some wild stuff to Yibai and for him that I think she needs to get some help before starting to get into a relationship with anyone.
I am sad that this drama came to an end, but I know that I will definitely want to rewatch this in the future. I recommend this drama to everyone even though the ending for the side characters were not my favorite, but I think Yibai and Yun Duo's story 100 times over makes up for it. I will also 100% go back and rewatch my favorite Yibai and Yun Duo moments in eps 26, 27, (30sih), 34, and 35. Also, of course, the ending scene in ep 36.
Also*** If you are going to watch this drama, do not watch the ending credits until the last ep. Literally, the ending credits are all important scenes from the last episode as well as major plot points throughout the drama. If you want to be spoiled then go ahead, but I always only watch the beginning credits in the first ep only, and the ending credits in the last. Almost like the opening credits give me a first glance at the drama, but only once, and the ending credits will always give everything away so I watch it at the end of the series.
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Silly name, seriously great drama
Don’t let the title fool you, this is not a silly fantasy drama. It’s a great slice of life romcom with a good storyline and great characters. It follows the lives of a top notch college swim team and their trials. The hidden past of the male lead and who drugged his drink and got him banned from swimming four years ago is what the story is centered around. And when a comatose patient wakes up after four years, things get dicey.There’s a lot of cliche drama tropes here like amnesia, a hidden past, tripping right into the male leads arms several times, and staring longingly at one another for several minutes numerous times. But despite these typical drama scenes I was drawn in by the chemistry of the lead couple and the colorful side characters. The swim team members were hilarious. I loved how they always had each other’s backs. And the male leads mom was absolutely adorable. Her crazy antics trying to get her son to date the female lead (not knowing he already liked her) were too cute and I loved her bubbly personality.
This drama has a lot of heartwarming moments between the characters that are so endearing. I also like how there was so much maturity and character growth throughout the show. The underlying message of fighting for your dreams and never giving up no matter how bad things get resonated with me.
And getting to watch all of the really hot actors walk around in their swim trunks flashing us their abs all the time made this an easy and pleasant watch. Every single swim team member had amazing abs. I also like that even though there’s angst and sadness, nothing is overdone or lasts too long.
If you like cute romcoms that are low on angst, high on romance, with lots of sweet touching moments and some nice side couples then this is for you.
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This review may contain spoilers
What I like the best about this drama that it teach a very meaningful things for life. A bad condition might be a blessing in disguise. It teaches us there is always rainbow after the rain, and even if anyone is struggling, work hard to fight it and one day you will realize, it's all part of journey of the greater good. I love drama with this kind of additional hidden meaning.
the drama itself is such an eye candy. Both male and female lead are very likable. I wasn't really both fans from the start, I thought Dylan wasn't really that attractive at all (before this drama) and honestly his role in this drama totally blown that thoughts away. He is such an eye candy, the smile, the romance which is so smooth, and the interaction between the buddies. The female lead who is super adorable, dares to stand up against truth and bullies. Their chemistry is definitely the best
the other thing I love about this drama is the 2nd couple, QRF is super narcissistic but no one is as loyal as him. He is one of my favorite character in the drama and his love with Yang Yang is as adorable as the first lead.
Definitely recommending everyone to watch this!!!
* the MIL support is absolutely adorable too!
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It has many involvements that I could say, was nicely done.
It talks also about family, friendship, persistence and patient to reach your dreams, acceptance, courage to face the truth, losing. This story is maybe too long but I have enjoyed watching this.
The story is nice. I like how the relationship of Tang Yibai and Yun Duo step up little by little. Though, I could say that the pacing is a bit slower for them to become lovers but I understood it since this is not just about love.
The cast and their acting is awesome. I like how they executed each role was given to them. I like Yun Duo's personality being able to understand things positively and standing with her principle on what is right and what is convenient way for a problem to resolve. I like also Yangyang's personality. Qi Ruifeng and Her as just the same who is afraid to confess but I'm glad they were given an ending they both deserve.
The music is also nice but not at all too. There are part of the ost that is okay for me but there are some that ain't fitted with my taste.
Only the ending is quite unsatisfactory but all in all, this drama is a recommended one.
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This review may contain spoilers
Motivational feel-good drama
This is one of the few Chinese dramas that I like. The leads and the secondary leads act really well. The casting is good. Except for a few over-the-top acting, they've done a good job. Even the over-the-top acting is endearing.I love Yibai's mother! It's nice to have a non-evil mother-in-law that pushes the female and male leads to get together. QQ is an adorable character. Narcissistic as he is, he's a really good friend, a sunshine person and overall good guy. While QQ is Yibai's best friend, it's his friendship with Yun Doa that's the most enviable.
The main angsty antagonist-type guy Lin Zi : homeboy has been stalkerish since the beginning. I have to grudgingly admit that he's a good brother. However, homeboy is creepy, manipulative, spineless and kind of a jackass. It completely negates the tiny bit of sympathy that he attracts.
The so-called best friend of Yun Doa is quite the conniving backstabbing bitch, and I hated her since day 1. However, she ends up being a good friend. Atleast you don't resent her behaviour because she was just jealous and openly admits to it.
The mystery-sister plotline is tiring and dragged. The whole misunderstanding is her fault. In fact, the incident is her fault (even though Yibai takes the blame in himself). She's in a coma for 30+ episodes (4+ years, folks!), getting emergency surgery every 2 minutes. Then, she suddenly wakes up - and, that's right- memory loss!! The day after she wakes up, she gives her sleeping brother a slip and walks, cool as a cucumber, into Yun Doa's office, with the creepiest Annabelle smile. I wish I had a doctor like that-- one that turns a comatose patient into a ninja. Then the writers remember that she was in a coma for the last 4+ years and she loses her ability to walk. She has an almost obsession with Yibai. Turns out, she's a suicidal maniac who was pretending to lose her memory. I think the stalker gene runs in the family. So does the evil manipulation gene. Urgh. The maniac takes a walk down the memory lane, quite literally and gets almost hit by a car (again), forcing Yibai to rescue her and in the process, flare his old knee injury. Atleast Ouyang Heng realises he misunderstood him and becomes friendly (friendlier).
The male lead (Yibai) is good-looking and has a pleasing personality. However, he's too laid back when it comes to a few things. He doesn't confess till episode 27! He expects the female lead to be a mind-reader and confuses her with his affections. Get a grip buddy!
The female lead Yun Doa is a ditzy female with 2 left feet. Typical cliche wide-eyed doe that's always in the need for rescuing. She keeps herself busy by falling into various bodies of water. You've drowned 4 times! Learn swimming, chica! Atleast, learn to float. There's an instance where she purposely jumps into the pool fully clothed and wearing shoes to get Yibai's attention (he's practicing his breathing underwater wearing earphones). Ay ay ai.
At the end of the day, the leads to make a good pair and are quite good for eachother.
The secondary couple QQ and Yangyang are fun to watch. They have more heavy misunderstandings but it's a pair you root for.
It is annoying that there's very little character development or arc in the first 30 episodes of a 36-episode series!!
Overall, it's a good motivational drama that talks about chasing your dreams, believing yourself, staying calm in the face of adversity and never giving up.
Special mention: the OST is really good! I really liked all the songs, especially, the title track and 'across the Pacific'.
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Worth watching, loved it ♥️
I really enjoyed this drama, worth watching let me tell you after watching this drama I really got to know that 0.01 sec of time is also so important in life , It can make you achieve your dreams.This drama was just like a roller coaster of emotions with bust of serotonin.
All the actors and actresses gave 100% justice to the Characters, I personally loved the Tang Yi Bai, Qi rui feng, Xiang Yang Yang♥️
I really admire both the main leads Tang Yi Bai (Dylan Xiong) and Yun Duo (Seven tan).
Tang Yi Bai was calm , yet confident everytime , he faced each and every obstacle with smile oh his face , he was really determined and Yun Duo really helped him a lot. Their chemistry was really cute , those couple interrupt movement lol they were just so cute !
The song sung by both the leads is really soothing just loved it , With a perfect ending ♥️
I would highly recommend this drama , guys watch thiss (I know I watch it really late ,but hands down really loved it)
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The story was really interesting and when I found out that it was inspired by a real athlete, it immediately got my interest. Different from my usual drama's, I love that there was no love/hate relationship from the Female Lead and the Male lead at the beginning and that there most of the time good relationship between them. I appreciate that the writers didn't create that much rift between them in times of those that they fight. I'm a sucker for romance so I appreciate that they are quite affectionate and that they have a good chemistry. It was really interesting that at the beginning the behind what happened on his suspension wasn't really given that much importance since it was such a huge part of the story. Usually directors would put clips on the behind incident to create that suspense but I think it wasn't emphasized enough, which I really love since we got to really see their friendship and trust for each other groom. I kind of laughed at myself that at the end I was like "oh yeah, the suspension there's that. what really happened?"
Acting/Cast (8.5/10)
I love the Female and Male lead. They really do have that chemistry. I love the actors in this drama. Kudos to the casting director, he/she did a good job on picking actors for their role.
Music (9/10)
Out of all the CDrama's that I have watched, this one probably has the most OST's that I really loved. I don't usually search OST's cause they are not technically my cup of tea but some of the scenes in on the drama really fit the songs and it just made me more invested in the situation.
Rewatch Value (9/10)
Definitely gonna watch it again since I really love that their is an ample amount of skinship with the female and male lead. I usually find some scenes in Cdrama's either corny or cringy, but I really love the Female and male lead's chemistry and interaction.
Overall (8.5/10)
Its a good drama that I would definitely recommend. It showcases the perseverance and will in fighting for your dream that despite the obstacles and trials, its not over until you say and believe that it is. You only loose when you have given up. That with dozens of reasons and factors that say's you can't there will be hundred to thousands of reasons that you can!
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I actually strangely enjoyed this, I think both the actors have like a really cute positive vibe that comes from them. I think Tan Songyun, is such a good actor! She has such a bubbly personality which really helped her with the character, and how they both just wanted to be with each other!
I enjoyed this, and the dog in the show as well! <3
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Of the young/new adult 'slice of life' C-dramas I've watched lately, the main couple here is incredibly endearing. They have that shy, cute smile energy from the beginning, and they look like they are having a lot of fun. The secondary characters, such as Tang Yi Bai's mother or his swim team friends, overact but are equally endearing. The cast was really enjoying themselves.
But that's the only 'mode' of the show 20 episodes in. There's no real tension or conflict. There is this big mystery/tragedy hanging in the air, but it's not been revealed in anyway. I kept waiting for the show to pick up...but it just keeps skipping along.
So while the couple is perhaps my favorite, I ended up dropping this one . . .
Music is quite good - there's not much I'd rewatch.
Complex Themes -3
(Maybe this will appear later? But besides be a good person - follow your dreams! Not much going on.)
Character Growth -3
(Characters seem to be very fixed. Even in the flashback scenes, they all seem to have the same personalities. Yun Duo does show more range than the others.)
Nuanced Women -7
(Yun Duo is sweet and bubbly as one would expect in this type of show, but she is also strong, opinionated with good morals. She has a lot of grit/resilience. By episode 20, they had not done much with the other women characters ).
Cinematography/Production Values - 6
(They did find one olympic swimming pool, and one gym to shoot the sports scenes. But the show is fairly claustrophobic between pool, gym, outside the pool, Yun Duo's work and Tang Yi Bai's house. Tang Yi Bai and his friend Qi Rui Feng are in good shape and do an OK job/believability at being swimmers, but the rest of the swimmers do not - and the 'stretching' exercising scenes are a bit laughable).
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I also want to give a special "Thank You" to the (Just Keep Swimming Volunteer Team) for such a great and fast subtitle. They made the Eng Sub really fast and I loved it cause I couldn't wait longer to watch the episodes. Fighting!!!
Without any further, you need to watch this show because it is very addicted and really Great!!! ????? I promise ??
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Story: I really liked the story and, it went down very smooth and at the end of ever episode I wanted to watch more and more. Also the characters were well introduced and likable. Although one could see through some of the twists and turns, it was enjoyable to watch.
Acting/Cast: I started watching this drama, because I liked Tan Song Yun in "The Whirlwind Girl 2" and I wanted to see more of her acting and I was not disappointed. Apart from that I really liked the comedy some of the characters showed like from Huang Sheng Chi.
Music: To be honest, I watched this drama a while ago, so I can't realldy remember the music that much. BUT it didn't remind me of something negative, so I guess it went well with the scenes and the drama overall, so still a 7.5 ;)
Overall: I will give this 10/10, because it's just a very sweet drama with feelings and characters everybody knows and understands. It's relaxing to watch and makes one smile. For me it was a great start and kind of a comeback to watch chinese or asian series more ^_^
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