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This review may contain spoilers
These kiddos...
A series straight out of a textfic—cute, trendy, Gen-Z, with all its silliness and goofiness. And it's completely pointless trying to point out the illogical things in a show that simply doesn't need to make sense :) because the teenage world is forever an entirely different universe, existing way beyond Earth and its proven rules. Especially the teenage world in movies.
A lighthearted series for those who simply come for entertainment and to feel the butterflies. Strangely enough, even though the school BL trope has been overused at times and the plot points follow familiar paths, CCC still has special bright spots that make me feel it nailed the essential elements of a complete and harmonious school drama. The impulsiveness of youth, living with dreams and passions, the confusion about the future while living fully in the present, along with those heart-fluttering moments—even if they are convoluted, baffling, and downright silly—are still incredibly beautiful and crystal clear.
I honestly think that with a seemingly limited production budget and a somewhat rushed script, the series achieved this level of quality largely thanks to the actors. The chemistry between Leeith and Putter is chef's kiss at a Michelin-star level. In the end, looking past the plot holes, what lingers in my heart are the scenes of these two silly kids. The characters aren't forced into stereotypical molds with predetermined traits; they feel natural and share many facets with real life, albeit in a rather literary way (by that I mean they feel like characters in a clumsily but solidly written school textfic that makes you coo over their cuteness, giggle, and kick your feet in the air while reading). Putter is seriously so adorable that it makes me want to pat his head :) However, as much as I love Putter, I can't deny that Lee is a model central character—more nuanced, well-rounded, and firmly established in his role.
Overall, looking strictly at the characters, each has their own personality, but their portrayal isn't boxed in. I think they did a great job in this regard, partly because the characters are never flat, overly polished, or detached. I definitely wouldn't be able to relate to a show where the students are naive in a textbook way—where the top student is always cold, unapproachable, and perfectly diligent, or the rebel only breaks rules, skips class, and plays games. I've always needed characters with a bit more "humanity" to them.
A huge plus for me while watching is that CCC isn't afraid to create drama. It doesn't try to follow a strict formula where the whole show is just about a purely sweet teenage romance (like the gentle, repetitive approach of some school dramas from G) . Even though some obstacles and plot twists feel a bit contrived—acting more as plot devices and script drivers rather than logical progressions—these elements are still a plus in my book. They allow me to see more layers to a character's psychology and the puppy love between these boys.
Specifically, for the first 5 or 6 episodes, I bet most people enjoyed the cute, enemies-to-lovers puppy romance just like I did. But towards the end, when conflicts and climaxes arise, this kind of love-and-friendship drama can easily confuse viewers. Yet overall, the somewhat goofy resolution and the simultaneously wholesome and awkward relationship between Leeith and Putter still left me smiling. The series doesn't try too hard to force the audience to laugh or cry; in a way, I can sense the characters' psychology and empathize with them, even if I don't fully agree with their thoughts or actions. That natural charm surprised me and earned my praise—especially for the actors, once again.
I probably don't need to say much more about youth, school life, friendship, family, or love. In terms of production, I'd say it's pretty decent. The Gen-Z social media elements are integrated quite well—just enough without being overused. The wholesome gender themes are also harmonious and cute. Everything hits that sweet spot of being lighthearted and adorable, enough to give me butterflies.
Seriously, these kiddos... they are just way too cute :) That's all I can say. I particularly love the "love conquers all" message in this series. Love is positioned as a source of encouragement, support, and motivation—not some grandiose, overarching macro-power, but more like a booster for the strength they already possess (even though I'm usually not a big fan of the love wins all trope).
A lighthearted series for those who simply come for entertainment and to feel the butterflies. Strangely enough, even though the school BL trope has been overused at times and the plot points follow familiar paths, CCC still has special bright spots that make me feel it nailed the essential elements of a complete and harmonious school drama. The impulsiveness of youth, living with dreams and passions, the confusion about the future while living fully in the present, along with those heart-fluttering moments—even if they are convoluted, baffling, and downright silly—are still incredibly beautiful and crystal clear.
I honestly think that with a seemingly limited production budget and a somewhat rushed script, the series achieved this level of quality largely thanks to the actors. The chemistry between Leeith and Putter is chef's kiss at a Michelin-star level. In the end, looking past the plot holes, what lingers in my heart are the scenes of these two silly kids. The characters aren't forced into stereotypical molds with predetermined traits; they feel natural and share many facets with real life, albeit in a rather literary way (by that I mean they feel like characters in a clumsily but solidly written school textfic that makes you coo over their cuteness, giggle, and kick your feet in the air while reading). Putter is seriously so adorable that it makes me want to pat his head :) However, as much as I love Putter, I can't deny that Lee is a model central character—more nuanced, well-rounded, and firmly established in his role.
Overall, looking strictly at the characters, each has their own personality, but their portrayal isn't boxed in. I think they did a great job in this regard, partly because the characters are never flat, overly polished, or detached. I definitely wouldn't be able to relate to a show where the students are naive in a textbook way—where the top student is always cold, unapproachable, and perfectly diligent, or the rebel only breaks rules, skips class, and plays games. I've always needed characters with a bit more "humanity" to them.
A huge plus for me while watching is that CCC isn't afraid to create drama. It doesn't try to follow a strict formula where the whole show is just about a purely sweet teenage romance (like the gentle, repetitive approach of some school dramas from G) . Even though some obstacles and plot twists feel a bit contrived—acting more as plot devices and script drivers rather than logical progressions—these elements are still a plus in my book. They allow me to see more layers to a character's psychology and the puppy love between these boys.
Specifically, for the first 5 or 6 episodes, I bet most people enjoyed the cute, enemies-to-lovers puppy romance just like I did. But towards the end, when conflicts and climaxes arise, this kind of love-and-friendship drama can easily confuse viewers. Yet overall, the somewhat goofy resolution and the simultaneously wholesome and awkward relationship between Leeith and Putter still left me smiling. The series doesn't try too hard to force the audience to laugh or cry; in a way, I can sense the characters' psychology and empathize with them, even if I don't fully agree with their thoughts or actions. That natural charm surprised me and earned my praise—especially for the actors, once again.
I probably don't need to say much more about youth, school life, friendship, family, or love. In terms of production, I'd say it's pretty decent. The Gen-Z social media elements are integrated quite well—just enough without being overused. The wholesome gender themes are also harmonious and cute. Everything hits that sweet spot of being lighthearted and adorable, enough to give me butterflies.
Seriously, these kiddos... they are just way too cute :) That's all I can say. I particularly love the "love conquers all" message in this series. Love is positioned as a source of encouragement, support, and motivation—not some grandiose, overarching macro-power, but more like a booster for the strength they already possess (even though I'm usually not a big fan of the love wins all trope).
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