An Absolute Masterpiece
This drama will make you laugh, this drama will make you cry, this drama will teach you about life, this drama will give you hope, and this drama will give you happiness.Overall thinking:
As my title says, this is an absolute masterpiece. But there are so many masterpieces out there and people claim this word rather very easily nowadays. So, what is so special about the drama? Some others say a lot of adjectives like Heartwarming, Healing, Therapeutic, Soothing, great acting, etc. All these words perfectly describe this drama, but here I would say my own word to describe this drama, it is UNIQUENESS. There are so many healing, heartwarming, slow-burn dramas out there. Still, the drama makes itself unique from others (will explain later).
The drama shows its sublimity in every department- Cinematography, Script, Location, Story, Casting, Acting, and Music. Everything is to absolute perfection. This is a drama where the main story is very simple. You almost know where the main story is going. But here the end result does not matter at all. It’s the journey how you go there is what is important here. The drama is the mix of stories of the female lead, male lead, and other 5-6 supporting leads (and many other characters) to find themselves. The characters are very much realistic. The characters actually mirror regular people like us. Just like regular people, the characters are not perfect. They have a lot of issues, but they don't know the answers yet. The drama is their journey where they find the answers from their life experiences. The main strong point of the drama is that the characters are so realistic and they are examples of real people just like you. Everything is delivered in such a way that while watching the drama, you will feel like you are a part of the drama (hardly any other drama can make you feel like that). So, you will learn your life lessons just like the drama characters. You will get to know what are the things important in your life, what things you need to care about. The drama explored this in a wide range of ways like Family bonds, friendship, grandmother-grandchildren relationships, parent-children relationships, siblings relationships, neighborhood relationships, and so on. Unlike other slice-of-life dramas, which explore a lot of life issues but fail to give entertainment to the viewers and are often regarded as boring, this drama is totally different. It is super fun to watch. You will get a good happy feeling while watching every single minute (except ep 1, the first episode is a bit sad) of the drama. Some simple moments can make you laugh so hard, and some simple moments make you so emotional to make you cry, but at the same time, you will feel good and happy. This is the greatness of the drama.
Romance:
The drama is both a life drama and a romantic drama. But, different life stories and lessons with everyday interactions will captivate you so much that you might forget to tell about the romantic part of the drama. Romancewise, the drama did an excellent job. You will see a very natural romance development between the leads. It might be one of the best natural and realistic romances you can find in any drama. And you will enjoy and love every bit of it.
Slow Pacing:
I also need to talk about the pacing. It is a slow-paced drama. But for this particular drama, the slow pace is not its weakness but becomes its strength. Some people might have some problems with the pace at first. But if you are not too much impatient, you will get used to the pace quickly. In the other dramas, the slow pace means the drama is doomed to fail. But, here it becomes its strength due to its script, its unique way of storytelling, and the acting delivered by the cast. The interactions between the characters, the dialogue, and the conversations become an art in this drama. So, if you are too impatient and try to fast forward too much or skip scenes as you do in other dramas, you might miss the real beauty of this drama. But, if you are patient enough, you will soon get used to the pace. And you might find this drama as one of the best dramas that you have ever watched.
Story:
The plot is pretty simple and easy to follow. You already read the MDL summary. So, I won’t write the same words. I would say, the plot is rather simple. But the story is not simple. This is a wide big story. There are a lot of stories that are mixed together and make a wonderful and magical mixture. So many characters in the drama. Yes, not only the main leads. There are at least another 10 characters (actually more) whose stories are explored in this drama. The story is not plot-driven, but rather character-driven. Unlike other dramas, the interactions and conversations between the characters matter the most here. There are so many GOLD conversations in this drama, which I cannot write here (not want to spoil you), you need to see yourself. The drama runs in a smooth manner from beginning to end in such a way you can’t skip any of the conversations. You might need to stop sometimes and go back to see the conversations multiple times. Because the conversations are so fun to watch. And they are the soul of the drama. The conversations are pretty simple daily life conversations. But sometimes, they tell us different stories, and different values and give us different emotions, insights, and life lessons. Sometimes, those conversations make you cry due to emotions, sometimes those make you cry due to happiness.
Characters:
There are a lot of characters and the characters are very much well developed. You have the FL who is a former front office Hotel Manager who came to the village to spend time. Previously, she made a plan with her best friend to come here, but her best friend is dead now. So she came to the village for both of them, to fulfill their promise. ML is a local boy, who is highly educated and used to doing a good well-paid job. He is now back in the village and now wants to improve the village. Then, you have Nana- A waitress working in the local café, Damai- An aspiring young novelist, Mr. Hu- A singer and songwriter, Mr. Ma- The man who keeps himself busy doing meditation, Xiaochun- A local woman who is divorced, has a cute daughter, and manages the different business for ML, Xiaxia- A woodcarver (local craft), Grandma Xie- 80 years old but still strong woman with a lot of wisdom. I can mention a lot more. But it will be a long list. (Special Mention: Aunt Gui, Aunt Feng, Aunt Baoping, and 4 cute little kids). All the characters were acted by a perfect cast. While watching this, you just can't stop praising how the cast acted perfectly in each of these characters. All the characters are unique on their own. They have their fair share of struggles in life. They have some stories to tell. The drama explores their life struggles and stories. From my description, it may seem like the drama is heavy. But you are totally wrong here. The drama is very lighthearted. All these characters are super fun to watch.
Acting:
10/10 from me, and I believe anyone who gives a score below 10 for acting might not be fair in his/her review. Female lead, Male lead, Supporting characters, Grannies, Aunts, and Children, all the characters are acted by perfect casts. All were absolutely perfect in their role. The cast delivered some of the most realistic, natural acting you can see in any drama.
Screenwriting:
I would say one sentence. The drama is a screenwriting masterpiece. YES, it's true. Not only the characters are written well-developed, but they are also super fun to watch. You will like all the characters. Yes, all the characters. Not a single dislikeable character. You will also remember their name (which I hardly do in other dramas) because they are so impactful you can’t just forget them. All the conversations are written in a such masterful way, I can’t find just enough praise for them. Many of us don’t know the beauty of screenwriting, because we never see the real strength of screenwriting in other dramas. Just think, the plot is there and screenwriting is a simple script to drive the plot. But, the drama will prove you wrong here. You need to watch this drama to see what is actual screenwriting and how it makes a drama a good one to a great one.
Music:
10/10 on the music. This is not an exaggeration. That is what truly I feel. Simply awesome. The OST, BGM, and use of music with different moments of the drama were simply wonderful.
Enjoyment:
The drama keeps getting better and better. The first episodes are introductory episodes. The characters are weird at first. Once you get to know the characters you like them. As I said, it keeps getting better and better. So, for example, episode 10 is more fun than episode 5, episode 20 is more exciting than episode 10, and episode 30 is more exciting than episode 20. After watching episode 10 you might think, the drama is already so good. How can it get better? Yes, my friend, it gets better. Unlike other dramas, which start with a bang and attract all attention, but later you find out that drama is a total mess. Not, no chance here. It gets so good; you can only see it if you watch.
Some Weak Points:
Yes, there are some weak points.
>>Simple Plot and Predictability: Yes, the plot is pretty simple and predictable. You can always guess what might happen next. You get what you expect, and drama doesn’t disappoint you in that case. For some people, this might be the weak point, but those who watched the drama would say a different thing. The greatness of the drama largely lies in its simplicity and predictability. Our daily life events are pretty simple and predictable. But, as you explore life, you see it is extraordinary. This drama is the same as life. It is extraordinary.
>>Not many WOW moments: The drama is different in many aspects compared to other dramas. Nowadays you watch dramas with your computer or mobile phone. There is a 5 seconds/10 seconds forward button. You always press the button. You skip the conversations and go to some WOW moments. Yes, most of the time you don’t miss any important part of the story by doing this. For them (☹ for me too), at the beginning the drama might not suit you and some of them might find this drama boring. Because there are no such moments. But, if you watch properly, you will see the conversations are GOLD in this drama. Believe me, you will find more enjoyment in some simple conversations than in those WOW moments in other dramas.
Rewatch Value:
I wish there were 11 out there to rate the rewatch value. The drama actually deserves 11/10 rewatch value. I saw so many people already watching the episodes 2-3 times before the drama even ended. Same for me. I will watch it multiple times. I don’t know how many times.
Recommendation:
I absolutely recommend the drama. While most people will absolutely love this drama, there might be some people who would not like this drama due to its slow pacing or some other reasons. Even if they don't like it now, I would recommend they try watching this drama maybe in the future or maybe when they are facing difficult stages of life. Not only for enjoyment but this drama will show you the beauty of life, and help you think the life in a positive way.
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Healing drama - not your tradition show
This is not your typical fast-paced drama, it is about life in general as well as the friendships/relationships between people. It is a very healing drama and once you watch it, you will feel very relaxed. The show portrays a lot of the little things we experience in our own lives and is super relatable. OST is a banger, every time I hear it, I just heave a sigh of relief.For me, I've had stress, annoyance about work, life but watching this show just totally brings me to their own little world.
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A drama where just 10 stars are not enough.
Warm sunshine on a winter morning, or a cup of coffee on a rainy day- we all know how comfortable it feels like right? These are the only ways to describe this phenomenal piece of work named Meet Yourself.If I have to name one thing that I would watch every single day of my life without getting bored, it will be this drama. A slow-paced drama that doesn't feel slow but leaves you wanting to watch even more of it- sounds a bit exaggerated? But no, that is exactly what this drama is. 40 episodes that are about 45 minutes long each and I still want to watch about 40 more episodes of these sweet characters just going on with their lives, doing the most mundane things. I'm confident to say that I won't skip a second of it, just like I haven’t while watching the whole drama.
I won't name a favourite character because you know what? Every character shone. From our main leads whom we saw from episode 1-40 to Xie Qiang who was only seen in the last few episodes- everyone absolutely nailed their character. I smiled when they smiled, cried when they cried and laughed when they laughed.
The OST- every single song made me feel so much and was perfectly fit for the moment, the playlist is going to stay saved in my Spotify forever.Whenever "Days" played in the background it became hard for me to concentrate on the drama, it's such a soulful song that makes you think, hope and believe that everything will be fine, just take everyday as it is.And every time I hear "Saddle Of My Heart", it makes me pray and hope for a love like the one described in the song, the love that I felt between XZY and XHD.
This drama made me feel like I was there, I was also a part of the tiny, gorgeous, peaceful village of Yunnan. I iust know that nothing will ever top this drama for me, this will forever be in a league of it’s own. I will be recommending this masterpiece to everyone for the rest of my life.
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Genius screenwriters – My absolute Favourite Cdrama !
After watching nearly 100 Cdramas and an equal number of Kdramas, I finally decide to write my first review because I’ve found my favourite Cdrama (Meet Yourself = You Feng De Di Fang). I am not sure why this English title since it is not a literal translation, but I think it is quite appropriate. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey with the Yunmiao village people. How I wish it was a real place we could travel to and stay there. There are beautiful sceneries in China but here the landscape, farms, houses, markets, narrow alleys, seaside views, and mostly the people captivate our hearts. The vision of sustainable village development resonates with me who was born on a very small island still struggling to earn income from tourism.The relationship development between the lead couple was a model of maturity, wisdom, good communication, realistic understanding of each other’s needs, mutual time and space giving, selfless love but keeping the childish playfulness, humour, and hot romance. The stories of each person were all real-life situations. I love the characters with their beautiful personalities as well as their weirdness and weaknesses. Xie nainai is indeed my heroine, I regret I have no grannies.
I have no words for the script writing. I have also watched Go Ahead another favourite Cdrama from the same screenwriters. The writers are amazing geniuses to come up with such wholesome conversations as some have said, chicken soup for the soul. I can rewatch, which I don’t usually do, just to enjoy the script so beautifully and simply worded. No frills or make believe. It was all so sincere and touching. There is no need for plots in such setting.
The actors were all top-notch. I have not watched any of their previous work, but I will follow them from now on. They made me feel part of their conversations and stories. Their acting does not feel like acting at all. They felt like real people and performed so naturally. Crystal Liu’s voice is really soothing.
The OST’s music and lyrics matched the script perfectly.
Someone said she will recommend this masterpiece drama for the rest of her life. I will do same. It is not exaggerated to say that I may have to wait for some time to get this one dethroned as my absolute favourite! I count on you dear screenwriters ?
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REFRESHING to your SOUL
With nothing great to watch at jan i found li xian and crystal in poster with latest update and then boom its breath of fresh air ,so relaxing, felt peaceful after some chaos in lifePlot is simple every day interaction of different people with different scars, experience,age in a unpopular tourist town inn. sounds simple but its the storytelling and cast that beautifully delivered such a great masterpiece, becoz every character is memorable not just ml,sml,fl nearly more than 10 characters life is beautifully portrayed and ml &fl relationship, chemistry is the best we may find those 2 on screen talking some random topics fascinating, story gave great life lessons and lastly OST is part of the story it's inseperable like if ost is fl and story is ml , RE-WATCH whenever you feel down,
I don't think i may another drama like in this year or next but hope im wrong 100%
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Touching, Humorous, Thought Provoking, Calming. Philosophical, Scenic, Idyllic
The Chinese title for “Meet Yourself” is “Going to a Place Where there is Wind”. Wind is a very important concept in the Chinese culture. It is the source of life, a flow of air and energy; without wind, a place is like a pool of dead water. This story is set in a fictional Shangri-la called Yun Miao Village, a sleepy hamlet. The drama is shot at Feng Yang Yi, an actual village near Dali in Yunan Province where many of the Bai people, one of the many minority ethnic groups, live.To my delight, the drama is directed, and screen written by the same director and screen writers for “Go Ahead” and “Find Yourself”. The first episode makes me cry, empathizing with the characters of their misfortune and loss, but this is not a heart-wrenching story. Indeed, it is a story about normal life of normal people with normal experiences, embellished with humor.
In today’s world, most working people are just like Xu Hongdou (Liu Yifei aka Crystal Liu), mindlessly working like a robot, in pursuit of materialistic rewards. Xu Hongdou wants to buy a car and an apartment in Beijing which is ever so unreachable with her paycheck. Just like most people would, a shattering life event can change the outlook of life for a person, and it does for Xu Hongdou in the untimely death her best friend, Chen Nanxing (Wu Qian aka Janice Wu); she’s abruptly awoken, finding herself lost. She begins to question the meaning of life and what she wants in life herself. She has no answers.
Xu Hongdou quits her job and leaves Beijing. She flies all the way to a tranquil and idyllic village in Yunan and rents a room for several months in a cozy cottage. There, she meets a struggling web novel writer, a failed entrepreneur, a fallen livestream singer and a down-and-out musician. All these people have come here to lick their wounds, to reflect and to recharge; each has a story. They become good friends, help, learn from each other and grow. But most of all, Xu Hongdou meets the man of her life, a successful investor who has returned to his village with a vision and a noble mission.
Almost all 40 episodes of the story have taken place in the little Yun Miao village and its surroundings such as the ancient old city and Erhai (a giant lake that is called a sea). Some impatient viewers may find it slow and boring, but the overall plot is about life, and how to look at life philosophically, and how our characters grow against all odds. It is more like a travel journal, documenting all the people Xu Hongdou meets, all the things she eats, does and sees, including the birth of a colt from start to finish. It focuses on the village, the inhabitants’ traditions, culture, and family relationships. Most of the elderly women don in traditional costumes, some sell their handicrafts and food products in the marketplace.
The romance is mature and slow burning, not unlike how real people would have experienced. Xie Zhiyao (Li Xian) doesn’t confess his love for Xu Hongdou until Episode 26 and tells her to go have a life she is searching for by letting her return to Beijing. That confession is moving. Their official romance starts only in Episode 31 when they kiss, and for the rest of the drama, they are like bee and honey, sweet and lovely. The director and screenwriters have given the romance buffs some very heartwarming loving scenes of the lovebirds till the end - almost 9 episodes of solid sweet romance.
Liu Yifei is amazing as Xu Hongdou. She is beautiful, elegant and natural with no visible makeup. She speaks softly, gently and poetically. Li Xian’s performance is just as good as the handsome, affable and warmhearted Xie Zhiyao. The whole cast is wonderful with very convincing performances by the older actors as grannies, and the juvenile actors as village kids. Like Wu Qian, Zeng Shunxi’s appearance as a lowkey bookstore investor/strategist is very brief. There are no nasty characters, no ex-boyfriends nor ex-girlfriends, and no love triangles. The settings are idyllic and comforting, rich with heritage and culture of a minority group. The efforts to bring prosperity to the village and at the same time, balancing conservation and preservation of the traditional way of life of the inhabitants, are challenging and inspiring.
The official soundtracks are lovely, consisting of several English songs, most accompanied by acoustic instruments. A few of the songs used are from the previous drama Go Ahead. I particularly love the lullaby which is repeatedly played and sung throughout the drama; it is endearing and gives a sense of nostalgia and homeliness.
My Verdict
If you love China and its beautiful people, you'll love this drama. If you love travel and to live an idyllic lifestyle, you will love this drama. If you have fallen and are hurting, you would love this rejuvenating story and its background setting. If you're an urbanite and would like to get away from your dreary life as an armchair traveler, this is your drama. If you're a dreamer and love a layback lifestyle that allows you to dream your dreams away, you’ll find inspirations here. If you're none of the above, simply just want an authentic beautiful drama to watch, you'd love this drama.
Some critics find this drama a promotional tourism project. Indeed, after the airing of the drama, tourism picks up by almost 2,000% in the once sleepy Shangri-la. Visitors jam the few cafes and restaurants, and walk the historical Tea Horse Ancient Path (茶马古道). Many take pictures with the cottage Xu Hongdou once stayed. That said, I have enjoyed the great breath-taking views and the message of the drama.
As it goes, “Time never stops, happiness is never limited. Sometimes there are dark clouds, but there is always wind.”
Realistic! Beautiful. Great watch! Highly recommended!
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This review may contain spoilers
favorite drama
I started Meet Yourself only because of Liu Yi Fei and at first I wasn‘t sure if a Slice of Life drama with 40 Episodes could be good and not turn out super boring but I was totally worried for nothing. This drama is perfect, was everything I could every hoped for, a masterpiece with a good overall plot, many interesting side stories and full of likable characters. This is now my favorite C-Drama I ever watched.Liu Yi Fei she is one of my favorite chinese actresses and I was so expected about her new drama, Hong Dou was made for her, she was amazing and became one of my Top 3 favorite FL.
It was my first drama with Li Xian but surely not my last. Xie Zhi Yao is husband goals, he was sich a caring ML, I loved it.
They are such a perfect couple, healthy relationship with the best Communication!
Favorite side character is Damai, I adored her from the start. I found her story also really interesting, she went from hiding in her room to have a amazing friends group that support each other. The friendship between Hong Dou, Damai and Nana was also my favorite! Loved that trio.
All the grannies were also highlights and made this drama so special.
If this place would be real I would move there myself.
Highly recommend this amazing drama!!
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When I said Mature Drama, I Talk About this Type of Mature Drama
I complete Go Ahead very early 2023. Then I see that the very same team make another drama. What wonderful news. (On the drama cover, Li Xian capture my eyes because physically he is such my type, hehe) I follow it since. It's been quite some time since the last time I watch ongoing drama religiously. So here I am.The first episode is gloomy and heart-wrenching. If I didn't know the creator, I'll stop watching, because that's not what I came for. But that's a very important episode, so I'm glad they pack it into one early episode. Thats help us to establish our point of view about Hong Dou. She is my fav character ever, sympathetic but objective, gentle but fierce, and mature but knows how to have fun. Her social skill is awesome. I love the fact that they do not make her gloomy because of her past story. It's changed her at the micro level continuously, but didn't change her into another human being.
After the second episode, the atmosphere changed. Peaceful village with beautiful scenery. Warmer colour grading. Natural and friendly interaction of human beings. Again, this drama team successfully bring the rawness of human interaction into the screen. It will be a novel if I tell every part of this drama that I love. But let me bring my fav. Neighbourhood aunties and uncles. This is an interesting piece that exists in Go Ahead but is not explored completely. The writers tackle this point extremely well. Not judgemental but constructive. Hong Dou's interactions with the elderly are GOLD. And the story of every villagers and visitors are so well written. It's like no one is left behind. Friendship, family, business and community, from children to elders. And the cast is so good at acting, just chef kiss.
Some people said that this is a promotional drama. If that's what is it. They do it well. If I'm in China, I'll be tempted to visit. I also realize this is quite a patriotic drama, haha.
Then, ROMANCE. It would be a sin if I'm not bringing up this topic. The romance between them is the one I called mature romance! The attraction is mutual and very organic. Both are denying at first because of mutual understanding. They think and worry about the future but are brave enough to fight for what they want.
It is such a healing, therapeutic drama. And impactful, I begin to meditate after watching this drama. Their OST is so good! I especially loved the main OST and that sultry OST, so cringey in a good way.
The first drama of 2023, potentially become the best.
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HEAL THROUGH A JOURNEY OF THE WINDY PLACE ❤️
MEET YOURSELFI don't know where to start this drama has been HOME I cried when I realised it has ended maybe because I've been soo attached to it? now why should you watch meet yourself ( 5 reasons they could be 100 because it's worth all that but I'll sum it all up into five??
#1. The storyline
Unique refreshingly, slow but intriguing and indulging, full of life, healing amazing I can't find more words but this has a story I needed, I was hooked from EP one which made me cry alot by the way till EP 40 which made me cry too because I couldn't believe it had ended??
#2.THE CAST
All characters be it the leads or the supports every single one of them did a great job, every character was given room to bond with the viewers every story was given time, every character was soo good I felt so connected to each and every one or them thanks for bringing this beautiful story to life???
#3.The healing life lessons and dialogue
Usually when iam watching a drama I screen shot funny scenes ? but with this it was the dialogue that was so relatable I couldn't help pause to agree, the lessons of life I've learnt in this series were more than anything... thanks to the writer....for such relatable life lessons ?
#4.The cinematography and scenery
You know how you feel calm by just staring at the breath taking scenes in a series, that's how I felt I even wished I could pack up and go to the windy place too ? every one needs that freshness thanks yunan village for the breathtaking scenery?
#5.The osts and because it's that good
The osts were soothing, amazing to here and catchy?
This is my current top one drama of 2023 it's gonna take alot to take its place so good luck to all dramas iam watching you have got your self a tough competition ?
Lastly if you want a healing drama, slow but amazing then this is your pick?
TITLE: MEET YOURSELF
PERSONAL RATING: 10/10 I BADLY WANT IT GIVE IT A ?❤️?
A special appreciation to Janice wu and all the other cameos for portraying their roles amazingly too❤️
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A warm hug in a Saturday afternoon.
This is the best way to describe this series. It can comfort you, it can make you cry, and at the same time, it gives you a valuable lesson as you watch each episode. I am currently on Episode 16 as I am writing this review, however, I can tell that this is another masterpiece originating from the same screenwriters of Go Ahead.It takes you through the wonderful village of Yun Miao, where we get to meet a variety of characters with unique and imperfect personalities. The characters are, if I may say, some of the best-written characters in Chinese Drama. There is no rush between the romance, and their life story, it's just a good balance of watching them figure out their life as they go. They're realistic, they aren't special, they're just regular people that we watch.
What I love the most about this drama is the script. The exchange of words between each character with different perspectives in life, and the portrayal of youth and immaturity. It is raw, realistic, and well-thought-out. I truly believe that the script itself is a good enough reason for you to watch.
However, there's more. Unlike most camera work, directing, and acting in other Chinese Dramas, Meet Yourself goes way beyond my expectations. The stills, the production, the CINEMATOGRAPHY, everything about this drama was truly, truly the best. The actors also go way beyond my expectations, it is so rare to find such a gem like this that contains no stiff acting, good delivery, a good script, and good cinematography.
I truly believe that above all the Chinese Dramas I've watched, this drama is the one you MUST watch. I suggest watching it when you're feeling lost, and you're looking for something that can accompany you throughout the day. It isn't packed with action, it is slow-paced, therefore I believe finding the right mood to watch it is also something you must take into consideration before truly diving into it.
Now, let me ask you, are you ready to meet yourself?
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Ten Star Delight
Casting, Cinematography, Script, Location, Music and Pacing are 100% on point.This beautiful series is therapeutic to the soul. Every single member of this cast played their role perfectly. Granny and the four little kiddie crew members get my top nod though, they were fantastic and added so much to this drama.
I found the first episode very triggering to me, I lost someone close to me to cancer, and I just struggle to relive those scenes in the media, so I skipped most of it and right into episode 2. This is when our beautiful FL ventures out to Yunnan province to heal. What she discovers are a group of people who are equally imperfect and dealing with their own demons. Each of them drawn to one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever seen in a drama and made me want to pack my bags to China immediately!!!
There is so much growth for our FL in this show, and all those around her. This community is wonderful and supplies truth and healing in every interaction. There is so many moments that the dialogue along will provide therapy for you the viewer, with profound and wonderful advice for so many situations.
The friendships that develop along the way are enduring and from start to finish your heart will be warmed to the fullest.
The ML & FL of this show are wonderful. Finally a mature couple who act and dress their age, with a natural and organic love that develops at just the right pace. If you are here for a fast trip to love, go someplace else because you won’t find that here. The chemistry between these two is also fantastic. They are a couple you will root for and delight and smile in every single sweet moment between them. They are my favorite cdrama pairing.
Congratulations to everyone who played a part in the production of this drama. 100% the best cdrama of 2023.
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An ode to the place where you can breath, heal and belong
This show is so much more than the typical healing drama.Initially, I have my doubts about its raison d'etre. I’m happy to report that after completing the show, it has exceeded my expectations.
I’m getting ahead of myself, let's do the usual caveats. This show is not for everyone. It is slow, almost meditative in parts. There are only low level angsts and the show avoids high dramas and convoluted plots.
It is set in a village somewhere in Yunnan. The setting is beautiful as well as bucolic, but the village is dying as more and more young people move to the cities to seek their fame and fortunes. However, not everyone is accepting this as a fait accompli.
To see why this show works so well we need to examine three key areas, writing, acting and setting.
It sounds like a broken record doesn't it? In this case, we are presented with a master class in script writing. Do you remember the k-drama Thirty-nine? Top stars, tearjerker, rings a bell? It took that show many episodes to tell roughly the same story that this show managed to do in about 30 minutes. It was no less impactful and, in some ways, more poignant.
Moving forward, we have an eclectic collection of locals and transients. Most are friendly but with varying degree of eccentricities and foibles. The writer doesn't bother to hide the various problems but allow them to play out naturally. It doesn't judge the protagonists nor hand them free passes. Instead, they are allowed to find a place where they can feel connected, supported, while they confront their inner demons and heal. The healing motif is used again and again.
Is the show idealistic? Absolutely. There is a silver lining in everything related to our beloved village and its inhabitants. We are never left feeling hopeless or despondent. The location is unique but people who lived in rural villages will see shades of their old house just past the next alleyway. The backdrop is a living canvas that has been painted over for generations.
While our eyes might be drawn to the lively village scenes, our ears are filled with some of the best dialogues in a contemporary c-drama. They have been carefully written and honed. We are not talking about empty flowery phases, but simple yet insightful words uttered by people who have lived storied lives. There are wisdom and wistfulness in equal parts. It has added importance here because communication of all forms is a pillar for this drama. I shall never forget the few short voice messages the FL's BFF left on her phone. It is gut retching and life changing.
In terms of acting, the leads are just wonderful. Their characters are expertly crafted and brought to life. It is impossible not to like them and ship them. There are plenty of swoon worthy moments and a decent amount of skinship. The ensemble cast are full of good-looking young actors and seasoned senior members. They feel real and relatable. All the main characters have detailed backstories and carries a number of interesting subplots. The village elders are the soul of the village and the ML’s grandmother is a national treasure.
The OST is a surprise highlight. The soundtrack is very well done. It ranges from catchy ditties to soulful songs that pairs so well with the show’s changing mood.
While the show is superior in many ways, it is not perfect. It is low key jingoistic. There is too much emphasis on the local government doing right by everyone. It doesn't really explore some of the more hard hitting social issues confronted by rural China. The pacing also got a little inconsistent towards the end as well.
There are some fan services in the last two episodes. The show concludes on an uplifting note and a moment of reflection. We are affirmed that lives in our favourite village will go on after the final credit rolls. For that, we give thanks.
In my mind, this show is not a celebration of a home or even a village but a place more nebulous. A place where you know you belong.
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