All These Years (2023)

"It's not that I've fallen in love again. I've never stopped loving you."

All These Years is a beautiful film about two young people finding the very best version of love and helping each other grow through life's hardships, family's expectations, distance and time.

The script is tight, coherent. Beautifully sad and hopeful at the same time. The characters well rounded with very real problems based on actual contemporary issues, such as social classes and expectations based on gender, which makes it even more heartbreaking. You understand the decisions they are making are the best option for each other, even if it means being apart. Still, their love always makes them cheer for the other to become the best version of themselves.

Sun Qian and Zhang Xin Cheng's chemistry in INSANE. Like, DAMN! Not once I didn't believe in their performances or the story they were telling me. They carried the entire film flawlessly. Bravo.

I enjoyed every single minute of this film right up to the end, which left me with a chuckle and the biggest smile.

Read More

So nice movie

The movie is so nice to watch as it's complete story from high school to matured life. It made me serious, smile and cry as it's a melodrama romance. I like it because it was more realistic as it involves family work and relationship. Great casting and settings. highly recommended for young at heart and for those into rediscovery of love since it was fun and worth to watch just the other compilation it had which i all watched. Great plot and screen playing as it doesn't drag so long and made more plot twist. It's more straightforward just like me who want to say what need to say and most of all the major casts didn't play so dumb and able to fight back just like in real life.

Read More

There has never been a single moment where i havent loved you

I could tell you this is a very nice movie to watch on a shallow day. I could you that this movie is the better half of all the sad dramas that don't end well. I could tell you that cliché is what the plot reads (it is) but feelings start to form mid way and you would want to stay. I could tell you and that's why I did. Because that's what it told me.

As for me, I didn't start with any expectations. Honestly just watched it, while i was scrolling through one of the non-legit sites for dramas. I just wanted a nice movie and Oo, look a nice movie with amazing cast. It was already calling me towards it.
Honestly speaking after seeing the poster, you don't even need any more reason to watch the movie but hey, its okay to have trust issue. We know how it went down with Scarlet Heart Ryeo. And that's why i am writing a review.

The movies is cliched but not heavily. We have a shy female lead who lives in a indiscernible patriarchal family who learns to express herself more and a male lead who is (like always) rich and has a troubled past neither of which lasts long. This is the story of how they meet and do they last? But as the movie goes on, we can see from the naked eye that just as annoying as it seems and however cliched it may be, it talks about some issues. It talks about academical pressure that comes from excellence, the subtle actions in the family that draws a fine line over "patriarchal ideologies" and "unquestioned love for sibling", the burden of sickness, and mildly the fickleness of society. The plot slowly shifts.

What i liked about this movie are only two things and they stood out the most to me.
One, people are good at different things and what you thought you are good at may not be the one you are the best at. Its like you finish first in the neighborhood race but you last in the national race. You can try hard to be the best. If you cant be perfect, that's okay, be like the FL, try a different opportunity. You are not God to make things always go your way.
Two, the cinematography, whenever the plot got dusky, happy, prideful, stupid, heavy, etc., the mood was always right. Thanks to the excellent cast the feeling was there and with the magnificent cinematography, everything was perfect. There are like a million potential screenshots of beauty in this movie.

I love to talk about the cast and music but i think i need not say much cause those are for the sense organs to feel. You will know it when its bad and when its good. And mine said it was good.
It have a good rewatch value mainly cause its a feel-good movie and cause of the lit cast. And that all adds up to "Damn, that's a fine movie to watch". So there we have all the issues solved.

P.S.: There were R-rated scenes but because its China, they weren't released. So check them out on YouTube.

Read More

Unexpectedly good.

I'll keep this short since I'm off to watch ZXC's other drama. Lol!

I've seen him in "Go ahead" before and immediately noticed his good acting but for some reason I didn't pick up his succeeding dramas, I'll do that after this review because he is just too good as an actor, specially in this movie.

As for SQ's acting, it wasn't exceptional but it is sufficient. Her acting keeps on improving everytime I watched her and I'm sure she'll be phenomenal one day.

Story wise, even though this is only about 2h long, I am very satisfied after watching. There just something sad and comforting in this story.

Initially, I thought the ML character's going to be complicated but he become a total Green Flag, how I love that! He is playful, and caring, and selfless towards our FL even though he is also going through his own personal struggles. His love is just so understanding and pure that it makes me want to have that kind of love too.

Our FL's family background made me understand why she choose the things she choose, she's also selfless and very filial even with the circumstances. I cried buckets because of her relationship with her mother. I am glad she realized that her mother also love her (just that it's tough love) towards the end, it kinda gave her the closure she needs to open up herself to be in a relationship with the ML.

It is the ML who always give and adjust to the FL all throughout the movie so the FL's move towards the end is just fitting and right and it made me like her character more.

That few seconds of skin ship is just so hot!!! This proves that a movie/drama doesn't need to much kiss scenes, they just have to make it right. *Wink* *wink*

I won't really go into the technical details since I am not a pro but I would just like to comment on how they've made a very good job in the transitioning of the old scenes to the current scenes. I also like the no make up look when make up is not needed, it made the scenes more authentic and true. As for the music, just soso for me, I really can't remember most.

I'll definitely rewatch!!!

Read More

REALLY GOOD MOVIE!!! I was so surprised tbh

Welcome to 2023, people. Mainland China has been dumping out a bunch of shitty dramas (well, as they always have), so I was skeptical of this movie at first because, well, the leads are known for their dramas. But this really blew me away. Of course, there is room for improvement, but any casual movie watcher that is a romantic at heart will surely enjoy this. Steven Zhang's acting is just phenomenal, he keeps getting better. The story flows well and doesn't overdramatize anything or put too many slow-motion scenes or anything like that. I was so invested throughout the whole movie. We've got character development, we've got vulnerability, we've got realistic depictions of "toxic" characters, we've got storylines related to not-romantic stuff like dysfunctional families and the patriarchy and how Asian parents don't know how to express their love for their children, WE'VE GOT IT ALL. THIS IS THE ONE. I haven't really been following mainland entertainment, but I believe this movie has been out for quite a bit. I don't think it's receiving the popularity it deserves SO LETS SUPPORTTTT!! Honestly, this needs to BLOW. UP. THIS IS A GOOD, SENSIBLE FREAKING MOVIE AND I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S JUST OUT AND GONE LIKE THIS.

The only complaints I have are that Sun Qian, the lead actress' voice sounds a liiiittle too high-pitched for her character, and the timing of the music was odd in some places. Like, some areas of the movie could use music, but they didn't put music there. But these are just nitpicky details that do not tarnish this film's value AT ALL. If you're skeptical, WATCH IT. Maybe you won't end up loving it, but you surely won't end up hating it.

Read More

If Only My High School Love Story Ended Like This Too

- Movie contains slight explicit scene, but no nudity.

STORY: Personally, I loved the story. I loved how it ended too. Maybe because I experienced something similar when I was in school? Anyways, I really liked how heartwarming this movie was. I wouldn't say it was a rollercoaster of emotions, but rather a slow-burning car ride. I didn't know how it would end, but I was definitely rooting for them. Just like life, you know? You don't know how it ends but you hope for the best. And as you wait, it just reveals to an ending fitting for you. It's the same for this film. Li Ran and Jianxia's story would be something most of us would hope to happen to us. When we fall in love with someone, and a sudden event leads us to be separated from them, most of the time we'd hope to see them again. And some of us would also wish that whatever we had would be revived, no matter how many years have passed. This film perfectly captures that feeling, and it's reflected so clearly in Jianxia's character. Most of all, I love how both of them developed. Yes, Jianxia may be your typical female lead, and Li Ran is most definitely the ideal man out there -- someone that waits for you (over 12 years!) and would still love you no matter how much you try to push him away. Very dreamy, really. In my opinion, this film could be seen as an 'escape from reality', as it ended so beautifully (I was smiling, grinning even, from ear to ear when Li Ran said that Jianxia should pay for their honeymoon), and gives us space to reflect on our own love stories. In life, it can end one way or another. And this film somewhat created a feeling that encapsulated the concept of getting the best outcome, the one we all want.

Another thing I liked was that aside from it's ideal romance, it sheds light on problems that occur in real life too. Take Jianxia's relationship with her family. Being born as the eldest (and as a girl nonetheless) is a tough job. On top of that, she's constantly compared to her 'good-for-nothing' little brother, who is clearly adored more because he's... well, he's a boy. No matter how much she strives for excellence, her family, especially her mother, will always have something snarky to say. Even in the present day, when she comes back home due to her father's declining health, the home setting is structured to make her feel like a guest and not an actual family member. When Susu frames her and spreads a malicious rumor that she and Li Ran slept together in the hotel, her mother blames everything on her, and is not willing to trust her, let alone listen to her side of the story. Growing up with that kind of environment has been suffocating her, making her a bit more spiky on the outside.

On the other hand, Li Ran's family isn't doing too well either. He is constantly abused by his father, and when Jianxia's mother met up with Li Ran's stepmother at school because of the rumored incident, it is seen that his stepmother could care less for his own good. Despite being born into wealth, there's no particular safe place for Li Ran aside from his grandfather (who soon passes), and being beside Jianxia. And in the present day, Li Ran is now in debt. This part reminded me of the fact that we really do not have full control of what may happen in the future. Yes, you may be rich now, but you could lose all of that overnight. The scene where Li Ran reluctantly downed the glass of alcohol while Jianxia holds his hand was painful to watch. Nonetheless, I loved the fact that he never stopped loving her. His dialogues touched me deeply, and it made me wish that my own high school love story would have ended like it.

ACTING/CAST: Acting was superb. Appearance-wise, I liked the fact that both actors naturally embodied their parts. Their acting was beautiful too. I loved the selection of the cast too. Jianxia's family, especially her mother, also gave life to the truth girls face in families like hers. Every one in the cast served.

MUSIC: The music didn't really affect me, but the main theme was so fitting for the movie! It was like the cherry on top, and made the film even better. It just gave the exact feeling of seeing an old friend-turned-lover after so many years, or the same feeling of being with someone after a long time of ups-and-downs that just make up a really foggy future. I love it.

REWATCH VALUE: Personally, I do love a good story that stems from youth to adulthood (like the Reply Series). It's endearing, heartwarming, and comforting to see these dramas, since we all go through those stages. I like watching these and reflect on my own journey in life afterwards.

OVERALL: I highly recommend this film. I think it's become one of my comfort films now. I still can't get over the confession scene in the end.. God, when is it my turn? 😫😭

Read More

i loved it

very emotional love story . I felt connected with evry part of the story . i liked the way female protagonist character was portrayed . she was scared with the fact that she was got admitted to new school wher she was going to have new environment and new friends . But slowly slowly she started making friends but few took the advantage of her innocence but in return she didn't allow anyone to take the advantage of her weakness. male and female protagonist faced many ups and down and finally they met .
few parts of story made me cry .
very nice movie.
go for it .

Read More

This is a great uncomplicated Chinese movie. Perfect for a little downtime.

This movie is not too complicated and has just enough romance to perk up a Saturday by yourself.

Quote: Many years later, they meet again. "It's not that I've fallen in love again. In reality, I've never stopped loving you." From the movie All These Years.

Sun Qian Actress (A Robot in the Orange Orchard)
Zhang Xin Cheng Singer Actor (Skate to Love)

Country girl lost in the big city after she comes to town to attend boarding school. She was top of her class at home. However, now thrust into a situation where she is among all the top students from all areas, she feels lost, intimated, and alone. She feels pressured to achieve, that is until she meets a suave popular rich boy who takes a liking to her and he takes her under his wing. This movie has great cinematography and a captivating storyline.

Thoughts from the movie

One significant thing that is highlighted in this movie is the elevation in worth of males over females by parents and grandparents in this Chinese culture.

The movie takes place in 2003 and 2019.

These two actors satellite each other perfectly, creating a perfect alignment of lovers. Both male and female leads give notable performances.

It is always funny how many people who have money say that they don’t need it.
He is totally sophisticated and cultured and she is so unworldly-wise.

Read More

Zhang Xin Cheng surprised me!

I've seen this actor in a few shows, and he tends to play kind of an arrogant, bratty, somewhat immature character. In this movie, his acting was very understated, and I enjoyed watching him. I loved the character he played. He liked her from the beginning and was there for her, to cheer her up and to support her. Slight spoiler here only - I loved the scene of them toward the end of the movie when they hugged. You could see the love on his face, and he held on tightly and burrowed his head into her shoulder. It was lovely to watch. -End of spoiler.

The only reason I didn't rate this higher was that there was entirely too much with the terrible mother. Believe me, I got the idea, without having to see her and hear her every few minutes. My heart broke for the FL, being raised in that household.

This is a story of first love, of idealism, of dreams realized, and dreams lost. I could really feel the pain of their youth, being trapped in the fact that they were youths, so decisions weren't theirs to make. Then, when they grew up, I could feel their longing for them to get back to the way they used to be.

Sweet ending. I understand that there is an additional scene during the credits, but YouTube cut it off right there. They made the right decision in making this a movie and not an episodic drama.

Read More

Brilliantly done movie about two people in love

From start to finish the movie main focus was just its two main leads. Perfect or not, it is a story of their love and how they get through life hardships while being true to their feelings. While this is definitely a LOVE Story, there is never a verbal mentioned of that word and yet you can feel the deep feeling of love that they have for each other through their expressions, actions and decisions. An otherwise simple plot can easily turn to a bore if it were not beautifully done with such amazing actors of leads and supports, beautiful cinematography, captivating dialogue and I am sure a lot more work of editing and other related works that goes into movie making, that made this movie such a delight to watch from begin to end. Kudos to all the actors, producers, directors and crews of this film. I thoroughly enjoyed its slow pace and focus. Though we wish it can be longer so we get a lot more screen time of the leads, the film still leave us satisfied. In 1 hour and 56 mins, the film managed to give a satisfiable closure to all issues it brought forward.
Veteran actress Liu Dan was powerful as a mother that is traditionally biased but secretly caring. Sun Qian was perfect as a determined, strong and single minded young woman. But to me Zhang Xin Cheng was to one who nailed it all together. Not only because that was how his character was written, but because he played it so very well. He was 100% believable and relatable as the ever supportive Li Ran. Of course him being super handsome helps a lot but it was his speaking voice that was so perfect for the whole drama. When speaking, he managed to captivate and grab the audience attention, invoke feelings and that really seal the deal for the whole movie. Their chemistry were on point and with minimum contact and kissing scenes, they manage to get us rooted for their love. That there, were excellent acting.
To me this movie is a prefect 10 except for its music or songs. I am not a non speaking Chinese person so maybe I don't understand the songs to enjoy it but it wasn't the case sometimes. Anyway I still think this movie needs more love and support than what it is getting now.
EXTREMELY WORTH WATCHING.

Read More