1Hope is not a strategy.
The Hope is the Chinese adaptation of a Japanese manga Dragon Zakura about an unconventional teacher who takes on a class of underachieving students. While I haven't watched the Japanese television version, this Chinese adaptation has clearly been heavily localized even though it retains a manga-like flavor in certain characterizations and comedic sequences. This drama critically examines the Chinese education system and its strong emphasis on the all-important Gāokǎo/高考 nationwide college entrance exam which takes 9 hours over two or three days. In a nation of largely single-child families, nothing is more important than getting their only child into the college of their dreams. With over 10mm taking the Gāokǎo each year, the competition is intense. Even though the pass rate is very high (85-90 percent), a minimum score of 600 (out of 750) is needed to gain acceptance to the most elite universities. Less than 7pct of students are accepted at these top universities and the acceptance rate at Qingbei (Tsinghua University and Peking University) where the crème de la crème matriculate is less than 0.1pct.After a series of entrepreneurial setbacks, star lecturer Lei Ming returns to teaching. He teams up with Sang Xia, a psychology teacher on an experimental program to turn around students that are not living up to their potential. His handpicks five students for his experimental Class 11; an orphan Li Ran, a math whizz Cheng Yushan, an aspiring rapper Jiang Qinglang, gossip girl Bian Xiaoxiao and the browbeaten Yu Yang. With Gāokǎo just a year away, his lofty boast of getting all five of them into Qingbei is widely ridiculed. His biggest skeptics are the students themselves and Sang Xia. His methods though unconventional are hardly trailblazing; much of it involves tried and tested methods used by successful students including time management, minimising distractions, identifying focus areas and being tactical about selecting courses. The drama makes it clear that hope is not a strategy and that while there are smarter, better ways to study, there is just no way around putting in the hours.
This is an exceptional drama that makes a poignant and compassionate case for students who have fallen behind. It exposes how they are failed by an indifferent sink or swim kind of education system. Each of the young actors does a fantastic job portraying their hardships, self-doubt and how they discover their best selves in their struggle against overwhelming odds. I don't have a favorite among them because they all have their own special talents, their own crosses to bear and blossom in their own ways as they learn to take ownership over their own destines rather than just being victims of circumstances they can only change at the margin. Lei Ming and Sang Xia are like fairy god parents who can help but can't make their lives perfect. Rather, they impart upon them the invaluable gift of learning how to cope and the ability to feel compassion for others. This is seen in how the understanding they show poor little rich boy Shen Yao and Lei Ming himself when he lets them down. In saving them, in many ways Lei Ming saves himself.
As for Zhang Ruoyun, he once again shows his uncanny ability to pick fantastic scripts. As always, he leaves so much runway for his young co-stars to shine and lets this story really be about them without defaulting into simply being a plot device. Because his Lei Ming is far from perfect; he is cynical and beneath his confident facade, deeply damaged by his resentment of his father, the great teacher Lei. In helping Class 11 in their struggles with Gāokǎo and their personal devils, he gains perspective on his own journey many years ago and gains some understanding of his father. My heart was in my throat watching Zhang Ruoyun portraying this role so movingly in light of his own difficult relationship with his father. Probably largely due to Zhang Ruoyun's powerful charisma, I found Sang Xia's constant baiting and argumentativeness to be pompous and super annoying initially. But she grew on me and I came to appreciate how their relationship actually thrives on calling each other out and challenging each other to do better.
This drama for all intents and purposes ends at episode 29 and it is fine to just stop there. The episode 30 "twelve years later" epilogue replaces the young actors with older vague lookalikes. That broke my connection with the young actors that I grew to love so much. I didn't mind the sober tone of the epilogue. It delivers the right message that there are no absolutes in life; that even Qingbei is no guarantee that all's well that ends well. The biggest lesson learned, the one that stands the test of time beyond all the academics is about coping with life's ups and downs. And they are still young enough that the whole world still lies ahead of them so their journey continues. My biggest issue with it is I had hoped for better for Lei Ming. But I guess that is what makes this drama so special; this ability of to be so incredibly inspiring yet so unbearably realistic at the same time. If you wish to skip the realism, then call it a day at episode 29. It still falls short of a fairytale but at least there is an abundance of hope.
This is a highly recommended and very memorable watch that I enthusiastically rate 8.5/10.0.
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A thought-provoking masterpiece
One of the most enjoyable and engaging shows for me from 2023. This drama evoked so many emotions and carried strong messages that resonated well with most of us. It was realistic, relatable and thought-provoking.Zhang Ruo Yun and the other actors were excellent and the characters they played were well-written. Great character and plot development, and there was a feeling of gratification as certain “bad” characters were properly punished.
The OST was really fitting and many songs were memorable. Each piece was chosen well and served to heighten the appropriate mood or feeling.
Some viewers were not satisfied with the epilogue but I actually liked it. The ending fit the rest of the story which did not steer away from stark reality. Not everything ends up in a bed of roses and not every love story has a happy ending. It was more important for me to see the kids and teachers of Class 11 thriving in their own ways. The show succeeded in that aspect and left this viewer properly satisfied.
It’s been awhile since I’ve rated a show so highly and this show is a 10 for me.
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A Drama of Growth
WARNING: Overall great story, but the last episode when they grow up is not great...I am still going to leave my review as is tho, definitely worth a watch!This is my first time writing a drama review, I watch a lot of dramas and I usually keep to myself or maybe leave a few comments, but I think this drama is deserving of a review. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, this is definitely one of the top dramas I've watched in a long time. Some episodes leave you smiling like a fool while others leave you a sobbing mess.
Story:
A story about two quirky teachers and five (arguably six) quirky students as they tackle various issues in life to take on the biggest exam in their lives, the college entrance exam, in order to change their lives.
I am not going to elaborate too much on this plot but more of the topics focused on in this drama. This is definitely not your typical fluffy school drama, the storyline here hits on many hard topics that are honestly often considered taboo to discuss in China, including depression, domestic violence, etc. and in my opinion this drama does it well. Instead of avoiding these topics or ignoring them, we are taught what they are and ways to handle them, while these methods may not work for everyone, I will say that some have worked for me such as exercising to destress and help with anxiety.
I think family relations and depression are the two most prevalent topics within this drama. As we progress through the drama, under the guidance of Lei Ming and Sang Xia, we see that not only the kids have grown, but the parents and teachers have as well, hence why I titled this review as a drama of growth. This drama is a great example of understanding where the issues are and how to tackle them, formulating better relations in and out of school. Every single character in this drama (well besides some of the antagonist characters) has grown and become a better version of themselves as we near the end of this drama. We also see the importance of identifying depression as an illness and not brushing it off like what is often done in Chinese culture. As someone of Chinese decent, I can say that depression is often looked down upon in China and not realized as an illness... We can take Shen Yao and Zheng Qian's cases, because of how they were able to handle the cases differently the results were very different.
While depression and family matters definitely are definitely two of the key elements elaborated upon within this drama, but I don't want people to forget the small details, for example, when Sang Xia mentions it's okay for a guy to ask a guy out as well or when she taught the class on what is sexual assault. Also, did anyone notice that the opening in ep 17 changed from being the usual colored opening to black and white after Lei Ming left? The attention to detail and the effort put in by the director/producers is insane.
I do want to also mention there are a lot of time jumps in this drama, which may make the flow seem a little weird. I can see people not liking it and at first I wasn't that used to it, but I like how these time jumps piece the story together, it breaks down the story well and allows us to see why certain decisions were made due to situations that have happened in the past.
Casting:
I am a big fan of the casting and a huge fan of Zhang Ruo Yun's acting in particular (I swear anything he graces becomes a work of art). Lei Ming emits a particular aura that I can't imagine anyone else besides him getting right. The expressions and look in his eyes really radiate what his character feels and longs for/
All the main characters in this show are incredibly lovable (maybe not in the beginning but definitely as we progress through the drama). Personally, I am a big fan of Li Ran haha! I love his quite, rebellious yet caring personality, appearing rough on the outside but a total sweetheart within. The actors/actresses all did a great job portraying their characters, bring so many emotions to the audience as well, every episode is an emotional rollercoaster, whether it be a sad one or a happy one. Also the pairings are great (I swear you can almost ship any pair you want haha)! Who is your favorite character? :D
Music:
I don't love every single OST tracks, but overall the music is very fitting for the vibes of this drama and the topics discussed in this drama. Whenever there is music added to a scene, it amplifies the emotions felt during the scene. Several of the songs leave a sad aftertaste, for example, 迷了路 and Find My Shadow make me want to cry just hearing the songs and the lyrics. I would say that the OSTs give a bit of a vintage vibe, which personally I love.
Also I'm not sure if people have noticed, but based on the mood of the episode, the opening song and the closing song are different (you can check the beginning of ep 25 and 28). I am also gonna take a wild guess that we get several English songs because Lei Ming is an English teacher :P
Rewatch Value:
I think this drama actually has very high rewatch value because of all the details that are easily missed and glossed over upon the first watch. I rarely rewatch dramas, but I can definitely see myself rewatching this one over and over again. The plot and emotions never get old. I guess it would lack some of the suspense you get on the first watch, but I don't think that takes away from the drama itself.
Overall:
Two quirky teachers and five (arguably six) quirky students have created a masterpiece. I want to say this is a must watch, especially if you are a fan of slice of life/sentimental dramas. It is definitely different and fresh, you definitely will not regret watching (unless you are like me and have work...)
Thanks for reading my review :D
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The teacher that brings hope to the special 5
The end of ep 1 reminds me of this video I saw many years ago: Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race. Where you start in life may be out of your control but how hard you race in life is up to you.Since I don't particular like heavy content so I wouldn't have started this if weren't for the cast.
Zhang Ruo Yun is always a solid actor in all his roles. In recent years he took on more serious roles. Here he plays someone who looks a lot older than his actual age with a painful past he tried to escape from.
The students: played by actors Zhang Cheng and Wang Qiang did a great job in the drama "Cross Fire" (One of my unexpected favorites) Here they are part of that special 5 students and play completely different characters.
Story starts with Lei Ming (ML) returning to be a teacher. He wants to assemble a special class of 5 out to prove his unconventional teaching methods can help these kids make it to the top college.
The special 5 + the troubled Shen Yao:
1. Li Ran, an orphan living in the basement where his grandma works as a housekeeper. The son of the owner is the top student (Shen Yao) in the same grade but with a sick twisted mind. Li Ran fix electronics on the side to help with the bills.
2. Cheng Yu Shan, her mom remarries to a guy who only cares or his biological son. On the outside she's fearless and fends off all the unwanted boy's attention. One day she finds hidden cameras, she trembles in fear. She sits in her small room looking outside of her small window feeling completely trapped. The camera work was so well done for that scene.
3. Yu Yang, he's the bully target of many kids including the twisted top student.
4. Zeng You Zhen, she may not be living in poverty but she's constantly trying to please the girls pretending to be accepted. She has a secret she's trying to hide.
5. Jiang Qing Lang, he comes from successful parents in an unhealthy relationship, clearly not happy despite all that success. The overbearing mom character clearly that you'll want to skip through is his ultimate source of torment.
6. Shen Yao, he is not part of the 5 but he is such an interesting character. Outside he is the perfect student, but you see his anger brewing inside expressed in self-harm and doing bad things to others. His story finally unfolds in ep 23. This is the 1st time I've seen Li Ming De in a serious emotional scene, and he did a great job.
The content is not overly heavy but definitely meaningful. It touches upon self-harm, parental abuse, suicide, depression, teacher student dynamics & so on....
Only thing I don't like is ep 30 with the older version of the kids. Not relatable at all. They used the same actors for the teachers might as well use the same actors for the students. But they didn't and it was just not good.
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Here it from a person who never gives 10
What do I say? THIS IS THE BEST DRAMA I HAVE WATCHED THIS YEAR. When a drama goes into depth of all characters and it touches your soul like it has never been before, you know it's worth watching. you might ask me dude it is just a study drama why are you so dramatic? BECAUSE ITS NOT JUST THAT AND IT CAN NEVER BE JUST THATThe way all the characters have been carved, the sets and the convincing performances feel like I am legit experiencing all those things those guys are going through.
Let us talk from beginning, yes you might feel its a little slow and boring, and problems in the first 2-3 episodes but wait and let the drama pick the pace and you will be dragged into the emotions so well . All of the students' problems have been threshed, that you cry in their sorrow, and feel energized in their motivation.
I have to especially applaud the person who played yu yang, I have seen him in Don't disturb my study and lltg but my guy just stole my heart here. The way his stutter performance feels so real that I would always cry whenever his emotional scene came out .
and and and Lei Ming ? WOW NO WORDS ...I would talk later about the actor but lets talk about the character . The layering with which it has been written . I wish I had such a teacher in the school . I cried loads when his father died and all those student came in ... I will complete this review once I watch it completely but for now do check it out
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This review may contain spoilers
Excellent story and acting from entire ensemble. An unconventional teachers/students relationships
The Hope is a student/teacher drama that focuses on the underserved and not well-to-do students whom society and teachers do not have faith in to pass the college entry exams of one of the prestigious schools in China, except for Lei Ming, an unconventional teacher who has faith in them and pushes their limit alongside the help of the psychology teacher Sang Xia.The Synopsis: Lei Ming, a former successful lecturer facing entrepreneurial setbacks, shifts gears to become a high school teacher. Leading a special class with psychology teacher Sang Xia, they aim to uplift underachieving students. Among them is Li Ran, an orphan with dreams of robotics, who was forced to consider dropping out due to his grandmother's illness. Lei Ming, who is dedicated to every student, intervenes and guides them through challenges with Sang Xia's support. Ultimately, the students overcome obstacles, secure spots in their desired universities, and prepare for the next chapter.
I am giving it an 8.0 rating for the following reasons:
1. It was a slow beginning, and I almost dropped it after 7 episodes.
2. I'm glad I stuck with it because it triumphed when the underdogs and underprivileged high schoolers got into college with high testing scores. They succeeded through the dedication of two devoted teachers who believed in and encouraged them and through their hard work.
3. Good acting from the entire ensemble.
4. I like the FL character; her character complimented well with the ML.
If you are looking for a typical rom-com romance, none exists in this drama; however, it has good character building, and the romantic element between the teachers is implied.
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This review may contain spoilers
Hope just like the title
Watching this drama make me realize how study can actually be fun. This drama taught a lot of lesson of how teacher should guide their student. And how we shouldn't judge other people capability of studying before we know their situation just like the 5 kids in this drama. The thing that I like and agree with is we shouldn't overthinking, donot ever feel regret cause it just make you suffer more, resentment can be your strongest weapon, and etc. Really recommend this drama for those who really like to watch some slice of life and little romance.For the ending I think it should just cut to 29 ep cause I think it is just unnecessary for it to be 30 ep. Because in the ep 30 it really just feel like it feel weird ending like CY with SY, Li Ran alone, BXX and Jiang divorce. I think they can make it to 29 ep and then in the 4 minute before the ending they can show the past journey how they studied with some good voice over telling the journey we been thought it can be said up and down, from how we start the journey with little hope and trust, from how we were helpless on our situation, to what we become right now with full of hope and trust to keep moving forward, to how we confront with problem and sharing our feeling with other to be better and etc.... Maybe something like that will make the ending better with photo of them graduate from high school with qing bei colledge admitted certification. This is just my opinion
Overall really recommended this drama. It is underated
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"Transforming Dreams: A Review of Chinese Drama Focused on Education and Resilience"
The drama features an exceptionally talented cast, effortlessly portraying emotions and offering an intriguing plot. It sheds light on real-life struggles and problems, revealing the hidden challenges student might face in their personal and school life. Each character undergoes significant development, with Shen Yao standing out. While I felt romance isn't a necessity, the drama explores crushes and some light relations developments. Personally, I found it to be an educational gem, deserving more recognition. It imparts study tactics, motivation, and various techniques, making the students' journey remarkable. This captivating drama keeps you hooked until the end, delivering a satisfying experience.Was this review helpful to you?
Best Teacher and Student Interaction
This is the one of the interesting drama I have where the teacher and students interaction is more and also the teacher role is very good I have seen five episodes upto now and also I will see all the remaining 25 episodes and main thing I like in this drama is that the interesting twists.I like this drama since because it has mainly student and teacher how they changed their lives .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Was this review helpful to you?
