I Can See You Shine (2024)

I loved the entire concept of diary-exchanging and blossoming love

I have really liked this show for its portrayal of reality. People are flawed and that's exactly what we see here with our two leading ladies. One is overly self-centred and thinks everything revolves around her while the other is so reserved that she bottles everything up and keeps hurting the people who love her. What's endearing to see is their relationship with one another and those around them while having such contrasting personalities. As Sheng said, they are each other's true love and it absolutely showed. I loved the beautiful and supportive friendship these two women, and the five teenagers at large, share.

At first, I did not like Young at all. But the last episode brought a lot of redemption for her with it. She loves with all her heart and is always there for her friends. My favourite was Tung and it was such a delight to watch her character grow. This is the first time I've seen this actress, and she's so beautiful. Also, I found her acting to be the best. All five were quite suited to their roles.

I also quite liked the entire angle of the Martian and diary-exchanging (don't know what else to call it). However, my complaint remains that I wanted proper clarity on that towards the end. That's where I'm really unsatisfied with this show. For all the build-up towards Tung's love life (the story literally starts and ends with it), her story was poorly covered. I'm super annoyed with that absolutely awkward kiss and ending. Seems like such an afterthought. I wanted something better.

But all in all, it's a light and easy watch. Not many big plotholes. Also covers a variety of controversial issues (for some people) like the life of immigrants, coming out, poverty, divorce, etc. I liked how they handled most of them if not all.

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