kidd
After four years, I decided to rewatch this drama to celebrate the inevitable doom that is college. If I had written a review the first time around, it would have been given a score of around 6 or 7. Now, words cannot properly describe how much I enjoyed and related to it. A lot can happen in four years and one can mature, growing due to the events life brings us. My high school teachers always told us to reread those mandatory books again later in life because there are just some things better understood and appreciated with time. I now understand why.
Let me start with the story, at the beginning, it would seem like the generic, perfect boy that is always at the top of the class will fall in love with the girl. wow. But, this story does it in a more realistic way. Presenting the idea of perfect in the eye of the public and reality can be different and far removed at times. The characters aren't these perfect people that get top of the class without studying but aren't book worms that can't have fun. The misunderstandings, teacher-student relationships, friendships, family, and a story of first loves are all amazingly done and refreshing to watch. There is nothing super crazy that makes me tired or drained which I really liked and I related to it a lot more. I enjoyed the realistic decisions we have to make in life and school towards something. The realistic portrayal of people and their change after events shake them was just another point of amazement for me. Even after school, it presents the different worries, problems, and joys of being an adult. It is a really good take on youth and the change that comes with adulthood. As for the ending, I actually think the ending was fine but it left a little more to be desired and some of the plots near the end were a bit too extreme. In conclusion, it was a rollercoaster, as life is.
The casting was actually really great. There was no character that I tilted my head at in confusion for a strange casting or any real acting that I found too awkward or overdone. If it was then I saw it as part of the character and didn't mind it. While I was relatively newer to Chinese dramas four years ago and didn't really recognize a lot of the characters, the second time around I did and it was really cool to see some familiar faces.
For the OST, I go by my standard of if it reminds me of the drama and certain scenes, it is a good OST track. This drama did that. Even before I decided on the rewatch, my YouTube autoplay the OST and I thought of the drama right away. It was actually one of the reasons I decided to rewatch it. The OST is cheery in some, moving in others, and really fit an array of emotions. I really enjoyed it.
As a rewatch, I think this will only get better with time. Four years ago, I watched as a young student who knew no fear or setback much like them in high school. Now. I can relate more to the struggles they felt towards the end of high school and into college. As time goes by, I feel I can better understand and relate to different characters in various situations or stages of life. Though the story mainly focuses on the main four, there are many other stories and voices that help build the world they live in and give that sense of reality. Maybe one day, I will look back on the lessons and takeaways the drama gives as a parent or a grandma. With these, I think my understanding and appreciation can only get better with time.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this one. Whether it was for the story, characters, relatability, or even the refreshing youthfulness, I think there is a place for it in my heart that I won't forget. I actually started to draw again and take it more seriously as a child because of this drama. You got to draw inspiration from somewhere. This was also the first time I got second lead syndrome and was still okay with the way it ended. More than the love story and quest for a career, I enjoyed this story's focus on youth and the friends we make in life. I think the friendship between Lu Zhi Ang and Fu Xiao Si is actually my favorite part of the entire thing.
Well anyway, I think it made me think back to my middle and high school days. It was a good rewatch before hitting my spring semester. Time to ride my bike and grab some cola. (if you know, you know.)
Let me start with the story, at the beginning, it would seem like the generic, perfect boy that is always at the top of the class will fall in love with the girl. wow. But, this story does it in a more realistic way. Presenting the idea of perfect in the eye of the public and reality can be different and far removed at times. The characters aren't these perfect people that get top of the class without studying but aren't book worms that can't have fun. The misunderstandings, teacher-student relationships, friendships, family, and a story of first loves are all amazingly done and refreshing to watch. There is nothing super crazy that makes me tired or drained which I really liked and I related to it a lot more. I enjoyed the realistic decisions we have to make in life and school towards something. The realistic portrayal of people and their change after events shake them was just another point of amazement for me. Even after school, it presents the different worries, problems, and joys of being an adult. It is a really good take on youth and the change that comes with adulthood. As for the ending, I actually think the ending was fine but it left a little more to be desired and some of the plots near the end were a bit too extreme. In conclusion, it was a rollercoaster, as life is.
The casting was actually really great. There was no character that I tilted my head at in confusion for a strange casting or any real acting that I found too awkward or overdone. If it was then I saw it as part of the character and didn't mind it. While I was relatively newer to Chinese dramas four years ago and didn't really recognize a lot of the characters, the second time around I did and it was really cool to see some familiar faces.
For the OST, I go by my standard of if it reminds me of the drama and certain scenes, it is a good OST track. This drama did that. Even before I decided on the rewatch, my YouTube autoplay the OST and I thought of the drama right away. It was actually one of the reasons I decided to rewatch it. The OST is cheery in some, moving in others, and really fit an array of emotions. I really enjoyed it.
As a rewatch, I think this will only get better with time. Four years ago, I watched as a young student who knew no fear or setback much like them in high school. Now. I can relate more to the struggles they felt towards the end of high school and into college. As time goes by, I feel I can better understand and relate to different characters in various situations or stages of life. Though the story mainly focuses on the main four, there are many other stories and voices that help build the world they live in and give that sense of reality. Maybe one day, I will look back on the lessons and takeaways the drama gives as a parent or a grandma. With these, I think my understanding and appreciation can only get better with time.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this one. Whether it was for the story, characters, relatability, or even the refreshing youthfulness, I think there is a place for it in my heart that I won't forget. I actually started to draw again and take it more seriously as a child because of this drama. You got to draw inspiration from somewhere. This was also the first time I got second lead syndrome and was still okay with the way it ended. More than the love story and quest for a career, I enjoyed this story's focus on youth and the friends we make in life. I think the friendship between Lu Zhi Ang and Fu Xiao Si is actually my favorite part of the entire thing.
Well anyway, I think it made me think back to my middle and high school days. It was a good rewatch before hitting my spring semester. Time to ride my bike and grab some cola. (if you know, you know.)
Was this review helpful to you?
