Rational life.... unexpectedly with much pleasure!
"You've never asked me why I like her. I like her because of how special she is. Her ability and strength, everyone can see that side of her. But her cuteness and softness, only I can see that."First of all, this show is for a mature audience, it's slow-paced doesn't have heavy romance. Rather Character-driven and Female-centered and revolves around how characters achieve their goals.
The story dynamics, structure, characters, and their personality development it's just in the perfect place. Romance isn't the center of attention or big aspect small yet beautifully done. Characters are three-dimensional, realistic, having their own pros and cons. And not trying to get perfect but just trying best to be themselves.
It has some coincidences but as its name isn't unreasonable.. everything has its own reason. If we take Ruoxin's mom's character she is possessive but it's her past what made her like that, she is controlling in many places but I found her cute too, and that what makes this drama special every character has different shades as if they are a real person.
It doesn't make a big issue or taboo of the age gap or revolve around that but it's handled so carefully. The drama focuses on their life, work, how they chase their goals. This is proper office drama.. where they actually work no hard work and the office doesn't become a dating spot.
Dylan Wang finally got a role, where he shines! and shows brilliant acting skill. His expressions, liveliness is very natural as if it's not acting its real self. Qi Xian is energetic, charming, confident yet so mature. His smile, sometimes weird expressions are just cherry on the top. Though being a chocolate boy he is different from most of the stereotyped leads. He has dreams, plans for the future... and he always gives his 100%.
"When he smiles at me I feel… I feel like this cold world, this world that is full of rules and restrictions has become so warm. I don’t know if it’s love or not. Because I don’t know what the definition of love is. But I know one thing for sure. In all these years, he’s the only one... Who came into my heart."
Shen Ruoxin definitely one of the best female lead characters I have ever seen. She has her own charm that made me fall for her. While she may look cold on the outside and only cares about her own interests, she’s actually a soft-hearted person. Her compassion for work, competence, smartness. She is rational, logical, and careful ready to face any problems and difficulties without wavering, a perfect definition of 'Strong Female Lead.' But aside from this, she has a different side where she can be very cute.
I don't think without Qin Lan and Dylan Wang I can imagine this drama. Even having 19 years difference in real life. There's a process we get to experience, why they fall for each other. Not out of nowhere or because of physical appearance, they like each other as a person. Their relationship progress is natural.. which is slow but realistic and pleasant, the way they look at each other, small, small gestures.
It's not a perfect drama it has many problems too, some annoying characters (But there are many characters whom I adore a lot), a bit draggy in some parts. But with leads sizzling chemistry, comfort with each other's presence is a great pleasure to watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Good Reflection of Society
This is my first ever review, and there's definitely so much to love about this series.The female lead (Shen Ruo Xin) is older, intelligent and independent. She knows exactly what she wants and needs, and she doesn't conform to societal's norms and fixed set of beliefs. She pushes her own boundaries and fights towards what she wants and should achieve. In other words, as the title of it suggests, she's rational - up until she meets the male lead (Qi Xiao). She's such a child with him around but definitely not in the oblivious and clueless way. Just really adorable.
When she decided to take the leap of faith and be with him, she goes into it wholeheartedly. Unlike many other scripts we see where the older woman doubts the relationship, and shuns away from friends/family and public eye about being in a may-december relationship, Ruo Xin went into it and believed in it.
Although the age gap in the show is 12 years, here was no awkwardness between the cast and the built up was credible. It wasn't hard to believe that they're in love, and that they needed each other. No "baby fights", unreasonable arguments. They both trusted the process and was always there, breaking so many stereotypes and norms people usually have of such wide age gap relationships, especially when the female is older.
The other cast were great too. Honestly, it was a little tough to watch Ruo Xin's mother's nonsense antics and overreaction to her relationships (She does get on my nerves!!). But it's undeniable that the way she reacts/thinks is possibly what the general sentiment of older generation is, and even what some younger folks may also think. The show provided a good balance showing the many sides of reality — the pressure from family on a woman to get married and have children, having to match with someone of the same "calibre", accepting a wide age gap relationship, having to find a job to feed themselves over being in a relationship, and challenges in the workforce etc.
Putting aside the cuteness and lovey-dovey, the series is such a thought provoking one showing the many aspects of life. Definitely there're areas to improve — I thought the ending felt a lil rushed, I'm not quite a fan of shows that skip timeline with a "6-month later" but overall, I'll still give this a big thumbs up!
UPDATE: ok there were 3 additional short episodes after the main episodes aired and it was an adorable finishing touch to this! please don't skip the 3 extras!
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Synopsis is not accurate
Firstly, I would like to address that the synopsis is not accurate at all. The central line of the story is a straightforward, hard working, 35 year old woman with strong convictions who goes up against a staunchly patriarchal society where she’s underestimated and under minded at work in order to follow her passion. The romance(s) are more or less something that happens along the way from her perspective. Also, there really isn’t a strong love triangle as such, more like a rivalry between the two guys which is superfluous since she (at the time) doesn’t seem interested in either of them.That being said….
This drama was so unexpectedly good! The actors were believable and the writing was consistent with character portrayal. It had none of the tropes I abhorred about Find Yourself where the FL is immature, unsure, and doesn’t have a clue about what she actually wants- ending up with her flip flopping all over the place between two men and making both of them unsure of her.
I was also pleasantly impressed that despite the age gap, the actors had really good chemistry and were well rounded and developed characters.
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An underrated series that serves as an inspiration to not just women but also life and ones' career
Realistic and Relatable : An underrated series that serves as an inspiration to not just women but also life and ones' careerThe best drama that I've watched that truly has an exceptional female lead. Out of all the dramas I've encountered Shen Rouxin is definitely a character that can be an inspiration to not just women but also people striving hard in building their careers. In our society today in which ones' career depends on its success, one may face troubles such as stereotypes, discrimination or even racism in the work place. Every now and then, these situations hinder people's career and I find it admirable that this show has characters that have more depth and that show what really happens in the working industry.
Applause also for the actresses and actors who portrayed their characters well. Not to mention, the cinematography as well as the soundtracks used in the series that fits the theme of the series.
In addition to that, I also love how the main couple's relationship in the series is mature but also adorable. Shen Rou Xin and Qi Xiao talked their problems rather than having miscommunication troubles which is common in most teen / youth dramas. We also get to see the struggles of the other relationships that are portrayed in the show. Like for Song Zi Yan and Zou Cheng, we see the problems they have in their marriage and how they overcome it. We also get to see the insecurities of Su Yang and by accepting and learning from those insecurities, his relationship with You Si Jia had developed. What's more, I also commend the struggles of not just a mother but parents in general in the society - how parents have demands for their children and how these demands affect their child etc.
The Rational Life indeed is a series that gives us a unique taste for it portrays different relationships that are breaking the stereotypes that they have to face in the society while also staying true with their ideals and not minding what society says about their relationship.
Furthermore, the series also gives each characters a time to shine for we get to see their individuality and complexity (how each of them struggled with their insecurities and how each of them grew and develop as a person). Props to not just the main characters (Shen Rouxin and Qi Xiao) but also to the supporting characters Song Zi Yan, Zou Cheng, Su Yang, You Si Jia, Mother Shen and Mother Qi.
While the plot is slow burn and the romance between the main couple takes time to develop in the series, I find this to be appropriate for the highlight or focus of the series is not just the relationship but Life in general : People's career as well as issues in the modern society which can be an eyeopener to young people who haven't yet entered the working industry.
Some viewers may also claim that this show is too old fashioned and I personally and strongly disagree with this one. The reason for it is that first of all, the series shows what is really happening in the real world most especially the working environment. It gives a lesson to viewers that not everything in life, love and work is all about sunshines and rainbows. People striving to build their career may encounter problems and it is important to have a positive mindset about it . There are also the demands and expectations that people have. Not to mention, having a relationship or not even having a relationship can lead people to be prejudice towards others. Moreover, as a person who is still in my youth and who just recently started in building a career, I can definitely relate with the characters in the series for I have also encountered these complications which is why this series is definitely not old fashioned for it is Real and Raw and relays lessons that are useful especially for the youth.
While I also see that this show might be targeted for older viewers / audience, it actually entirely depends on the viewer's taste or perspective. Some youth may like it, others may not. That is why I won't be discouraging people in watching this. If you're interested in watching it then you might as well give this one a try. Don't let reviews or other people's perspective sway you in watching this for its a matter of choice.
In conclusion, The Rational Life is a series that is more of a melodrama than romance for it does not just gives Life lessons but also serves as a Revelation to viewers for it depicts Realistic situations that people face and reflect upon in the modern society.
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How difficult is to find happiness if you follow society expectations.
This drama is focused in an ambitions woman, and is all about society expectations. If you expect a drama fast paced, or a drama all about love then don't watch it.I consider this drama created, produced and focused mostly in adults that try to make their way into society but about being happy, and when I talk about adults I mean 21+ because of the story.
Yes this drama is a feminist and is about a woman, but is not only about her, let me explain:
1. Here we have the guys that just finished college and want to get a stable job, but then if you do that you'll have to decide between your own happiness or financial stability, and believe me you'll relate!
The anxiety that comes in the last years of college and the so many existencial questions: what are you gonna do with your life? Are you disappointing your parents? Are you gonna live poor? Are you gonna be unhappy just in order to live? Are you following your dreams? Are you actually living????? (We've all lived that phase and is hell).
However, not all is hell in that time, if you've your friends and they support you, if you get a good boss, if you are able to actually talk to your parents and if they listen to you, then, the outcome is magical, and that is why I loved the relationships in this drama, the friendship, the portrayal of family.
2. We also have the parents and I love how we got the characters development. We all need friends, and even if you are an old grumpy woman you'll get that friend that is able to get you out of your comfort zone. I adore the relationship between the old women, the moms of the main characters, they were so different yet they got along so well and helped each other to get a better point of view in life. (I didn't like them all the time but loved them at the end)
3. Family is... complicated, specially your in laws. Are you supposed to follow what they say just because you are married? Are you supposed to forget about yourself just because your husband? Or just because you are a woman? This drama is not only about the problem and is also about the solution and if you love someone, they will understand.
4. Society sucks, yes, it sucks, but is because of the traditional way of thinking, the hypocrisy, the judgement towards the different, and prejudice. However, is up to you. Do you wanna play along with what they say or do you wanna be a rebel? Keep in mind that what they say hurts and is just as complicated as humans and relationships.
5. But, what I truly love about this drama is that they teach you how you can actually do things right. Being a rebel is not just about who yells better, or a pacifoc protest. Is actually about changing the other person and the way they think. Is about proving your value in the most appropriate way so the others will notice who you truly are and what you can do.
6. And FINALLY... the older woman/younger man relationship. You will love the leads, the woman is an ambitious woman. But contrary to many didn't forget about her dreams in order to get to the too, yes, she loves astronomy but she is too ambitious for that. What she really wanted was a luxurious life that she got on her own by being in the top of her field. And I love her.
She could get a rich man but she didn't. She could be a trophy wife but she didn't. She could get simple life but no, she wanted to be in the top without the help of others, not owing anything and always following her values of honesty and respect.
And the ML, he was lovely, a young man, too caring, too good for this world but he wasn't silly. He is smart and he knows what he wants, he won't lose himself for stability, he cares about others but he won't sugar coat or sacrifice himself for that. He knows he is good looking, well spoken and knows what to do with how charming he is.
All in all, if you don't care about slow paced dramas and if you like women of power, this is for you.
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A sweet slow burn romance between an older woman and younger man
The Rational Life is easy and enjoyable to watch, but is probably catered towards a more mature audience since it tackles subjects like what it's like being a career driven single woman in her thirties, family struggles and office politics. Even though the subjects might sound heavy the drama overall feels very light.The female lead Shen Ruo Xin is a very ambitious, intelligent and capable woman in her thirties. She knows what she wants in life and never stops working towards her goals. When she meets the male lead Qi Xiao he takes out other sides in her and around him she feels comfortable to just be herself. Together they face a lot of struggles and growth at work, but also in their private lives.
They create a very strong bond early on, but it takes time for their relationship to develop further. Even though the main characters has an age difference of 12 years in the drama their romance doesn't feel awkward or forced thanks to the actor's amazing performances. Since the drama is a bit longer the slow burn romance and pacing actually suits it. My biggest complaint would be that it lacks passion so by the time they do start dating it isn't as satisfying as one might wish.
I've seen a lot of people call this drama realistic, but I don't agree with that. While it is inspirational with such a strong female lead it also annoys me that so many dramas either make their female lead clumsy and naive or they make her overly rational, capable and smart to the point of perfection.
I long for a capable career driven female lead that is great at her job but without feeling like she can't do anything wrong, always knows the right thing to say and do in every single situation, always has the best suggestions and ideas. I'm tired of it always being one extreme or the other. You can be a strong empowered smart woman that's great at your job without it being potrayed in such an unrealistic way.
Exaggerations, extremes and stereotypes in dramas are okay, but I think that in a drama that almost feels like a Slice of Life that tackles real issues in society the character's should feel more human and real. Other than that I do like her character a lot and she's one of the most enjoyable parts of the show.
Shen Ruo Xin's mom is very controlling and overbearing, but I don't mind that since it's actually something that many people go through with their parents. What I do mind though is that a lot of her reactions felt very unnatural. Her character felt very inconsistent and some scenes almost felt like theatrics rather than acting. I thought that the family aspect of the drama was nice and created a great balance with the work and romance related ones, so the inconsistency in the mother's behaviour threw me off sometimes.
All in all this is a very sweet drama, one of the better age gap dramas out there in my opinion. I even enjoyed the work place related plotlines which says a lot.
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Modern drama actually worth watching!
I absolutely adore the modern drama " The Rational Life" on Netflix: What a pearl!I usually don't watch modern dramas because they either turn too unrealistically dramatic or they're simply boring with their office work. But this one is soo wholesome and reflective of society. It reminds me a bit of the book 'Kim JiYoung, born 1982' in its way of portraying societal struggles for women. On top of that we have a slowly developed romance between the FL, Qin Lan, and the ML, Dylan Wang, which starts out as a friendship and builds up. I really enjoy this set-up of a romance drama.
Furthermore, all side-characters presented gets their story told. They don't get too much screen time in comparison to the main couple, like in other dramas, but at the same time they don't get too little time to develop their storyline; a storyline that is actually worth watching as well. I particularly love the storyline of the childless couple, the female lead's best friend and her husband, because it is so rare that such a story gets told.
My overall score is 10/10, despite the music and rewatch value was deemed lower. Personally, those two categories aren't my most important ones. Yes, a great OST can enhance the experience, but an awful storyline will forever be an awful storyline no matter if the music is great or not. And for the rewatch value: sometimes dramas should only be watched once; this is one of them. I might go back to find some life quotes and scenes with the side couple, but that's the only thing. I wouldn't like to destroy the wonderful feeling I had when watching this.
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This review may contain spoilers
an older women younger man drama with much more depth
i just finished binging this series and if you are into older woman younger man dramas that is both bittersweet and realistic, then this is the drama for you. although it has areas that can be improved, overall it was a great watch. here's my breakdown of the pros and cons..pros:
- even though the lead actors have a 19 age difference, i thought they pulled off their characters very well and their interactions didn't seem awkward at all
- the script was actually written quite well, this was a older women younger men drama done WELL
- the story in general is entertaining it's quite hard to write a love story with 12 year age gap that allows the audience to actually understand why two people are together and get along
- the outfits and just general styling of the characters were very well done
- i absolutely adorable the shen ruoxin, i think she's someone that girls can look up to, very independent women with her own views and she's just such a badass while keeping her gentle personality
- qi xiao is honestly such a cute bean, to be honest dylan wang didn't leave the best impression for me especially after meteor garden i rlly didn't like his character, but here wow he's proved that he's worth the hype, presenting his character as a very cheerful but mature man
- some other side characters i really liked were qi xiao's mom she's such a chill, caring mom, as well as you sijia very cute and supportive character, i also want to add that xu mingjie although i did't like him in the beginning, he's a great ceo and mentor for shen ruoxin
- i personally really like office business centered dramas so this was a great watch in general
cons:
- shen ruoxin's mom holy that woman needs to go for real, she gets on my nerves so much, i tried so hard to understand her very traditional perspectives but she needs to understand her daughter can make her own decisions in life, good thing she learned from that tho, in the end accepting the mains relationship
- i skipped a good amount of parts especially near the middle of the drama it just get's kinda draggy but does pick up near the end
- the side character stories were honestly kinda boring in my opinion like i really didn't care for them
- some of the characters like shen ruoxin's pursuers men were just so annoying at times but i think that's just part of the plot build up
overall a great watch if you are looking for a medium lengthen drama to binge with a great cast and entertaining story and set up
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This is Dylan Wang's second modern drama after MG2018
• Story: I like the story. Maybe little heavy for teenager like me. But no need to worry because in this drama a lot of comedy scenes are included which make the story more relaxed.• Acting: the actors played their roles very well! I salute! like qinlan who is 40 over but can play ruoxin who is 30. Dylan Wang who has a bad boy face can play qixiao a soft boy (he looks cuter than being DaoMingSi) and other actors. Actually I'm interested in watching this drama because there is Dylan Wang. But apart from that, everyone played it well.
• the OST is good to hear. I even put this OST in my music playlist
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The Modern Life
A very good drama that incorporates many modern ideas. It gives an accurate portrayal of women in the workplace in a patriarchal society. It also shows the conflicts between several modern and traditional values, and does a good job resolving them.The actors have great chemistry. Qinlan gives a great performance, as always, and brings much depth to our main character. Dylan's acting is much improved from his previous works. Both are a joy to watch and it's obvious they work well together.
The writing is a bit lazy at times but not enough to be an issue. The overall plot flows very well. Definitely worth a watch.
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I think the strength of this drama is definitely the female character. It's been a while since I saw a woman written like a normal human being. Writers seem to confuse strength in a woman with aloofness, coldness, and belly full of schemes especially if they are writing a career woman. Because a woman can’t build a career if she’s not a ballbuster. Or they’ll give you a woman on the other end of the spectrum so immature and whose sole focus is on a man and a man alone. I half the time question if these writers have ever met a woman or it's just misogyny and patriarchy shining through.
The female lead here is an ambitious woman in her 30s. She is smart, good at her job, and here is a kicker, she’s actually nice. She knows how to draw boundaries, is firm but never arrogant or rude. She works hard, knows when to fight and when to retreat. This woman actually looks and acts like someone who’s matured with wisdom gained through lived experience. Even when she was breaking up, rejecting a romantic advance, or responding in a workplace exchange she was never a screaming shrill woman. She never threw tantrums or cursed out people even in places you wish she had. She did everything with dignity and poise. She really was the selling point for me.
The other thing I loved about this drama was how it used our female lead and her best friend to showcase two women, who made different choices in their lives and what problems they face. And more importantly how there is no such thing as a perfect life. One chose to work, the other to get married and when things get tough they look at each other’s life and say “at least your life is better than mine” only for life to show them that what seems perfect is only surface level. Each choice has its own issues, its obstacles, its own freedom, its own happiness. The drama showed us how each woman navigated through it while supporting each other until they came out the other side. It wasn’t dramatic, it wasn’t heroic or epic it was ordinary life. I found it very relatable.
The romance was indeed a slow burn. It was also sweet, mature, and more importantly very much less cringe ?
Now having gone all gaga like this doesn’t mean it doesn’t have problems. I found the work issues rather repetitive at times. I strongly feel this drama should have been about 5 episodes shorter.
The best friend seems to have things available to her at each moment she needs it — having a hard time finding a job, oh I happen to know the kitchen has an opening and omg a housewife for a while and you happen to be a great cook… you don’t want to cook anymore and need something else... Uhm you used to play the drum in college? my band just so happens to have our drummer walk out on us, what a coincidence… what’s that you say? You don’t feel like being a professional drummer.. wait here’s a random guy who happens to own a music school for kids who coincidentally happens to hear your performance and want to hire you at your own term, you don’t like kids ah, not even your nephew? but that one odd kid whom no other music teacher can get through miraculously clicked with you and wants you and you only… ? — please it wouldn’t have killed them to make her struggle just a little.
Another issue would be the terrible taste in jewelry this drama has. Be it the “expensive” dream catcher looking thing they claimed to be a necklace and draped over her neck or the “charming” simple necklace made out of love or the one designed for competition under grueling mental and emotional gymnastics, all looked cheap and tacky. This may seem like a nonissue but the male lead is a supposed wanna be jewelry designer. You can’t tell me the character you want to make a successful career as a designer make things that look like ones my baby sister picked from Clairs. Sorry, I can’t accept that.
"Compared to the 18-year-old or 20-year-old who's still searching, I like myself better in my 30s. Although nobody thinks I'm cute anymore, and I'm aging by the minute, the 35-year-old me compared to my past, knows me better than I've ever before." — As someone in their 30s, I related to this on a spiritual level.
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DYLAN WANG WITH ANOTHER HIT!
I decided to watch this drama because it’s one of the first modern dramas Dylan Wang is starting in since meteor garden 2018. Not only did Dylan deliver a wonderful performance… the whole cast had me binging the whole series! I could not put this drama down even if I wanted to! The story line was a great mix between business (current in market technology), following your dreams, family pressure, family respect, and finding love within this vast universe. I feel like they could have gotten a couple of more episodes out of the series towards the end to explain more final events… but everything was answered. What a wonderful drama this was! Out of the hundred + Chinese dramas I’ve watched, this drama landed as #4 on my list. Thank you Dylan and the cast for bringing such a pleasant emotional drama into my life!Was this review helpful to you?
