Is there any difference this and other high school drama ( our secret, river runs through it, ALISB) because it…
I’m not sure how to properly describe it but When I Fly Towards You is more direct and romance focused. The source material is written by the author of Hidden Love so if you’re familiar with that, there are some similarities with WIFTY like the healthy communication, angst-free journey, and pure love.
The two leads never denied their feelings for each other (unlike how JC did in ALSB), they never had any prolonged misunderstanding (that spanned for years like in Our Secret and ARRTI), nor any self, school, or economic problems. This is truly just about their romance, friendship, and growth. The female lead isn’t an honor student but she’s not dumb either. She’s openly affectionate (like Xiaoxi in ALSB) but that doesn’t compromise her entire personality. She’s sweet and endearing but she can also fight back.
The final episode is also one of the best among all youth dramas. It was not slow nor rushed (the most common problem for 24 episode C-dramas), but it was not just all fluff or fan service at all. It had a perfect timing and it was also a perfect goodbye not just for the drama itself, but also for the characters and their youth.
First few episodes were quite disappointing—it felt like there was no progress between Kongpob and Arthit (who were supposedly in a three-year relationship) because of Arthit's shyness and awkwardness, and the lack of physical affection. However, I realized as the series progressed that this was just how Arthit is. He overthinks (which leads to self doubt and uncertainties), easily gets shy around Kongpob, and prefers to express his feelings through actions (not necessarily skinship) instead of words. And Krist does it SO good. He conveys so much without saying a word.
The special scenes at the end of each episode were noteworthy because they showed moments of Kongpob and Arthit during the two year time skip. These scenes were there for people to see the contrast in how Arthit acted around Kongpob in a place he was comfortable with (school) vs in a new environment (work). Coming out to your friends is easier than coming out to society, especially for a guy like Arthit who is shy and who overthinks.
This classic sports manga/anime has been adapted a few times already, yet none of them gained international recognition as much as other live adaptations had. Admittedly, it is difficult to translate on screen as it involves gravity (and logic) defying tennis techniques and matches and a slapstick comedy that requires emotionally-exaggerated characters; in short, overacting.
But this, this made an exception. The Prince of Tennis closely followed the manga (both characterizations and story arcs) and made all the elements work. It perfectly balanced the caricatures, the emotions, the team work, the self-growth, and most importantly, the friendships. The tennis competitions, while extremely unbelievable, were fun and intense. Those who watch sports anime like Prince of Tennis and Haikyuu would know what I am talking about. One game could drag for more than an episode, yet it would not affect our focus and emotional investment; in fact, it only heightens it.
I was one of those who were skeptical with the 40 episode count but I was just greedy by the end. From regional championships to national championships—I wanted it all. I laughed, I cheered, I cried, and I loved. I loved all the members, I loved all the teams, and I especially loved all the friendships. I know a second season is a far long shot but this does not take away that this is a perfect 10 in my list. Highly recommended!
PSA for those looking for real kisses: So majority of the kisses are just pecks or lip smacking BUT there is a real one. He was literally devouring her but it was all good as it was nicely reciprocated 😉
The drama that had me giggling, screaming, kicking my feet - and reliving high school. The is a drama that had me, someone who experienced a rather simple and uneventful but contented teenage years, feeling represented. No social, economic, or self issues. No angst. No toxicity. This is THE epitome of a youth drama.
Not to mention, THE perfect final episode. Not rushed, not slow, and not just fluff. A perfect goodbye not just for the drama itself, but also to the characters and their youth.
It was not a surprise for me, his acting ability is underrated, they just don't challenge him enough and give…
Oh yeah, was not surprised with his acting ability. I was rather (pleasantly) surprised that he got to show more with this role. I just didn’t expect his character to go down that route.
I’ve been saying that for years since they are my favorites and they both are age-compatible (1989, 1988), good friends (who have done films and editorial photoshoots together), and quite underrated with the international audience. Just imagine my excitement and eventual disappointment when I found out and saw the Shadow Play (2018) wherein the two were the main leads.
They show their acting chops better in films, so I do wish they would work again - hopefully in a romance melodrama.
Nagano Mei and Suzuka Kyoka delivered fantastic performances and were the stars of the show with no doubt, but Nakagawa Taishi was such a pleasant surprise with his mental breakdown!
Oh, Lord. Sang Zhi isn’t the only one who is going to have a heart attack over Jiaxu’s actions. He’s so cheeky and flirty and shameless. And he’s not even actively pursuing her yet. I don’t know how I’ll survive once that starts - or worse, when he becomes a full on boyfriend. Please pray for Sang Zhi and my heart. Thank you.
6 
13 
1 
The two leads never denied their feelings for each other (unlike how JC did in ALSB), they never had any prolonged misunderstanding (that spanned for years like in Our Secret and ARRTI), nor any self, school, or economic problems. This is truly just about their romance, friendship, and growth. The female lead isn’t an honor student but she’s not dumb either. She’s openly affectionate (like Xiaoxi in ALSB) but that doesn’t compromise her entire personality. She’s sweet and endearing but she can also fight back.
The final episode is also one of the best among all youth dramas. It was not slow nor rushed (the most common problem for 24 episode C-dramas), but it was not just all fluff or fan service at all. It had a perfect timing and it was also a perfect goodbye not just for the drama itself, but also for the characters and their youth.
The special scenes at the end of each episode were noteworthy because they showed moments of Kongpob and Arthit during the two year time skip. These scenes were there for people to see the contrast in how Arthit acted around Kongpob in a place he was comfortable with (school) vs in a new environment (work). Coming out to your friends is easier than coming out to society, especially for a guy like Arthit who is shy and who overthinks.
But this, this made an exception. The Prince of Tennis closely followed the manga (both characterizations and story arcs) and made all the elements work. It perfectly balanced the caricatures, the emotions, the team work, the self-growth, and most importantly, the friendships. The tennis competitions, while extremely unbelievable, were fun and intense. Those who watch sports anime like Prince of Tennis and Haikyuu would know what I am talking about. One game could drag for more than an episode, yet it would not affect our focus and emotional investment; in fact, it only heightens it.
I was one of those who were skeptical with the 40 episode count but I was just greedy by the end. From regional championships to national championships—I wanted it all. I laughed, I cheered, I cried, and I loved. I loved all the members, I loved all the teams, and I especially loved all the friendships. I know a second season is a far long shot but this does not take away that this is a perfect 10 in my list. Highly recommended!
Not to mention, THE perfect final episode. Not rushed, not slow, and not just fluff. A perfect goodbye not just for the drama itself, but also to the characters and their youth.
Soul Mate is my favorite performance of hers in which she (and her co-star Zhou Dongyu) made a historic double win for Best Actress!
I’ve been saying that for years since they are my favorites and they both are age-compatible (1989, 1988), good friends (who have done films and editorial photoshoots together), and quite underrated with the international audience. Just imagine my excitement and eventual disappointment when I found out and saw the Shadow Play (2018) wherein the two were the main leads.
They show their acting chops better in films, so I do wish they would work again - hopefully in a romance melodrama.
To make things worse, he decided to CRASH the press conference of his victim “to apologize” in person, making the victim break down. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4924971
Absolutely disgusting.