One of the best Chinese dramas I know...
All the characters were well-developed and lovable, especially the main leads. The ML is so refreshing because he's not rude or ignorant, he's actually very kind and funny. The FL is hilarious and I love her. There's romance but its also a lot more about friendship and high school. I'm keeping this short because it's been a while since I've watched it, but I'll definitely watch it again to refresh my memories. It's realistic and sweet in its own way, unlike most dramas these days. I'll always remember this drama when I refer to amazing dramas that I have watched.Go watch it now, you won't regret it.
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Great Cast / Familiar High School Romance Plot
Neu Hou is devasatingly handsome in the role of Hua Biao. This is a well-produced drama but the story is sort of your typical high school melodrama. As I was watching the overly-long series, I felt there must be a twist coming at the mid-point — namely the budding frienship between Nua Biao and Li Yu (played by Gala Zhang) might develop into a bromance or boy’s love story. That would have been a far more interesting plot and the two male leads have the right chemmisty to pull it off. A missed opportunity.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Chinese productions know the secret in making nostalgic, school dramas. This one is actually one of the best I've watched so far. However, there is a trop that they even couldn't escape: the open ending. Why, really why!, can't they give us a satisfying ending?! Anyway, other than slice of life - realistic ending, the story was sweet and full of the innocence of youth. The leads were especially adorable and everyone gave a good performance. The execution, moreover, was good overall. So, seven out of ten. Was this review helpful to you?
Best youth drama, EVER!
I'm not going to pretend that I'm an expert on dramas as I'm sure many of you out there have certainly watched more shows than I have but as someone who's casually watched Korean dramas and Chinese dramas for the past few years, I can confidently say that this is indeed the BEST YOUTH DRAMA I HAVE EVER WATCHED. EVER.The casting is spot on and each character plays their part PERFECTLY. I think they're mostly rookie actors but they did their best and the acting, though certainly not Oscar worthy, fit the drama extremely well.
As the synopsis says, this is a drama that tells the stories of five very different friends as they navigate their last year of high school in China. And it did it very well. There's the stress of the gaokao, the burden of financial problems, the loyalty amongst friends, the bond between teacher and students, family issues, and of course, some good ol' romance.
What was especially refreshing was the male lead. He's, surprise surprise, not some cold and arrogant CEO, not a bully to the girl he likes, and not a shitty guy to his friends or classmates. I really liked seeing a wholesome male lead for once in these dramas. The female lead was the most relatable character for me and I admired her so much. She's genuinely a positive role model for a lot of young kids out there. Not to mention their other three friends.
Maybe you've yet to experience what they have as 17 and 18 year olds or maybe you've already experienced that or maybe you're experiencing that right now. But I'm sure you'll end up seeing your youth in a positive light-- whether you're reminiscing it, anticipating it, or living through it right now.
You'll smile, you'll laugh, and you'll cry. But you're going to love every single moment of it. I can swear on it.
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i just finished watching this an hour ago and im telling you, i cried buckets of tears. this drama is so realistic and will tug your heart, make you laugh, and will make you look back on your younger years. it has a touch of everything: romance, family, friendship and what have you. this is so nostalgic (even the music) and made me reminisce my student life.
this drama is about the lives of five students, but hui biao's is the one that really caught me. he lost his parents at a such a young age and only got his grandma with him. despite that, he remains a happy kid and was always there for his friends whenever they need him. he remains optimistic and lively.
it has an open ending. and i think it was perfect because they are still too young to figure out their lives yet.
a must watch definitely *wink*
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This review may contain spoilers
Relatable! Highly addictive, touching, enjoyable!
I watched A Girl Like Me starring Neo Hou as Rong Xia and I wanted to see more of this handsome lad. He’s very cute! So good-looking! So, I decided to watch this drama. A bonus point was that the reviews for this drama were very good.What I loved/ Watch because:
-Casting is good and all the actors and actresses acted their parts well.
-Many scenes tugged at heartstrings.
-This drama has many meaningful quotable quotes / lines. I liked what they said about persevering, about believing in miracles, about accepting unfairness in life, about the need to work hard …
-I genuinely liked the characters in the drama. There wasn’t a single villain or awful schemer which was pleasantly refreshing and relaxing.
-The characters are, in general, well-developed and relatable. The parents weren’t perfect people but simply people who were trying their best to raise their kids. The kids weren’t perfect kids but youths trying to find their way at 18 years of age.
-The drama featured a time I knew and was nostalgic.
-The puppy love featured was sincere and tingly sweet.
-I liked that the characters in the show were genuine friends who looked out for one another and stayed steadfast in their friendship. I’d love to get myself a gang/ clique that’s loyal and tight like that!
-I found Yang Xi adorable in her silly way. She wasn’t the brightest of sparks and she had a temper but she’d a good heart. She showed a lot of growth in the drama as the female lead. Of course, I liked Hua Biao. He was very cute! I’d have loved to sit beside this monitor. I felt for this plight and his relationship with his grandma tugged at heartstrings.
-Music is good and fits.
-Rewatch value is good.
I just completed this drama in a short period of time as it’s addictive and easy to watch! I highly recommend this drama. It’s a gem. I miss it already. It has Reply1988 vibes and I loved Reply1988. But, this drama is its own drama in its own right.
Enjoy the ride with these youngsters. I did!
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A masterpiece
Just from the first episode you will know that this is a pure masterpiece. I've watched so many dramas but none of them made me feel good like this one. The series of events occurring in every single episode was pure gold. It relates to our student life so much that I almost forgot the boundary line between the drama and reality. Beautifully crafted, the characters were just chef's kiss. The OST was beyond this universe. You'll feel like a high school girl in every moment of this drama. I definitely recommend this. This is just magical, nothing elseWas this review helpful to you?
The ML’s character was very endearing, I can’t imagine anyone not love him. I just want to hug and assure him that he is doing such a good job with life at his age, I actually wouldn’t mind adopting him, lol! The FL is the epitome of immaturity in the most naive and innocent way possible. It was refreshing to see the actress nailed the job flawlessly. The other ML on the other hand (neighbor) could use some expression, I find him flat most of the time. The big winner of this drama is the grandma! Such a natural, I have seen really good older actresses in similar roles but my oh my Wu Yan Shu is a league of her own.
The cinematography of this drama can’t be beat, very nicely done. Music is so-so. Overall, I would say watch if you are feeling nostalgic and have no particular drama to watch on your list at the moment.
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Its a lighthearted, refreshing and nostalgic film about friendship .
They kept the over all tone at the same phase all throughout the film. The story was weaved perfectly, its simple but it tackled so much--- friendship, family and issues we face in normal life. The execution was superb, no exaggeration whatsoever.
The ending was bitter and sweet --- yet perfect.
Its a definitely a must watch if you want that tug in your heart.
Also, the main lead is eye candy. ??
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This review may contain spoilers
The story is nothing new. Two childhood best friends where one is in love with the other but suddenly enters a third person. But even if the plot is very common it is a must watch drama.If you liked a love so beautiful then you are surely gonna love this. The acting is on point. A very emotional and heartwarming journey with some cute moments. The two main leads really suited each other and the chemistry between them was really good.
At first felt a little bad for the best friend but loved the pairing of the main leads❤️
If you are looking for a drama full of laughs, cries, sweet moments and unforgettable friendship then this one's for you.
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Love, Family, and Friendship!
I love all the characters! Specially our silly Yang Daben (Yang Zi) and our clever Sang Biao (Hu Biao).I personally love how Hu Biao takes care of his GrandMa while enjoying his youth. There are some struggles along the way but its all worth it.
I love Hu Biao (main lead) so much but my heartaches with Master Li (Li Yu) everytime. I know how much he loves and cares for Yang Zi.
Honestly, I can't commend all my thoughts in this review but I want you (who's reading this) to please please please give this drama a shot. You'll never regret it.
Still hoping for a S2 where Hu Biao, Yang Zi, Li Yu, Si Tu Er, and Xiao Hai Mei (Bikers5) reunites.
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a cute coming of age drama guided by moralistic teachings as the youth confronts their day to day experiences at school and at home. It is a good narrative of their habitual interactions among family and friends. The story is touching and it has some really fun and heartwarming moments. The actors did a good job bringing the characters to life. Although there are romantic feelings, no romance is fully developed; the ending is a bit ambiguous and the story can be slow at times but it's still a nice drama. Was this review helpful to you?
