When I Fly Towards You (2023)

Let me introduce you to the best youth drama I have ever watched...

Now I am not one at all to rate dramas 10 stars I am so strict especially when it comes to casting and soundtracks. This drama has managed to enter my heart as one of the best pieces of media I've ever digested. Where to start...

A nostalgic trip? The aesthetic of the show is pleasing, especially the incorporation of these old video camera diary entries which gives it more of this personal rustic feel. If anyone is a sucker for charming media this one is definitely something you should study ;)

I think everyone's main fear for female main characters is their cringe acting. Su zaizai has this amazing ability to be this cute character while also being strong? She's a teenage girl of cause who is scared of the most silliest things but she's also incredibly smart. I think this mix is what makes her so likeable. Some one said she was "stupid, cringe and needs help" which I completely disagree with. In fact, she's a perfect lead for a show. Her character's contrast with the problems she overcomes and the security she has with Lurang are something only other female leads could wish for.

Although this story hasn't got much plot due to it being a youth drama it works so well with telling the story. The way that each episode is made perfectly encapsulates what they're trying to portray. They balance the stories between all the characters so well, which gives the show a nice flow helping audiences relax and take in what they're watching.
I actually love how their remind the audience that these characters are teenagers. They're just kids who are maturing and make stupid decisions. When these characters believe silly myths, it really reinforces that message and its nice to see. Especially because modern media is full of adults (including this cast) portraying teens. The story encapsulates the minds of these teenagers and shows them in their most original form- warts and all.
I think the side stories are probably the most striking stories- especially Guran's and Guan Fang's. They're these two teenage boys who have to deal with problems that force them to grow up faster. They hide these sides from their friends and their characters slowly develop into being vulnerable and sharing their insecurities with their friends.

When I say the casting has to be some of the best I've seen in this industry I'm not joking. To begin with our two main characters portrayed by Zhou Yiran and Zhang Miaoyi. They did such a beautiful job. Miaoyi's version of su zaizai was amazing to experience. Like i mentioned before, she was able to show us this girl who otherwise would be seen as annoying and "cringe" but for some reason i was infatuated with her. She makes you want to root for her from the first moment you meet her and the way she blends perfectly with Yiran's Lurang- their chemistry is otherworldly.
The rest of the main characters also have such a perfect fit to their characters I couldn't have imagined them as anyone else. The acting was surprisingly really good especially since for a few of them this is one of their 5th or 6th works. They helped tell the story so well and there wasn't a moment where i had questioned the acting.

Who allowed them to have a soundtrack this good...? Half the time I don't care about soundtracks...but this one has such a warm and sombre vibe that I added a few of the songs to my playlist. It really tightens the idea of this being a feel good watch. Though it didn't give me as big as of impression as the rest of the show I am now obsessed with the white coast.

Overall, if this happens to be your first drama, you are going to enjoy it. Go into it with an open mind. This might be bias because I've already re-watched it (literally within the week I finished it)...But it stuck with me so much in more than just a "it was a good show" sense. I think the characters and the story were told magnificently. The downside to this show is you are going to severely miss them when it ends.

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sweet, fluffy, and soft youth romance!

95% of this story contains sweetness, happiness, smiles, and peace. there's minimal conflict that won't stress you out. i like the story of Zaizai and Rangrang, so sweet that i wish i could be like them. there's also the fitting part about lonely Gu Ran's story with his doctor parents, Guan Fang with his previous personality alongside his grandma, and Jiang Jia who seems cheerful but feels lost despite always appearing confident. the relationship between Zhang Lu Rang and his uncle, Mr. Lin, so heartwarming. this story is very light and heartwarming, guaranteed to bring a smile. Su Zai Zai was the luckiest and happiest girl, it's truly perfect life! Zaizai's warm and enjoyable family, Lu Rang's younger sibling who deeply loves his older brother but feels a bit distant due to their parents. the greatest happiness for me is Gu Ran and Jiang Jia. all the happiness in it never fails to make me smile and makes me wish i could be part of that friendship and celebrate every New Year with them, they are really supportive besties. and, Guan Fang could be with me then hehehe😋

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To the future readers this is something you MUST WATCH!

Actually to be honest, tiktok made me watch this drama. I was quiet unsure if I should watch it or no because I am in a holiday and I wanted to enjoy but no something told me to watch it so I watched the first 10 episodes at around 3am while I am in a holiday, and god do I regret? NO and I never will. Falling into your smile will always be my number 1 drama no matter what but this drama will always have a special place in my heart. To the future reader of this review if you just came from watching a sad drama or a heartbreaking story I am 100% sure this drama will make your day and you won’t regret watching it. Trust me I am legit writing this review while I am still in vacation. I DONT write reviews much but this drama has made me write one. This drama is definitely a 10/10 it is amazing. It is wholesome cute and sweet. I tell YALL Episode 19-22 has me on the chokehold. This is the cutest and one of the best love stories ever written I am in love with this. And in the future if I watch a sad story or a sad ending drama I would definitely rewatch this to make my day better. Su zaizai and Zhang Lurang had the best love story ever.

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I've been a fan of Chinese drama sine 2018 and this was one of my most favorite right now. Getting Zhang Lu Rang and Gu Ran on one drama was so good I can only see a green. The Ost was perfect. Actor who played every role was perfect storyline script perfect.

My favorite one Zhang Lu Rang like Su Zai Zai. The the one that Rang Rang say when he finished his presentation of his work that in the eyes of Zai Zai there's always Zhang Lu Rang.

This kind of friends I need them🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

It's been a while since I felt this kind of feeling after finishing a drama.

AHHHHH Thank you Rang Rang, Zai Zai, Gu Ran, Jiang Jia and Guan Fang 💞💕

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my new comfort drama

i love how this drama had no toxicity whatsoever which made it so heartwarming and easy to watch, cattree really did so well directing this drama and you can see how detailed he is with the moves in the bts clips being so specific how. he wants that scene to feel.

we got to see a little background from all the characters and what type of life they lived after school, and their pasts, knowing them a bit better. zaizai and rangrang had the cutest relationship, it was basically love at first sight from both ends but we only got to see progress from zaizais end. the playlist for this drama is also soso good i listen to it when i study nowadays.

i honestly don't think i'll ever get over this drama really, i watched it while it was ongoing everyday i looked forwards to a new ep or two to come out, and when i was waiting i would go to the actors profiles to see if they've updated their profile with anything. my fav part of this drama would have to be when rangrang proposed to zaizai, the video he made. using clips filmed off of zaizais computer really got to me, and you could really tell whenever he was with her he'd. always have the biggest dimple smile on his face.

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The best of the best!

THIS DRAMA IS A MASTERPIECE. I've seen so many c-dramas that I loved, but this one really takes the crown. This is proof that you do not need love triangles, second leads, infuriating misunderstandings, toxicity, messy drama, or breakups to make a well-written and captivating show. Other dramas in recent years also accomplish this, but the way WIFTY does it is just so perfect and magical. It may seem like a typical coming-of-age youth drama with a basic plot in a cliché setting, but it’s actually special in a lot of ways, and it's also executed SO WELL that it doesn’t matter. There are so many valuable lessons to learn from this drama that are beautifully interwoven into the characters’ lives as they navigate adulthood, and it is so healing. Every part of the story is meaningful and the delivery is on point. I’ve seen a lot of dramas that fall under this genre/concept or use similar themes, but this is easily my favorite. (Warning: long review ahead.)

The character development is incredible. The relationship progression between ZLR and SZZ, in particular, was so natural. I loved that they were kinda together even way before they were actually together lol, like it was so obvious they liked each other and there was never anyone else. It felt like they were already committed to each other before they even came close to confessing and becoming official, but it wasn't some corny, lovey-dovey thing – it felt very genuine and realistic, and it happened gradually but not like a slow burn (they managed to achieve the perfect balance). ZLR wasn’t the cold, tsundere type you would expect him to be. He’s quiet and introverted, but not mean or aloof. He’s quite clear about his feelings and intentions and he reciprocates the things she does for/with him. He is kind, he looks out for her, he notices her, he’s attentive, he shows he cares through small gestures, he always responds to her messages/calls/letters, he speaks to her gently, the list goes on and on. It is such a breath of fresh air to not only see an FL who is super active but to also see an ML reciprocating and not ignoring or dismissing her or finding her annoying. I feel like it’s so rare to come across this type of relationship dynamic in dramas – it’s always one chasing and the other rejecting, but that doesn’t happen at all here. He doesn’t really hide his feelings about her (he did shy away sometimes at the start or pretend like he wasn't doing anything special for her when he obviously was, but it was charming and she can always read him like a book – and he knows she can), and she definitely never hid her feelings for him. This is the first drama I’ve seen that depicts this pre-relationship phase so well and takes its time with all of the subtle-yet-obvious actions, hints, and glances between them as well as the teasing, jealousy, cute interactions, and candid conversations. And it never got boring, the pacing was really good and every episode was interesting and entertaining.

And once they actually started dating, their relationship was literally everything I ever wanted. They actually communicate and talk to each other. There are no fights or misunderstandings. They unconditionally support each other and are always there for one another. They wholeheartedly trust each other and never let anyone or anything interfere with their relationship or get between them. They are thoughtful, considerate, and understanding toward one another. They are both the greenest flags and bring out the best in each other. Undoubtedly one of the healthiest relationships I’ve ever seen in a drama, especially in a youth drama. I just love them so much, they're so sweet together and are absolute couple goals. I felt so single watching this drama.

I really felt for ZLR when it came to his individual arc about his backstory, family, and academics. There were a lot of things I could relate to, and you can see how his upbringing shaped him and affected his self-esteem. It's a tough story with complex emotions and feelings involved, I could understand him on a deep level and my heart really hurt for him at some points. I am so glad he opened up because of his friends and that we got to see him smile and talk more as the drama progressed, and I like that his demeanor changed gradually while still staying true to his reserved nature and personality. It felt very natural and authentic. It was wonderful to watch him develop into a more confident person, and I really admire him for being well-disciplined, persistent, determined, and resilient. And as for SZZ, I love how she knows her self-worth. She is the cutesy type of FL like we’ve seen many times before, but her character is actually different and refreshing in a lot of ways. She has a backbone and stands up for herself and for what’s right. When she is wronged, she will defend herself and make a good argument, and she doesn’t back down when challenged. I like that they didn’t reduce her to the typical dumb, poor, helpless, naive FL. Her femininity and vulnerability are portrayed very well, and her confidence, eloquence, and tenacity really shine too. SZZ has her own strengths, she has so much to offer and I'm glad they highlighted that. For example, ZLR and SZZ tutored each other since ZLR was better at math and SZZ was better at English. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, like we all do in real life, and can help each other improve. And when pursuing ZLR, she valued her friendship with him above all and never begged him with the whole “pick me, choose me, love me” thing. SHE chose him. She believes in him. And as good as he was for her, she knew she was good for him as well whether it be as friends or more – and they really are the best for each other. She may have been the clingier one in the beginning, but she would never let him or anyone walk all over her. She showed that she would never chase after a man who doesn’t like her or doesn’t want to be with her. She is strong-minded, smart, brave, courageous, and also highly emotionally intelligent. She is adamant about pursuing her own goals, and I completely agree with her that we should not sacrifice or give up our dreams for others – we should focus on ourselves and become better together. I love that they are strong as individuals and even stronger together. And I enjoyed watching the rest of their friend group grow as well.

All in all, I loved the whole storyline and all of the main/side characters. Everything just felt so real and organic and human, and this drama really teaches you a lot about life, school, family, work, and relationships. There is nothing I would change. I could nitpick and say I wish we got to see just a little bit more of ZLR and SZZ's married life at the end, but I was totally fine with it (after all, this was a youth drama so the focus was on that). Honestly I'm grateful they even included those extra bits, the finale was beautiful and really wrapped up the show nicely. The kiss scenes maybe could have been a little better but they were fitting for the setting and characters so I was also ok with it, they were still decent and did not take away from the show by any means. With how amazing the writing, acting, and production is, I can't bring myself to criticize this drama very much, it was flawless to me. I am so happy I have found my ultimate comfort show. I’ll definitely be rewatching this one often. 10/10!!!

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Overhyped?

This is an unpopular opinion but I didn't love this drama. The cast was good and I believe the story was not bad either. I think this is just not my poison. I skipped most of the scenes because it got so boring for me. The reason why it ended on my watch list, was because everyone and their mother was swearing by it. A few even mentioned that it was the perfect drama to watch if you wanted to heal your heart after watching Hidden Love. I think I might have gone in with high expectations. It just did not hit the mark. The leads were great. But the flow of the story just didn't do it for me. It had cute ending but it still didn't quite hit the spot. I guess it's just a matter of preference. All in all cute story.

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Very unpopular opinion

Looking at the ratings of this drama mine is going to be an extremely unpopular opinion, sorry.

This drama felt like a big advertisement for teenagers on how their lives need to play out.
If you're a teen in high school you can have a crush, but don't go further!! focus on your studies and wait. Oh, you're 18 now? it's ok then, you can have a relationship. You finished your degree? you need to get the best job ever immediately and be super successful very young, be able to afford a house and not long after marry and start a family. It's almost fuel for depression.
The timings on when the characters were allowed or not to do something were super on the face, and they tried very hard to make the main two characters flawless in their upbringing, studies and manners.
In fact only Guan Fang has a more nunanced life, but it's put there as an example of what someone that gets into trouble needs to do, but they don't even dwell on how he did it, he just did because he looked at his grandma one day. It's very superficial.

I found the main female character quite annoying at times (some others I enjoyed her sassyness) and overall there is really no character progression for any of them, so as a result even when in the end they're in the wedding they look like 16 year olds getting married, I found it super weird. You also don't get to know them individually, not even the main characters (only Su Zai Zai and Guan Fang a bit more maybe), so you don't really know anything about them, only that they're friends and they're all ok successful people. Their specific traits are quite superficial so they're not that distinguishable ones of the others really, they work mostly as quirks since they don't impact much on how they act or what they do. Even when Jiang Jia didn't know what she wanted to study is solved quickly with very little hesitation. Zhang Lurang tells me in the end he has changed so much, but other than the fact they told the actor he could now smile more, I don't see any other change. He says he had low self-esteem, and while it's shown him not being treated very well as a teen by his mother I didn't see at any point him seeming to have low self esteem, I only saw him being serious and quiet and it's not the same.

As it happens many times I found the friends romantic relationship more interesting, that is until they decided to completely push it to the side and only resolve it quickly after the time jump. Time jumps also mean nothing here anyway, none of them change at all and whoever else they meet they only stay in their lives for like 5 seconds anyway. Very choppy.
Plot was boring at times (and I like slice of life) and most of the dialogue was very superficial, what is not necessarily terrible but then you had more poetic lines in specific crafted moments that were taking me again to the feeling of massive advert.
Many side characters appear only at weird moments and then in others when you would expect them to appear they don't.

Points go for the cute moments here and there, but overall this was a big miss for me.
I've watched chinese movies before but this was my first chinese series, and considering the high rating of this compared with my opinion of it I'm not sure I should try any other series maybe :/

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Nice. Simple. High-school sweetheart yet inspiring.

Honestly, this drama has been popping up on my Netflix feed and I decided to check it out. It's only 30 minutes per episode giving you 7 hrs 20 mins to finish.
I love their chemistry, and how their relationships build up and the other cast. Their group reminds me of my high school friends without romances haha.
The memories they created together during their school days, ups and downs, and the struggles of finding what they want to do with their lives and careers.
The way they added a camera to be used to film their daily lives gives me 90s vibes and the drama ‘25-21’.
Seeing the screen of those films just makes me emotional. Even though they met in 2012, times went by fast.
From start to finish, I have nothing else to say. It may be simple, but the way the main characters are portrayed, and how the male lead is introverted shows how his character drastically changes because of the female lead. This change is an example that anyone who comes into your life will make a difference.
I got emotional once in a while because of my experiences in high school with friends and life in general.
“We cried, laughed, parted, and met again. The charm of youth is never about getting what you want, but about every unexpected tomorrow and every person you meet by chance.”
This quote really inspires me to be patient and not to be pressured with life.
8/26/23 00:51am

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