A well-written psychological, human and family drama.
This drama is definitely one of the best dramas I have seen. It is very well written, well put together and very well played.It is an unconventional drama which breaks a bit the cultural and traditional Chinese codes, which offers a deep realistic critique of some traditions, methods of thought and education and which plunges into the heart of the human soul, of its wounds, of its problems.
Breaking the Chinese codes where the blood tie is important, where we must respect the elders at all costs, this drama offers us a reflection on what a family is, on the importance of love and respect, regardless of blood relationship. Blood ties that only care about the reputation of the family, of what their relatives can bring them (money, prestige, care when the elders are old, ensuring the perpetuation of the lineage ...) are they really mean more than those who are there on a daily basis, who feed us, dress us, love us, listen to us, respect our opinions, our wishes and encourage us?
The scenario is well constructed and makes us explore human, psychological, social, family and professional issues and offers us an interesting conclusion. Adult or child characters are written and described with relevance and realism.
I particularly liked the space given in this drama to the reflexion. In many others we have characters who struggle to express their grievance, who allow themselves to be abused, manhandled, demeaned without really expressing themselves and offering a criticism of what they are going through. This drama does not do that. It dares to make the characters speak, to put words to the discomfort, to the problems, to the concerns of the characters. The different characters grow up, mature, get to know themselves and understand a little more the adult world, to impose their ideas, to forgive the mistakes made by adults, to understand why some have made mistakes and so on. This is what growing actually is. It does not mean forgetting or completely forgiving all the wrongs we have suffered but understanding that we sometimes also have our share of responsibility, that parents are imperfect human beings (like everyone else), that they can commit mistakes but that depending on the reasons why they made this mistakes and the context, we can forgive them, move on and so on...
This story aptly alternates difficult and sad moments with moments full of humor, love and hope.
Another positive point is the absence of a secondary role as we can have in other dramas. As the drama is not centered on a romance (even if there is one), we thus escape the SML and SFL who are either unbearable in their obsession and harassment of the heroes or they are pitiful because completely devoted to the heroes who do not respond to their love.
In conclusion, this is a drama that I recommend to anyone who enjoys psychological reflections and intelligent scenarios. To those who do not always appreciate the misogyny of Chinese dramas as well as the eternal clichés such as the dictator parents in study and love (but who never evolve), the useless love triangles, the unbearable SML and SFL, the lack of discussion, misunderstandings and so on.
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BESTEST DRAMA EVER !!!!
From the very first episode i fell in love with this drama . It has all kinds of qualities on needs for a perfect drama . There was so much comedy and their romance was the best . Their frienship from the childhood and love towards each other was the best to enjoy in this drama .At some episodes i died out of laughter while at some i cried because of their separation . It taught me endless values and to cherish each and every moment .
I never felt bored while watching it and i recommend this to everyone out there if you want to feel evry kind of emotion . Also, i would want a special episode showing jianjian and ling xiao wedding as they were so cute and perfect together.
Much much love to my favourite drama <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
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OH SH!T HERE WE GO AGAIN....
I don't know where to start. When I watched the first 10 episodes, I thought it would be the best teen series I've ever seen, but then it turned into a really boring drama. The actors acting in the drama is really good. The scene where the ML kisses the FL while she's asleep was terrible for me. Also, it seemed like they were going to make the younger brother fall in love too, but the writer probably realized they were messing things up at the last minute and abandoned that idea. The storyline became worse and started to get boring for me. I ended up skipping through a lot of scenes if you have spare time and enjoy overrated dramas, you might want to give it a tryVond je deze recentie nuttig?
The most amazing and heartfelt drama
This drama is one of the best this year. The scenes are perfectly laid out and the story is simply amazing. The emotions carried out and portrayed by every actor is so pure and heartwarming. This modern-day drama is one of the best in the genre. The characters each have their strength and weaknesses and it has been shown beautifully. The relationship between the siblings is so beautiful that you'll crave for such a relation. The roller coaster of emotions is just perfect. You will want to laugh, cry, be happy, and be marveled at the same time. The storyline is simply marvellous and the acting of each and every actor is admirable. Just give it a try. You will not regret it.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Heartwarming, simple, charming.
My very first drama review, which I am more than happy to write for this lovely drama.A drama that made me cry because they are so good at making even simple scenes so touching and heartwarming.
The thing I like about this drama is how it realistically paint each characters with their strength and flaws as well. Nothing perfect, not even the leads.
And on top of that, the drama doesn't dwelve on cliche love triangles. Thank goodness.
It really does give alot of focus on family relationship, which is quite true, family matters most.
With a little sprinkle of friendship and chasing ambitions.
Halfway through the drama, I read alot of negative reviews from weibo on the male lead and also the drama focusing more on the side stories of friendship. But isn't this life? The truth is that mental health is really a big issue in youth nowdays and yet people are still labeling them as "attention seeking" shows the true extent on how society are still unwilling to accept this as an illness.
To me, it's a simple and not perfect drama, but this is what makes it even more charming and relatable for me.
I have seen many family and friendship cdrama, but nothing hits the right spots like this drama.
This drama will leave a significant impact on me for a long long time.
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Not a romantic comedy
There are light moments but it's family drama with elements of slice of life. I would probably watch it again to see if there were any nuances I missed.CHILD-PARENT RELATIONSHIPS
I was crying a lot in the first half witnessing the hurt parents inflicted on the children they supposedly love. The same can be said of grandparents affecting the parents.
I cried at the beauty of Li Ba's love for the children. What a gem. I am a mum and awfully sentimental, so I cry at these things.
CHARACTER GROWTH
Of the main characters, LJJ and Li Ba were the constants so their characters don't develop much. They are caring and (subjectively) loveable from the start.
LX is broken and continues to be subjected to abuse. He's still very broken by the end but this is eventually acknowledged by Ling Ba who makes effort to make amends for his lack of emotional support.
I liked HZQ's character growth the most. In the eyes of the neighbours, he is the most pitiful child. He gets the happy ending he longed for and settles things with his bio dad realistically. He takes on Li ba's caring role in the girls' house.
ROMANCE
I personally didn't ship the main couple, it felt designed to the tie the family together officially that I think defeats the overall message that you don't need to be official to be family.
The heavy dependency and controlling behaviour of LX doesn't sit well with me but I didn't find it incestuous. The numerous complaints about LJJ calling LX "Gē" is a bit annoying when it's been explained over and over that it's culturally acceptable to call the boy next door "Gē". Although there is a cultural romanticising of childhood sweethearts, which I don't care for.
I also don't care for love at first sight, but this is addressed nicely with the lawyer friend Zhang Bei.
The best couple gets married.
FRIENDSHIPS
The friendships were beautiful and provided the slice of 20-somethings life. They provide a different example of their parental issues and difficulties finding their own path. Some might feel the side characters were given too much screen time but I thought it was a good balance and more realistic/healthy romantic encounters. I was invested in them and their immediate troubles were resolved enough.
OVERALL COMMENTS
Good quality production and casting. It didn't drag too much for my taste, but I enjoy the slice of life elements eg. cooking scenes.
Comic sound effects were on point.
Flashbacks were mostly new material and used to progress the plot/reveal the characters reasoning rather than needless repeats of what we have already seen.
HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
There wasn't any convincing resolution between LX and his mum. They both need professional help. You don't just get over PTSD and suicidal tendencies in a month. I would have preferred it if they were on the road to recovery by the end. She didn't have to accept LJJ or leave, just accept she needed help. This could have been a opportunity to shine a positive light on seeking mental healthcare, a chance to break taboo, even the Traditional Chinese Dr suggested it but Ling Ba insisted there wasn't any need.
Song Wei Long's acting does not stand out in this but that could have been the direction given.
A FEW TINY OBSERVATIONS
The 9 years away seemed too long. You can't usually stay in the UK on a student visa and then work indefinitely. Without help from his bio dad, HZQ was probably working discreetly from the authorities. Singapore is not that far, LX might not have been able to travel but why did no one go to see him?
This might be a problem in translation, but the boy Dong Dong is suffering developmental regression due to early childhood trauma from He Mei's description, autism seems incorrect.
LX & HZQ could have had a different hairstyle to depict the different time lines, like LJJ and QYL.
Hope that wasn't too long winded. My first review! :)
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This drama will push the buttons you didn't know you had.
This drama is good, very good. The actors portrayed what the writer wanted so well that I also hate the drama.I'm not here to give a full review, just to rant. If I skip the ML's parts with his mother and her relatives, I would give it an 8.5 or a 9. But because I want to get the whole gist, I end up not skipping.
I refuse to believe that someone can be as spineless as Ling Xiao. He has all the annoying attributes (he can't say no to her or stand his ground against her) of a mama's boy without being a mama's boy (his mom hates him).
As a woman, no matter how loving and handsome you claim to be, if you cannot stand and protect yourself and me, we won't be together.
Jianjian was an outspoken and no-pushover girl till she started dating this man and he had a negative impact on her. She now takes the abuse his mother and sister rain in her.
I think he likes and enjoys wallowing in self-pity that's why he didn't stand up to them.
The abuse he receives overshadows the wholesomeness of the drama for me.
Also, there is only one and half good and loving adult in the whole series - one is Jianjian' father and the half is Ling xiao's father because he is an absentee father towards his son but a good person.
If the further I watch and I see ML be protective of his mental health and of those who love him, I'll update but till then....NO.
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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!
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Best Drama of 2020!
OMG, the absolute best and most heartwarming drama of 2020! This is the story about life, family, friendship, love, and so much more. Everybody will be able to relate to this. The actors are perfectly selected for their characters. Every single one of them played their roles just right. You cry, you empathize, you laugh, you cry some more, you smile, and you feel for each of these characters. What a superbly written, scripted, and carried out storyline. Chemistry among all of the characters were phenomenal. I ADORE the three leads. Excellent actors, all so talented. No bullshit, no annoying dumb characters. All real stuff. Sweet story. Love the soundtrack, too. I would totally watch this drama again.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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The Truth
This was one of the best dramas I've watched in 2020!It starts out when the three leads are children and goes to adulthood. Two men end up raising three children together, the 2 MLs are both abandoned by their Mother's while the FL's Mother dies before the start of the show.
The three grow up as siblings and best friends always there for each other. Until ML1 is guilted into moving away to take care of his sickly mother and sister. While ML2 leaves to go to school in England with his Biological Father.
They both promise to returns in a few years, the FL is devastated. Years go by and they keep extending their time away, until 9 years have passed. Both MLs return at the same time.
Pros:
ML1 has returned because he has always loved FL and wants to be with her. Their love is so beautiful and interesting to watch. The love that all three have for each other is amazing.
Cons:
ML1's Mom gets very annoying at times and I was hoping that the FL would stand up to her, but she never really does.
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Best Drama yet!
This Drama has everything in it. There are times you cry and other times you laugh. You feel the hurt and gladness. The concept of this Series is great. You get to see fathers do the best the could for their kids. Li was the best of all the actors. The chemistry among the cast is second to none. When they stuck up for each other, when one was attacked ; I'm like there you go! The Writers/Producers has done a fantastic job on creating this Series.Some of you will not like this Series because you don't have a ML a pouting abusing, demeaning and acting superior to the FL. You don't have a mumbling, subservient mindless FL.
This Series answer the question - Does blood or heart make a family. By this Series so far I would side with the heart. Li is hurting badly. She puts on a good front - everything is good front. The heart ache is felt by all. You can see how torn the fathers are when the children leave for College. You can see the happiness when they came back home to see them.
The dilemma of growing up with a person in the same household (no blood relations) and having feelings for that person: What should be done? It was dealt in such a way that didn't seem creepy no as a taboo incest. One could feel the situation that FL was in and you could feel what she felt. For those of you that have your minds in the gutter, it ain't that of Series. Well done Writers/Producers.
I am 11 episodes deep in the Series and it is getting better.
It was very nice to watch a Chinese drama, which was overly patriotic. This Series dealt with some hard dilemmas, laughing, crying, heart aches and family matters. The scenery was great! The music good. The fathers are differently positive role models on how fathers should be. I really felt for Qi Ming Yue and Tang Can, because their mothers were so dominate. Those mothers ran every aspect of their daughters lives.
Tan Song Yun stole the show! If she didn't play the part of Li Jian Jian, it wouldn't of been as good. Don't get me wrong the rest of the cast were great. There are some surprises, so make sure you watch carefully.
There need s to be a Part 2. It should round about 15 episodes. We would be able to see who got married and who didn't. We would know where in life are they. I would recommend this Series to anyone.
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