28/01/2023

Had no plans to watch this at all, but ended up binge watching it over the last few days.

All 40 episodes!!!

I give this a thumbs up of approval!

More or less this series is about three kids, two boys and a girl, brought together in their childhood as a "blended family" due to different losses and what happens to them from childhood through to graduation, then the next 10 years or so with all the sagas, joy, heartbreak, absence and experiences between themselves, friends and family.

It explores the strong bonds of *family ties" as well as what loving or toxic relationships can be like, also, what happens when secrets are kept or the truth isn't told like it should be early on rather than decades later. Unfortunately, sometimes children are overlooked when it comes to grief, neglect, domestic dysfunction and their emotional well being.

Also, this is about what can happen when relationships change to something more than just friendship...

The child actors were fantastic in this series as were the three acting as "siblings" when older - they were so believable in their roles as high school students then as adults in their careers as a dentist, cake chef and sculptor.

The brother and sister relationship was done to a tee!

I have to say the whole cast did an amazing job of bringing this to life with their characters and stories so not one episode was boring for me.

Only a little bit annoyed me like the *sister" making a stand about being her own person and not needing anyone, but a few episodes (few times) after that she throws tantrums, cries and sulks around her "brothers" like an annoying 5 year old.

So much for being strong and capable, but other than that it was still excellent on the whole as that side of her occured in small tolerable doses.

The main theme song became one I liked more and more each time it played only I could have done with more episodes not just 40.

There are a few funny moments I really enjoyed like:

a: Li JianJian's first day of high school.
b: Li JianJian's heartless acts towards Zi Qui when he first came into her life - like being mean to him and packing his suitcase and throwing it down concrete stairs because she didn't want him living with her and her dad at the grand old age of 7 or 8.
c: Ling Xiao always keeping the other two in line with no problem disciplining either.
d: The mischief relationship between Li JianJian and Zi Qui which often lead to trouble.
e: The time Zi Qui had to sleep with Ling Xiao so that his aunt could have his room only Ling Xiao told Zi Qui that he should sleep on the floor in which Li JianJian pipes up saying that she would quite happily sleep in the bed and he can sleep on the floor as she was already on the floor next to them on a mattress. He responds to her : "Why are you here anyway?!" She didn't want to be left out it seems and didn't trust her "brothers" not to talk behind her back.
f: Ling Xiao telling Li JianJian in 12th grade he would marry her if she was brain damaged from all his head whacking.
e: The elevator and kitchen scenes between Li Xiao and Li JianJian as adults.

As the series progresses there aren't many funny moments like that as it does become more of a drama and especially once the boys return from abroad.

One moment in episode two made me open my eyes a bit. It was when Ling Xiao's father talked about what happened to him and his wife when they decided to keep their "second child" - like her losing her job and him being demoted in his job. Also, in a later episode there was a "moment" when Li JianJian's dad saved Zi Qui from a life of being worked on a farm (child labour) because of coming from a poor family.

Child labour should not be happening in any country!

Seeing how "broken" the boys were in their adult years despite having a wonderful man in their lives (Li JianJian's dad) was also heartbreaking to observe, however, it was truly understandable. In part, their overseas experiences contributed to that "damage" as well not just their childhoods.

Actually, maybe that isn't quite true - their time abroad added more and more to the internal conflicts and past insecurities simmering inside of them only with one of the "brothers" it was perhaps more Psychological and detrimental Mentally.

Secrets shouldn't be kept, the truth should not be hidden from those closest to you and real open communication is important even if it hurts.

This series is highly recommended and is one I will revisit with no issues whatsoever!