One Time Watch for me
A Date with the Future
36 episodes
2023
SPOILER FREE
Over all I am glad I watched it. I wouldn't rewatch it though or fully recommend this show.
If you like this type of stories I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Chinese drama You Are My Hero.
As always here are some personal PROS & CONS about this show.
PROS:
◇The rescue scenes and trainings.
◇Having multiple couples to follow.
◇The OST was sweet
◇The dogs
CONS:
◇The Meolodrama tropes that were really random at times and felt super forced.
◇The pacing was a little off at times.
◇Could have been cut down to 25 episodes and still felt like a complete show.
◇The lack of boundaries in each pair. I understand it's a work of fiction but some of things the characters did :(
Stalking level.
◇The message was a little forced and I didn't love how they delivered it.
Rewatch? No
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This review may contain spoilers
A love story about determined people. Hehe.... Let me explained...Xu Lai (XL) meet jin Shi Chuan (SC) 10 years ago in the earthquake, SC save XL from the rumble & that make XL fall for him & want to make SC become her partner (boyfriend/husband). 10 years apart doesn't shake XL feeling for SC & when she meet him again she just wanna get closer & get to know SC. And the love journey begin....
What I like:
+ What a cute William Chan... Haha... Although he is a stiff & at the beginning have no expression, or you could say typical cold ML. But in here we can see he's dancing.... OMG I can't believe my eyes when I see him and all the other fireman dance for the kindergarten Kids, some kind of work day on the kindergarten I think... And after that we can stil see him & all other fireman dancing through the drama. Haha...
+ The good chemistry between William Chan & Zhang Ruo Nan. They're just so cute together
+ team work & friendship in the fire department.... Love to see the friendship in the group of fireman
+ The good second couple, Lu Fang Qi & Zang Qiu. Although feels a little bit rushed & pushed. But I still like this couple...
What minus:
- SC kinda crazy man that willing to do anything for his teammate. I mean I know he kinda traumatized when his captain died in the fire in the attempt to save him, and since then he determined to save anyone from his team. But when you want to take the dead body of your teammate from the fire building, that still very much blazing with fire & the leader even say you can't enter, that just stupidity scream out loud.
- As usual with c-drama, this drama also feel a little bit stretched. I don't think they need 36 ep long to wrap the whole drama. Because of that they kinda push everything, important or not, into the show. Like the fire accident with SC saving his teammate, I don't think that necessary need to be in the drama.
Overall this good, funny & loving drama that u can watch
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heartfelt show
one of the better firefighting shows i have seen. love love both leads with great acting. i thought it would be weird or less chemistry between them since the show portrayed their relationship with a significant age gap, but it actually turns out ok.i enjoyed JSC character development when he is at work and also when is in love. i can tell he is really passionate about his job and also a very honest & humble guy. XL is a good combination with a guy like JSC and the chase was although cliche but fluffy and cute. i can recommend this if u are into non toxic, cute romance with a good mix of firefighting elements kinda drama!
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She fell in love at first sight and he did not know what to do with it. . . . at first.
A Date With The Future is a Chinese Drama involving the interaction of First Responders with the public. The First Responders are Firemen. My profession is considered a First Responder. While not a Firemen, I found much attention being paid to minute details, showing how First Responders save the lives of people they rescue. Secondly, and once again, Chinese dramas are charming me with their precision of movement, especially when the story is about Military-like occupations, such as Firemen in their calls for lineup.In some dramas I just really love the couple, like in the Korean drama Twenty Five Twenty One. I adore this couple in ‘A Date With The Future’. Since this First Responder genre drama came out the same year as the Chinese drama Fireworks of My Heart (2023), this drama (A Date With The Future 2023) will be compared to that exhilarating fast paced drama with lots of action. ‘A Date With The Future’ is a no frills drama, but oddly enough, it works for me in this story rich more so in character studies than action. The concentration of the story is more on the love story rather than the action. I love the characters of the lead male and female. She has been crushing on this older man since this Firefighter saved her life in a devastating earthquake when she was a teenager. Now that she is old enough after ten years, she doggedly pursues the man she fell in love with at first sight ten years ago. He stays away from this female, who he thinks is weird, because she is pursuing him non-stop. Even though he is constantly making it clear that a relationship is a “no go”, she refuses to accept that answer. He has decided never to get married and to dedicate his life to his career. She had decided that she is going to make him love her. Throw in lots of dogs and training dogs for rescue and you have a simple, but impactful drama.
Most will be charmed by the courage of this young woman who just knows what she wants and is willing to do what is takes to get the love of her life and keep him safe. The stars of ‘A Date With The Future’ are C-Pop Artist/Actor William Chan (Swords of Legends) as Jin Shichuan and new comer, Actress Zhang Ruonan (The Glory of Youth) as Xu Lai.
‘A Date With the Future’ has the usual Band of Brothers.
Also, the signature of Chinese action dramas in particular is the cinematography, like this ladder rescue from a burning High-rise by Firemen.
Now, even with Chinese Dramas, there must be an umbrella scenes.
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Heart-warming and encouraging story
So cute, lovely, hertwarming, and touching story. They really worked hard to show the real setting and i think theyd done a great job. The nice story about pursuing love, career, family, friendship, and it does encourage yet motivating me. The actors all good, the acting is so naturally show the chemistry, even the dogs too! Well tbh theres some too dramatic part but it is a drama so its fine ig lol. Highly recommended from me! <3Oh and i really love the ending especially the last two episodes xoxo
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A Story about Firefighting and Love Beautifully Done
The ML and FL connection and innocent chemistry was sweet. The tapestry of challenges that firefighters face as well as those connected to them was captured beautifully. In these dramas most viewers focus on the leads, but the writers were able to give a full experience of the ebb and flow of sacrifice and decisions that surround the lives of the cast. The OST was good for the theme of the show. The support cast and production did very well. This is my first time seeing something with William Chan. I love the dynamics of his character and look forward to his next works. Zhang Ruonan was very good as well. In parts you could see her age, but she will be one to watch moving forward. Definitely worth the watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Excellent chemistry
You’ll never know when or where you’ll meet your future…. It could happen any moment… love this story a lot … when is meant to be is meant to be no matter the time of separation or place … true love .The chemistry is excellent… started slow but it builds up very good. I enjoyed the whole cast, tho the actress was a little annoying but i think i blame her voice.. lol
It was a roller coaster of emotions, you will laugh, cry and be upset.
The ending was super cute and i loved their pj’s - his last line was just perfect.. - “Is time to make babies” .. 💞
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A pleasant series with talented actors but a somewhat worn and poorly constructed story
Interesting plot of a firefighter (William Chan, the ML) and journalist duo (Zhang Ruo Nan, the FL). He saved her from an earthquake 10 years earlier and she fell in love. During these 10 years, she did everything to get closer to him (she became a talented dog trainer, etc.). After a few adventures, they end up forming a couple but have to deal with all the twists / clichés of this type of series: an evil work rival, a Trash ML, best friend but love rival, accident, illness, various traumas.PROS:
+ The 2 leads are endearing (although the fake kisses are a little too much), their mutual trust is a pleasure.
+ the FL2 (Dr. Zhang) is the most likeable, frank, honest character in this drama.
+ the very close-knit firefighters team, with solidarity, cohesion, friendship (all endearing characters).
+ the very cute dogs (congratulations to the IRL trainers)
+ the OSTs are well adapted
+ the action and rescue scenes are realistic with quality special effects.
CONS:
- Many inconsistencies in the story (the escape from the depressed FL for example) and unnecessary twists.
- I can't stand the Trash ML!!! This so-called best friend, stubborn even though he knows he doesn't stand a chance. Supposedly intelligent, shrewd businessman, but who is convinced that the FL will end up loving him at the end of the journey.
- the insertions of nationalist propaganda and to the glory of the fire soldiers, which end up giving an impression of brainwashing. A little bit, it's understandable in the context, but constantly and at inopportune times, it's too much!
=> Pleasant series, with very good actors, but which is not memorable due to a somewhat worn and poorly constructed story.
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Plot intéressant sur un duo pompier (William Chan en ML) et journaliste. (Zhang Ruo Nan en FL). Il l'a sauvée d'un tremblement de terre 10 ans + tôt et elle a eu le coup de foudre. Durant ces 10 ans, elle a tout fait pour se rapprocher de lui (dresseuse de chiens, etc.). Après quelques péripéties, ils finissent par former un couple mais doivent faire face à tous les twists / clichés de ce type de série : une evil rivale de travail sournoise, un Trash ML, meilleur ami mais rival amoureux, accident, maladie, traumas divers.
PROS :
+ Les 2 leads sont attachants (bien que les fake kisses soient un peu too much), leur confiance mutuelle fait plaisir.
+ la FL2 (Dr Zhang) est le personnage le plus sympathique, franc, honnête, de ce drama.
+ la team de pompiers très soudée, avec la solidarité, la cohésion, l'amitié (tous des personnages attachants).
+ les chiens très cute (bravo aux dresseurs)
+ les OST sont bien adaptés
+ les scènes d'action et de sauvetage sont réalistes avec des effets spéciaux de qualité;
CONS :
- Beaucoup d'incohérences dans l'histoire (fuite de la FL déprimée par exemple) et de twists inutiles.
- je ne supporte pas le Trash ML !!! Ce soi-disant meilleur ami, obstiné même s'il sait qu'il n'a aucune chance. Soit disant intelligent, homme d'affaires avisé, mais qui est persuadé que la FL finira par l'aimer au bout du bout.
- les insertions de propagande nationaliste et à la gloire des soldats du feu, qui finissent par donner une impression de lavage de cerveau. Un peu, ça se comprend dans le contexte, mais sans arrêt et à des moments inopportuns, c'est trop !
=> Série agréable, avec de très bons acteurs, mais qui n'est pas mémorable en raison d'une histoire un peu usée et mal construite.
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love the chemistry
If you love good chemistry and a strong female lead I recommend this drama.I was hooked instantly when I watched this drama and couldn't put it down as I eagerly waited for a new episode.
The Chemistry:
I love the chemistry between the two leads. I love how xu lai was the one to go after jin shi chuan and seeing him slowly give in as the drama goes in. They are so cute and I love seeing their little moments together.
Characters:
I loved how strong the female lead is., even when faced with threats to her and those she loved she didn't back down and kept at revealing the truth. She didn't let her coworker make her a scapegoat. I love that since it's different from what I am used to seeing.
I loved the team members and seeing their friendship and how well they worked together. I loved every one of them and of course their dogs too though they only showed them a few times.
OST: I loved it especially daydream by chen xueran it is so cute and I couldn't stop myself from listening it over and over.
Fire Scenes: I loved them and I love how we get an idea of struggles of firemen like losing someone from the team, the worry over a loved one being a firemen and the sacrifices that they make. I just enjoyed the scenes of the fire rescues and how heartfelt it was when they saved someone.
Of course this drama isn't perfect it does have it's things (for example it doesn't have any good kisses) but even so I love it and I would recommend it if you just want to watch something heartfelt and cute to watch.
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Too long and repetitive
I totally forgot about this drama… I paused twice and by the time I reached Ep33 I had enough. I thought about just watching the final episode as I saw a spoiler of a wedding, but I completely forgot! Just goes to show it wasn't that great.The main leads chemistry and romance development were alright to me- nothing wow and sizzling but not that bad either. The 2nd couple doctor and firefighter also was ok. The most annoying thing was FL’s coworker who has so many bad tricks up her sleeve - and yet she has not been sacked from her company!! Just ridiculous. And her evil exploits were too predictable and too crime like- she should be going to jail. Don’t know how she managed to evade the law
Sigh… so here’s another dropped cdrama. Too bad
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This review may contain spoilers
Depends of if you can make it past the start or not!
This is one of those drama's which definitely gets better as it goes along, but first you have to get past one huge hurdle..........the start!Ohh boy those first few episodes are tortuous and I can see why people have mixed opinions on this! The FL is saved by the ML 10 years before the series begins and meets up with him again in the first episode. She has spent 10 yrs making herself into someone worthy of him and is determined she loves him and belongs at his side. She does all sorts to get his attention, including putting herself in danger. Lets get one thing straight right away, if the ML acted the way the FL is acting........it would be straight up stalking behaviour, but somehow because its the female people think it's cute. Also in those first few episodes the FL is not in love with the ML, as she doesn't know him, not even his name. She is obsessed with the man who saved her and needs a therapist, not a relationship!
However if you can get over those first few episodes then it does even out a lot. The relationship does become a lot more healthy and based on knowledge and respect rather insane obsession. Although the two careers are not depicted mega realistically they are done quite well, and certainly well enough for the show. The other members of the cast are all good in their respective roles, and the characters enjoyable. The animals used in the show are amazingly well trained and work well with the cast. The music is ok but doesn't jump out at you.
All in all it's a good drama that makes you feel good. IF you can get past the severely messy start.
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A great story about self-growth and comradery
"A Date with the Future" is not usual romance drama. Many themes are packed into this one: self-growth, comradery, patriotism, humanity, and universal love. At first, I am interested to watch this drama because I am curious about the romance between ML and FL (it seems so cheesy). Later, what hooked me the most is the team dynamic in firefighter unit in which ML is the captain.Among various aspects of drama, what I love the most is the character development of both main and supporting actors, especially regarding how they overcome their own respective trauma and grow themselves from that. They don't turned out to be toxic and selfish after experiencing tragedies in their life. They become more mature and wise persons. That is why relationships in this drama are healthy and enjoyable to see.
Other thing is, I love how realistic they try to tell the story about firefighter unit is. At first, I think the unit would be just the background for the romance to happen between ML and FL. I don't expect that they put the unit to be under the spot light. The fire brigade can have its own story. We follow its development from unnoticed unit in the city till they gain respect from citizens, how they build discipline, comradery and cohesiveness, how they take care each other and build strong brotherhood, how they do they daily duties from the most trivial to the most deadly, and how they overcome injury, trauma, and loses. It is humanely realistic and provide us some insights about the work of SAR. It grows more respect in my heart.
I also love the character of Capt. Jin (ML). His personal story is well rounded and how his fate is intertwined with Xu Lai (FL) is written so beautifully. I know, at the beginning it is so impossible and makes non sense, but after knowing the past, each person motivation, and the exchange of kindness, we understand that their repeated encounters are actually bound to happen. They deserve to meet and love to one each other.
However, there are things that I hope they could improve it. I don't like a typical love triangle which involves a rich young CEO. The story would be more nuanced if the SML (Huo) is just ordinary successful and struggling young entrepreneur. It would add more positive trait to his character and add more value to his relationship with Xu Lai who is a strong and hard working girl. Also, the villains in this drama is so one dimensional and easy to beat. That is why, for me, it is more interesting to watch how the fire brigade fights the fire, accidents, and disasters.
Overall, it is a good drama!
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