Don't let the cover picture fool you into thinking that this would be a boring and propaganda drama. Instead, this is a quality production with serious plotline. I especially like the depiction of the friendship between the male characters. You might curse some characters for the choices they made but consider the time and economic hardship they were in, their actions were realistically chosen.
Only Xiao Zhan and Qin Li were known to me prior, and they did a perfect job here. But I'm equally impressed with all the other actors and actresses in this drama. The acting is phenomenal.

This is good choice for those looking for a balance of friendship, growing up, betrayal and romane in a drama.