This review may contain spoilers
Five cautions if you want to start/watch/continue this drama.
1. Chemistry. Shall I say…lack there off? I did not feel any couple vibes between the FL and the ML. It felt forced and contractual. The body language between the leads was awkward, and when they were ‘alone’, the ML’s body was facing the camera in most of those scenes. However, there were some nice chemistries between the ML and Qian Tu and, the FL’s bestie Dr Cheng Wei Lan and rich girl Xue Wan Wan.2. Introduction of support characters. I was slightly confused during the introduction of key supporting characters such as William and the Qian brothers. It was as if the writers dumped a bag of toys in front of me and say “here there are!” in the first two episodes.
3. Lack of explanation on the exit of some characters. There were few characters where their departure from the story felt sudden. Imagine a character been skipping and dancing for three episodes, then suddenly they appear at a morgue. This scenario happened a few times where I went, “did I miss an episode??”
4. An air of superficiality. The themes of lifespan of human life, organ donations, illegal drug testing and guardianship, mashed with comedy, romance, and fantasy. Heavy topics but filmed in the typical fluffy C-drama romcom where everything is bright with super perky FL, cold-domineering ML, and comic relief between a few duos. Despite some fresh premises within the c-romance world, the writing felt loose and superficial in dealing with, and mashing the themes with the genre.
5. Many of the sets feel like relics from the 1980s. The ML’s and the Qian family homes, the hospital, the morgue, and some cars felt “outdated” and “heavy”. Heavy curtain with heavy cars.
I completed this drama for Qian Tu, the ML’s fate and to see how this drama wrapped up.
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The Quality of Death is as Important as the Quality of Life
I wasn't expecting to like this series at all because though I follow LHK and was only watching for him, it was obvious to be a lower caliber series. In that sense, I wasn't wrong. The writing wasn't strong and even though the series had a fantastical premise; many things especially in the last two episodes, were just beyond even basic standards of not done well. It was very obvious when the actors were in front of a green screen and much of how unnaturally they acted was due to inexperience with such things. As well as the dispersement of the budget was a bit questionable; some things seemed more expensive than others and that also showed some inconsistencies.JBJ's zombie-esque jacking off the pavement twice and flying to save others was very dramatic and quite comical. The first time he flies off the morgue slab and ends up walking on ceiling as well as the growling mutation scene, reminded me so much of Twilight sans the blood drinking and sparkling. This series should have premiered around Halloween, it would have filled the genre nicely. A lot of comedy was included which also helped move the story along. Funniest by far was JBJ running away from the goose!
What drew me to it the most was the absolutely tactful way the series dealt with the topic of death. One lead was essentially immortal and the other only had like a year left to live. Yet she was able to be a pain reliever to him and he's watched practically everyone in his life pass away and couldn't join them. She also faced death with a healthy attitude; living each day to its fullest while still trying find a cure for her rare illness. Also spoke a lot about the importance of organ donation which like death is an unavoidable and very necessary for people to know about and discuss with their families. I personally have connections to both topics so that's probably another reason I was drawn towards this drama.
They were able to deal with death and dying just like it was just another part of a journey. As many know, death is a taboo topic in many cultures and is regarded as morbid if one talks about it. But the simple fact is that, sooner or later we also must deal with it. No human is immune to it. Not even our characters. Our immortal/invincible male lead or JBJ has been trying to get rid of it for 100 years. And though at the end of the series, he finally becomes a mortal again, it is an open ended question to whether JXY has found a cure as well. I'd like to think that by the time they get married in the very last episode, if not a cure, there's been at least some form of treatment to prolong her life. So that the two of them can finally lead a good, normal, human life.
The OSTs, especially one called "Together" by Yang Chuyun is hauntingly beautiful. I love all the side characters, even the annoying Cheng guy who kept trying to break them up in his own misguided way of protecting JBJ. The only inconsistent characters were the villains; they had some bizarre reasons for wanting the immortality meteor and didn't really come together in a cohesive manner. Could have been much better written to make them better antagonists and some version of believable. But all of the loose ends and backstories were eventually explained.
Would I recommend it? As a filler drama, yes I absolutely would. It has many great components and many errors. But if you want a dose of realism in a fantastical premise, give it a go.
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A phenomenal cast - intersting story...Loving it!
I didn't have too high of expectations going into this since I'm not very familiar with the cast; however, within two episodes I've fallen in love with everyone, especially the FL. OMG! She is so spunky and adorable. She seems to bring out the best in every scene, no matter who she's playing opposite. I do love the chemistry between her and the ML. Their banter is cute and energetic.AND, I can't say enough good things about the support cast. The guardian(s) who surround the ML are so engaging and entertaining.
As far as the story line, I'm hooked, and can't wait to see what happens next. Some scenes give me a Twilight feel, only with a livelier and smarter FL. There is also some entertaining bromance which rounds out a great script with amazing characters. I highly recommend this series.
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This review may contain spoilers
A different from routine drama!
A good start in new year for me!Story:
The story is about a man who had become an immortal because of an accident in the past and a woman who is going to die at a very young age. But it's not completely a fantasy / supernatural drama. This drama covers the sensitive aspects of organ donation, the mental condition of terminally ill patients and their family members, illegal research performed on humans.
What I liked:
Friendship: All the male leads friends are very good, especially William, he has a lively character.
The female lead's bestie is Miss. Cool and is the best of all the friends I have seen.
Cheng Qian annoyed me for a while, but his bickering with the female lead even at the critical moment in last episode is very funny.
Ending: I am happy that this drama did not continue the legacy of ruining the last episodes with stupid flashback.
No love triangles:┌(・。・)┘♪ There is no cunning second female lead and no annoying second male lead.
OST is good .
But I couldn't understand how the female lead is cured!
My verdict: Watch this if you want a light hearted romance drama with friendship as main genre .
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I KNOW IT, A Good Drama
first time when i see the trailer i only interest for some scene but as the drama start airing i begin to fall in love with iti was watch this drama couse liu hai kuan play this as the main lead and i interest in some scene but when i actually watch every episode of this drama, i actually enjoy it couse they have comedy, drama and fantasy in it.
the way all the actor and actries bring the character of the drama that's make me fall in love woth the story
i'm a person who will only watch drama when it's come to almost ending but for this drama, i watch it every airing episode even watch without subtitle
so if someone see this review i'm not lying that this is really good and ejoyable drama, no need to think hard for the ending or the story, you can just prepare your snack and watch this drama then when you watch it every episode you will forgot how many houres has gone.
really a worth drama to wait and to watch
LIN NOU YAN!
I know it was you from the begining, based on your last drama 'flaming heart', you are so good in the begining but in the end you will be the one who behind all of the bad things in drama. the way you live as a organ donator organization's person, you really close to terminal ill patien, i had a feeling that you gonna use them as your experimental test object, then in the and after i watch last episode i know that my feeling was right, couse i never trust you in the first place
I HATE YOU LIN NOU YAAAANNN!!!!!!! 🤬🤬🤬🤬
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Mixed feelings: interesting story but some inconsistencies and simplistic storytelling/script
From episode 1, there have been some inconsistencies (as with many fantasy stories) and so many questions. The mystery storyline was what kept me watching. The FL character was refreshing...she has a very carpe-diem attitude, flirty and full of life but not a simple happy-go-lucky personality. The acting was great too...I think the personalities were very distinct.I wasn't a fan of the build up to the main CP. Honestly, at the point that they confessed to each other, I thought they were still giving friend vibes...I was so confused. But I don't think that was a result of the acting...it was more of the script. As I was watching this drama, I couldn't help but think that it was adapted (and apparently changed quite a bit) from a webtoon because I thought I was watching a webtoon in action. There were parts of the scripts that were so chunky...it was just a lack of consistent build up (just mysteries and then wait a bit, then bam, the answer to everything). The storyline had so many twists, it would've been nice to see slow-dropped hints and even possible misleading hints to make the ride more fun. This is the first time I've ever really wanted to separate a script from the storyline (rating-wise). Thinking about it more, it could be a result of cutting/editing the script. It's a 30-40 episode storyline crammed into 24 eps.
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Beautiful Chemistry, Good Story
From the first time I watched this drama, I instantly fell in love with the plot. The concept where the girl haven't long live, while the guy have a long live, made me think that it would end up sad for both of them, but that's exactly what I love about this drama!The two main characters have a good chemistry and it makes me happy to see the two of them interact to each other, as well as the supporting players who add to the fun while watching this drama. Sometimes I forget that the female lead still have a sad ending.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and I'm looking forward to more episodes to see.
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Weird!
I Am The Years You Are The Stars is actually a collection of different themes in a single drama. It has romance, mystery, sci-fi, medical, friendship, and bromance elements which are part of the story. They are not forcefully cobbled together but the drama still ends up weird to me. Maybe because it tries to make light of the solemn subject of death or perhaps the whole story is just incredibly farfetched. Not to mention the drama begins with no clear explanation on how the characters are related to one another and the length they would go to to protect the male lead’s secret.In other words, the story is very different from your typical romance dramas such as Nothing But You and Love At Night. It has potential in that sense but the execution is lacking unlike Shining For One Thing which also has a sci-fi element to it. The romance blossomed out of the blue when the couple started off disliking each other and the subplots tend to drag the story out unnecessarily. Some scenes editing are off and the transitions look choppy. In addition, some parts also give the drama a low budget feel especially towards the ending.
If You Don’t Mind An Unrealistic Plot…
Basically, I Am The Years You Are The Stars is not meant to be an intelligent mystery or sci-fi romance drama. You can’t watch this and try to apply logic to the story. For instance, it doesn’t make sense for a girl to agree to live with an abnormal being who can mutate into a zombie no matter how much she is paid. Moreover, she didn’t like him to begin with. But this is how the story flows and you can’t question it too much as you watch if you want to enjoy the drama.
However, while the drama is weird and unrealistic, it also has a certain level of intrigue to make you watch till the end. Chances are once you start, you will want to know the protagonists’ fate in the last episode. This is because the girl is expected to die and the guy wants to give up his immortality when the story begins. Hence, you will be curious about how they will end up and whether they will be dead or alive. So, the drama is far from great but ironically addictive in a strange way.
Apart from that, the story also consists of a twist towards the end. It is not totally unexpected for those who are astute or have a suspicious mind. But if you have no inkling of what is to come, it adds a layer of surprise to the overall story.
Acting And Chemistry
Both the leads put up a respectable performance to me although I also don’t see anything groundbreaking. They did their part as required with Estelle Chen managing to portray Xiao Yu’s inherent personality of a cheerful and positive lass. She has this vibrant demeanor with spring in her steps. It may seem inconsistent with her situation as someone who is going to die but she that is how her character has been written rather than bad acting on her part.
Liu Hai Kuan’s character is harder to play as he has to be an old man trapped in a young man’s body. He did well to a certain extent as he displays a more reserved attitude that is consistent with men of his generation. But I also can’t help but feel that his acting in some scenes feels forced. He doesn’t look completely natural in that role but I guess Jiang Bai Ju is a very unique character with a lot of inner turmoil and conflict which the actor couldn’t convincingly express.
When the two leads are put together, their chemistry is lacking to me. They can be acting sweet and lovey-dovey but I can’t really feel the couple vibes between them in some scenes. Even the kissing ones fail to make my heart flutter unlike really matching on-screen couples such as the ones in Once We Get Married and You Are My Glory. Maybe it has a lot to do with this couple’s background which just doesn’t resonate with me.
Unconventional Couple
The pair in I Am The Years You Are The Stars is not your typical romance drama couple. Some viewers may find them refreshing but they give me the impression of having nothing in common with each other. The guy is an old soul while the girl is young and restless. He is tired of living and wants to die but she is eager to live with a zest for life. He views love as something serious and fated while she doesn’t mind trying out a relationship. I could just sense a generation gap between them.
Therefore, I can’t really get into this couple from start to finish. I did try to give them a chance to grow on me but their romance still falls flat as far as I’m concerned. It didn’t help that their relationship happened very abruptly when the girl simply decided she wanted to date. Maybe you will have a different view if you like the concept of opposites attract and an unconventional couple. Then, perhaps you will be able to detect a healthy dose of chemistry between them.
My Verdict – Not My Cup Of Tea
Well, I Am The Years You Are The Stars just doesn’t suit my taste for a Chinese drama. To be honest, I scanned and skipped as I went along as it got boring towards the middle. The subplots got too much air time which dragged out the drama. Although they are tied up with the main plot in some way, they could have been shortened or better executed. The romance isn’t great to me while there are no side couples to fall back on for alternatives.
However, there are still a few redeeming qualities despite my unflattering view on this drama. The mystery part should help viewers to maintain some level of interest to enable one to cross the finish line. The cute friendships and bromance are other positive factors which provide the needed lighthearted moments. So, it might not be a great drama but there could be enough attraction to make you plough on. After all, you can always quicken the speed for the boring scenes.
For this I Am The Years Your Are The Stars review, I would give it a score of 6.5/10. I don’t really recommend you to watch this drama unless you can lower your expectations before you start. Not everything is properly clarified either when the drama ends. You won’t feel dissatisfied but some clarity would have been good. Watch it if you want some mystery and sci-fi elements in your romance dramas. But stay away if you can’t stand cheesy romantic lines and prefer more realistic and conventional couples.
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It was just the hype
I'll be saying it direct to the point. This drama was an "eh" for me. Story line is pretty confusing and weak. It could have been good but it wasn't giving me that same energy like the other supernatural stories I've watched.Story line: it could have been better. The drama is cliche. That plotwist in the end was shocking and caught me by surprise, but like I said it could have been better.
Acting: It was okay. Some of their lines were just too cheesy and cringe.
Chemistry: To be honest, main leads were cute but I like the second leads better
OST: I like it. My favorite probably would be A Journey Together by Yang Chu Yun
Rewatch Value: Maybe not the whole drama, but some clips
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New Variant of Vampire + Goblin
I'm about to tell this series has new upgraded idea BEFORE I randomly found "Love in Time" (Hong Kong's 2015 series). I haven't watched tho, but the synopsis concluding the similiar premise. But nevermind, still love this bittersweet story that wrapped up with Liu Hai Kuan's acting skills which really nailed the characters.I started this series for the two goodlooking main cast, but really I stayed for the story, I'm so curious how they will bring this story to final conclusion, BUT it gone downhill since they showed who's the villain in eps 23 and where's the final solution for the female lead??? (They didn't tell us or it's just me that didn't notice? If someone do, please tell me. TIA)
I want to complain about the CGI, property, and ikebana works. Geez, com'on don't make it looked very low budget. The CGI is too unrealistic, the property can make me tell it's a cork, and the flower arrangement is such a mess for me.
If you're finding for something fresh, go and give a try. The sorrow is quite well delivered and it got fresh/unusual humor, especially those quite dark humor from Xiao Yu ha ha. The chemistry between the MC and bromance is good. The opening theme song sing by the ML! I love ittt. Tho, I still love "Together" by Yang Chu Yun the most.
"When you lost your beloved one, you'll hope to see ghosts." -Jin Xiao Yu, eps. 11
"The value of life is never measured by length, wealth, or appearance." -Jiang Bai Ju, eps. 24
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This review may contain spoilers
I didn't expect to finish this drama so quickly or that I would love it as much as I did! It reminded me of Twilight with our handsome yet tortured, immortal ML who is utterly devoted to his destined FL and love of his life. The FL was quirky, a free spirit, and her job was so fitting... the show definitely didn't shy away from showing us exactly what she did! The ML was the opposite of her and I really loved their chemistry as they came together as a couple. The dialogue was hilarious and so well written. The scenes were original and hilarious... props to the writer for their creativity and randomness (who has a pet goose?!). The side characters in this drama were all well cast and I found myself rooting for every single one of them. ML's "brothers" were all charismatic and charming... the loyalty they had for one another was genuine and heartfelt. The plot and story could have been better and if you're looking for a clean and well thought out storyline... probably not the drama for you! Lots of loopholes and unanswered questions, not to mention times when you'll ask yourself what you're watching.... is this a rom com? more of a drama? slapstick comedy? fantasy? sci-fi? For me, I was enchanted by our main CP and "band of brothers" ... their banter and wit kept me watching and laughing.
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The male leads stole the show
As what other reviewers/ commenters have mentioned, this drama has a somewhat unique storyline compared to your typical C-dramas. It has romance (of course), elements of mystery, investigation, crime, medical, science fiction and fantasy. But the highlights of what made this drama unique to me, were how it touched on the topic of death without being overly cliche, and also the fantastic chemistry and character build up between the male leads.The 4 male leads - JBJ, QC, QT, William were the stars of the show. The friendship, dynamics and “love triangles” between JBJ, QC, QT and William were fun to watch and something I’ve not come across often in C-dramas (usually it’s just your usual brotherhood or bromance between 2 male leads). The character developments of all the leads were done well and their bickering and lines were always on point (there was even a scene where JBJ openly took a dig at the writer of this drama on typical drama cliches).
Overall the show was paced well. I never felt bored or felt the need to fast forward as every episode had mini sub-plots and characters which fed well into the bigger and underlying plot of the drama, as the 4 male leads (and FLs) worked together to solve each case to get them to the finale. Worth to watch.
Ps: I hope to see the actor who played QC in more lead roles (I watched Sassy Beauty right after this show :p).
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