Twenty Your Life On (2020)

A Look Into the Lifestyles of 20 Year Olds in China

I know there's a lot of differing opinions on this drama - some think it is really realistic, others think it is a Mary Sue drama wearing the mask of "realistic". Personally, I think it is the former option. All the characters are very realistic, with their faults and positive aspects. None of them are perfect, nor are they just a prop full of faults for people to hate. I personally think that was the best part of the show. It was also really hopeful, and all of the characters were so optimistic and full of hope for the future, which was also really nice to see in a drama.

SOME SPOILERS HERE:

Plot: The plot was okay. It wasn't amazing, but it did make sense overall. The way they wrote most of the relationships was really nice (including friendships, parental relationships and romances), and they were extremely believable. I actually think that the fact that none of the couples got together at the end makes sense, especially given their personalities. For example, Luo Yan and Lu Ran should have been an amazing couple because they have similar interests, but because both are entering their first relationship (I assume) and some coincidental problems, there ends up being a huge problem between them: lack of trust. People think Da Bao and Da Xiong ought to have been together because they just fit together so well, but the sad reality is sometimes you just don't like the person that is the best fit for you. Since I'm still young and haven't entered work yet, I don't know how realistic Xiaoguo's storyline was, but it was entertaining nonetheless! My biggest complaint is I think Zhao Youxiu should have entered the picture earlier so he and Liang Shuang could have gotten together earlier. Also, the ending was just a little anticlimactic. I wished just a little more was given.

I also really appreciate that they tried to represent all different types of careers, people, and relationships. For example, Xiaoguo and her mom are really close, but still get in fights over small things, Luo Yan and her mom have communication problems and also often fight because they have different beliefs on things, Liang Shuang and her mom aren't close at all, and because of this Liang Shuang feels as if her mom is a stranger, Duan Jiabao is just loved by her parents and they give her all the money she needs.

Acting: Nothing much to say here. Everyone did great! I also feel like the chemistry between most couples were really good (except for Lu Ran and Luo Yan, that one was a little forced. Honestly I feel Luo Yan and Zhao Cheng had better chemistry).

Music: That one song that played during sad moments was really nice, but the other ones were forgettable.

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A drama that will leave you wanting more!

I initially started this drama, because I heard about the sister-drama "Nothing but Thirty" and thought I need to start off in my 20's. I found this drama super relatable as it demonstrates how you learn and grow through the people you meet and obstacles you encounter in your 20s. You really get connected to each storyline and each of the character development, it's written beautifully and I gotta admit, I teared up on the last episode!

I'm really looking forward to seeing more of these girls with Season 2 coming out and is set a few years on from Season 1. Hopefully the male characters return too! It's been a long time since I watched a Chinese drama with 40 episodes and I had my doubt..but this drama has definitely set the bar high!

I'm definitely adding this drama to my favourites <3

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