Our Generation

An enjoyable watch that had the potential to be more

Since I finished my three favorite dramas of 2024, Tender Light, Lovely Runner, & Will Love In Spring, I had been struggling to find a drama to really hook me in the way those three did. After watching the first episode of this drama, I felt relatively confident that this drama would end up being that for me. For a while I could see it. I loved the leads (mainly the FL, but the ML had a special place in my heart as well), and the rest of the main friend group. I found myself growing quite attached to them and their individual stories. Now you’re probably wondering, what changed? The pacing did.

I noticed around episode 13 that the writing started to lack of a better word, rush the story. Up until this point, the story felt gradual and the ending arcs felt clear. Before I continue, there is one thing I want to talk about. This drama was initially slated for 40 episodes. Take what I say next with a grain of salt, because I obviously wasn’t a part of the production crew. I believe that decision to remove those 16 episodes was made at the very least after the script was already written and after the drama was finished filming.

Around episode 15, the drama adapted the “tell don’t show approach” where a lot of important plot lines were simply just told to us. The best example being the portrayal of Jiang Qiao Xi’s life after going to Hong Kong. Before I continue, I going to state something that I imagine will be somewhat of an unpopular opinion; I was fine with the fact that Lin Tao (Cherry) chose to go after him. I think she has proven her dedication to him time and time again so I wasn’t surprised and accepted even though I wish she made him suffer a little bit. I’m just a petty person but she isn’t, so it was a decision I was okay with.

The problem though, without receiving full context of what was happening in Jiang Qiao Xi’s life, it made both their “confrontation” and eventual reunion not hit as hard as I know it would have. If we had those extra 16 episodes, with in depth perspective of both of our leads (EPESPECIALLY Jiang Qiao Xi’s since he was the one who chose to leave) of how hard the 2 year separation was for them, and also dual narration, I think it would’ve given this drama SO much more emotional depth.

I think the main thing for me that disappoints me the most about this drama is that I could see what it would’ve looked like if it was at its full potential. I know that obviously things happened behind the scenes that determined the removal of the other 16 episodes, and I don’t blame the writers for this. As I said earlier, I do truly believe that the script for the show was written before that decision was made. but as someone who truly does love the art of storytelling there’s just something about untapped in potential that just pains my spirit.

At the end of the day, I can only go off of what we were given. Overall, I did enjoy this drama. I can’t say I’d 100% recommended it, but I think it’s at least worth checking out.

Read More

Female Lead love Story

I actually loved this show. I don’t get the hate and I don’t understand why people are dropping it. If the female lead was a guy I am sure people will hail him for being so romantic. Sometimes the woman is the hero and she needs to save the prince. That is what happened here! She loved him enough for him to love himself. If you want a woman centric story. This is it!! No male hero here, she did all the work for both of them.

The only reason this is not a 10 is because I agree that Zhang Linghe looked a little too old for the role. But the acting was great!!!! From everyone involved.

Read More

A Story of 90s born Pollyanna

Story : The script is incoherent to it's ''marketed'' theme.
Youth Growth Drama
Slice of Life
Love Story

The real youth growth drama have parallel growth script, here all are just the background characters.They will pop up when growth of FL character need them.

Slice of life : In reality, the story ended at Ep 15(99.99%). If it would happen becuz of so called Love and never ending chasing of FL, the story ended in Ep 20.Ep 21-24 will only occur in a dream, not in real life becuz the bed ridden patient can't get normal life in night, you never win lottery, mental health issues and financial problems not disappeared in just few days becuz of you fall in love with someone.

Love Story : Everyone in the drama(FL herself )said FL(Prince) is saving ML (princess) trapped in the tower. The Eugene save Rapunzel from Mother Gothel. Classic Disney's love story.

For me,it is ''I dream of Jeannie ''.
FL is supernatural being ,she can do anything with a blink of eye yet she is endlessly serving ML with neverending so called Love.

Acting and casting : Acting of all casts are decent, they do their best with the script given to them.

Music and bgm : OSTs are good individually but in most of the scenes, bgm can't bring emotion and didn't match with scenes .

Overall, it is good watch if you like this genre, casts, stunning choreography, acting chops ,fairy tales and dramatic Bollywood style 1st person shot of FL and ML.
If you expect the logical story of millennials generation with solid script,it is not for you.

Have a nice day everyone 😊
Love you 💗🤗💗

Read More

Understand why it’s called Our Generation

This drama hit home in a way I wasn’t expecting. Our Generation beautifully captures the emotional complexity of growing up under pressure — the unspoken expectations, emotional wounds, and quiet toxicity that can exist within families, and how those experiences follow us into adulthood. It felt incredibly real and relatable, showing not just the pain, but also the resilience and healing that comes with growing older.

What stood out most was how thoughtfully the story unfolded through different stages of life. The transitions felt natural, and you genuinely felt like you were growing up alongside the characters, witnessing how their personalities, choices, fears, and relationships evolved over time. Nothing felt rushed or overly dramatic for the sake of drama — the emotional moments landed because they felt earned.

The love story was one of the most beautiful parts of the drama. It was pure, unwavering, and deeply moving — not perfect, but strong in a way that felt authentic. The chemistry was beautiful, and the emotional depth made you root for them through every challenge.
I also appreciated that the drama didn’t try to unrealistically “fix” every family relationship with a perfect ending. The relationship between the mother and son especially felt painfully real — you could tell there was love there, but also years of distance, misunderstandings, and emotional damage that don’t disappear overnight. They weren’t suddenly close, but they were trying to rebuild, and honestly, that felt more authentic than forcing a complete reconciliation. Healing in families is often messy, slow, and imperfect, and I think the drama handled that beautifully.

Read More

Sometimes, the hardest journey isn't finding your place in the world—it's finding yourself.

*Our Generation* is, at its heart, a story of self-discovery. The male lead grows up trapped in the shadow of his late brother, carrying expectations that were never truly his own. Every decision is shaped by the life others wanted him to live, leaving little room to ask a simple yet important question: *Who am I?* It is only after meeting the female lead that he slowly begins to explore his own interests, make his own choices, and discover the person he was always meant to become.

But this story isn't just his.

It's equally the story of the female lead, whose unwavering optimism becomes the light that guides those around her. She doesn't promise that life will be easy or that the future won't be frightening. Instead, she teaches that there's no point in fearing tomorrow before it arrives. Face today's challenges, and when tomorrow brings new ones, you'll face those too.

What touched me most was her persistence. She never gave up on him. She waited when he couldn't move forward, chased after him when he chose to run away, and time and time again pulled him out of the darkness created by grief, guilt, and circumstances beyond his control. She wasn't there to save him by solving his problems—she simply believed in him until he found the strength to believe in himself.

*Our Generation* is a beautiful reminder that sometimes all it takes is one person who sees the real you—not the version shaped by expectations—to help you rediscover your own path. It's a story about healing, growth, and learning that life isn't about living in someone else's shadow, but about finding the courage to step into your own light.

Read More

My favourite -
Qiaoxi - "But Lin Yingtao, can't you see? I don't want you suffering with me. And I know You. If I was living easily, you might not stay. But if I'm in the gutter, you'd crawl in beside me without a second thought."
Some beautiful ones-
Qiaoxi- "And it was there, my name poetically infused by an insightful companion,with the meaning of the vibrant sunset."
Yingtao - "He is the Princess. Forever stuck in some tower waiting for me to rescue him."
Qiaoxi - I misspoke. When greeting Lin Qile, I should use 'Nice to meet you'. That is for first acquaintances. But I said- 'Nice to see you' which normally applied to reunions meaning that I'm happy to see you again......
Yingtao -"At school I'll eat with him and the friend I choose."
Qiaoxi - "We walk to class together. We go home together. Either by bus or by bike."
Yingtao - "And on weekends if we have time we'll go hiking."
Yingtao+ Qiaoxi - "JUST LIKE WE USED TO DO."
Qiaoxi -"Don't do this,I don't want to wake up so soon..." Yingtao - "This is not a dream."
Qiaoxi- "I feel lonely bot because I am alone."
Yingtao- "Then why?"
Qiaoxi -"Because I met you. Before, I was 10 years old I was alone but as long as I did math problems I wouldn't feel lonely. But after I met you, doing math problem was useless and I can't overcome loneliness."

This was a refreshing and emotionally engaging drama. One of its biggest strengths is how raw and grounded the performances feel. Zhang Linghe delivers a very different performance compared to many of his earlier roles. We have often seen him in historical or costume dramas or in lighter, charming roles, but here he portrays a vulnerable and struggling young man. His character, Jiang Qiaoxi, carries a quiet perseverance and emotional depth that makes the role feel very real.

The chemistry between him and the female lead is also enjoyable to watch. Since the two actors previously worked together in The Princess Royal, their dynamic feels both familiar and natural. However, the story largely focuses on the female lead Yingtao’s journey. Many of her emotional scenes feel authentic and deeply moving. I feel bad for her whenever Qiaoxi ghosts her. She is really brave,dedicated and especially patient ,otherwise the relationship was like over in their first meeting only.

A particularly powerful section of the drama occurs during the Hong Kong arc. When Yingtao finally confronts Jiang Qiaoxi about everything that has happened, the emotional tension between them is intense and believable. The scene where she vents her frustration and starts beating him and then holds her,hugs her and comforts her- that was extremely touching. Like I cried and I loved that scene. Theaw episodes are among the strongest parts of the drama because they explore reconciliation, emotional vulnerability, and the characters’ attempts to understand each other.
The Hongkong Arc>>>>The whole drama.

Despite these strengths, the drama has some pacing issues. There are moments where the story drags, especially when too much time is given to the supporting characters’ storylines. At times, it feels like the main male lead does not receive enough screen time, particularly in the earlier episodes. His personal struggles, especially the psychological pressure from his mother and the emotional weight of his academic expectations could have been explored in greater detail.

The way he has to live like his brother - studying maths,liking and wearing black colour despite hating it, visiting places that his brother and mother used to,in the disguise of celebrating his achievements. (This confrontation in the hospital was so good and much needed)- it was very overwhelming and so sad.I felt bad for him. Growing up under constant pressure to achieve and earn his mother’s approval (when he clearly knows that's all his dead brother's personality,interests and achievements) and he struggles to accept himself constantly reminding himself that he has to break free from his dead brother's shadow or else he will lose his identity. Zhang Linghe portrays this journey of self-acceptance very effectively. His confrontation with his mother, is emotionally powerful and shows the maturity forced upon him from a young age. Yingtao plays a crucial role in helping him overcome this struggle. Through her unconditional support, she teaches him not only how to accept love but also how to love others properly.

Read More

"Our Generation" is a very heartwarming story of a few 90s children growing up with time.The drama shows their journey from the start of the Millennium,when they were 9 years old,in the mountains of the small town Qunshan.Four childhood friends,who grew up in that neighborhood together, had a brief encounter with Jiang Qiaoxi,who had moved to Qunshan for a short time but later went back to the Provincial City.

However, They All met again together in 2006, in their high school Era ; &The story starts to unfold. In the high school arc,the viewers see the extent of Jiang Qiaoxi's Mom's character, how abusively controlling she has been to her son in his whole life.She is one of the worst Moms ever portrayed in cdramas..At this point,Jiang Qiaoxi had always had a long-term goal in his life: to escape his home, the city, and his past of living as a substitute of his late brother in his own family.

3rd arc comes with Our Qunshan squads being in their young adulthood,when they are 20 years old,all in their different Majors in universities,some abroad & some in different cities.This arc is what Romance lovers will be particularly looking forward to,as the main leads finally got together after so much ups & downs in their life.

The 4th arc continues from the 3rd arc & shows their gradual growth towards adulthood. When i was reading the novel for the first time,The Ending chapters gave me so much warmth & comfort,seeing them gradually reaching 30s, & the bond of their families still as strong as ever, the Friendships even stronger.

[Special Mention : The childhood arc,although It lasted only one episode,My Applause for these Child actors who performed Sooo in-depth & incredibly well ]

Tbh i cried each & every episode till now, even if It's not a drama with a heavy plot.I'm a late 90s kid,but i could relate with a lot of things the leads were going through..The emotional depth of the story & characters are on point, the actors were almost perfect portraying that depth as well.In the End, It becomes a story of courage & independence,of family & parents,and education, and most importantly, of LOVE.

As I'm Someone who hold my friends in high regard,just like Lin yingtao...i can ensure you, if you are someone who values friendship above everything else,& chase the people you care about, Chase & care them as much as you chase your dreams & goals,this drama is for you.Their journey of 30 years will tear you up,& their happy ending will make you immensely happy & content.

Read More