The romance really comes third in this drama as it focuses primarily on family and friendships. Being such a romance geek, this actually did not bore me in the slightest. It was heart warming and I feel like every character had the developments necessary to make this a great drama.
Of course it's not without flaws. There was a few times the FL annoyed the hell out of me but in the next scene she would melt my heart so it balanced it out I guess. The ML in my opinion came off as wayyyyy to perfect in the first couple of episodes and slowly but surely he mellowed out and his human side started to show.
I really liked how the ML prioritized his life. His Nana always came first so despite the criticism about the ending, I think it perfect. What made this drama great was the distinctive 90's humor that they incorporated so effortlessly along with the true struggles and heartbreak of that era. The tropes were all spot on and the acting honestly top notch. Every single lead did extremely well in their portrayals of the character they played. They made me laugh, cry, frustrated and shared their sense of accomplishments with me along the way.
Rooting for a second season but quite satisfied right now with the ending of this drama. Would definitely re-watch when I need to be reminded about the true value of family and friendship.
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Some parts of drama is really bore ..Ithis drama can be better if they shows their 2nd parts of life after they get separated...What they achieve in their career .So I don't like the ending parts of the drama .The characters I like the most are Huang Deng Deng and Li ue.
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One of my favourite aspects is how every major character has some sort of a background that comes with them there's an entire spectrum of home lives shown through the screen which was fresh as dramas usually only explore the two main characters. Everyone had different interests, different talents, different aims and that's what made this drama so enjoyable. The development allowed you to properly emphasise with everyone and they began to feel more 3D than 2D.
When We Were Young also checked off mentioning exams which is probably one of my stranger and more niche checkboxes that I have when it comes to high-school genres but nonetheless, I think it's a key one. Most dramas usually downplay the effects exams have on students when in actual fact, these exams are the most important ones in the their entire highschool career so they arguably play a pretty major role in student's lives . It was interesting to see a variation of attitudes towards exams, some approaching them without any care, some taking them seriously, some completely getting battered by the pressure. The exploration even extended to the parents and how their attitudes to exams could be the catalyst to the absolute destruction of their child or the motivation.
Many people say that the ending is unsatisfactory or sad but I honestly beg to differ because I felt the ending portrayed the inevitable closure to everyone's highschool life well and rather than sad, I'd go for poignant.
Everyone's character was well acted and no one lost their colour from beginning till the end and it was realistic in the sense that it's not romance which drives us through teenage years, it's our friendships and yourself which you develop and improve as you go which gets you through it.
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A meaningful Drama
This is a school drama set in the 90's. I really liked this drama but I am not quite happy with the ending. I am the kind of person who loves happy endings with the leads being together. But this drama is reality. They all go their seperate ways after graduating highschool. It's sad but that's how life works. I am not saying that it's a sad ending. It depends on how you take it. This drama reminded me of my time in the last year of my school life. The friendships, teachers, exams etc... The drama gives you a lot of good thoughts about friendship and life. That is why I call this a "meaningful" drama. Talking about the cast, they did really well. Wang Peng was really cute as Yangxi. Acting was really good. I wouldn't watch it again but you can get a lot of insights from this drama.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
One of the best Chinese dramas I know...
All the characters were well-developed and lovable, especially the main leads. The ML is so refreshing because he's not rude or ignorant, he's actually very kind and funny. The FL is hilarious and I love her. There's romance but its also a lot more about friendship and high school. I'm keeping this short because it's been a while since I've watched it, but I'll definitely watch it again to refresh my memories. It's realistic and sweet in its own way, unlike most dramas these days. I'll always remember this drama when I refer to amazing dramas that I have watched.Go watch it now, you won't regret it.
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Chinese productions know the secret in making nostalgic, school dramas. This one is actually one of the best I've watched so far. However, there is a trop that they even couldn't escape: the open ending. Why, really why!, can't they give us a satisfying ending?! Anyway, other than slice of life - realistic ending, the story was sweet and full of the innocence of youth. The leads were especially adorable and everyone gave a good performance. The execution, moreover, was good overall. So, seven out of ten. Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Best youth drama, EVER!
I'm not going to pretend that I'm an expert on dramas as I'm sure many of you out there have certainly watched more shows than I have but as someone who's casually watched Korean dramas and Chinese dramas for the past few years, I can confidently say that this is indeed the BEST YOUTH DRAMA I HAVE EVER WATCHED. EVER.The casting is spot on and each character plays their part PERFECTLY. I think they're mostly rookie actors but they did their best and the acting, though certainly not Oscar worthy, fit the drama extremely well.
As the synopsis says, this is a drama that tells the stories of five very different friends as they navigate their last year of high school in China. And it did it very well. There's the stress of the gaokao, the burden of financial problems, the loyalty amongst friends, the bond between teacher and students, family issues, and of course, some good ol' romance.
What was especially refreshing was the male lead. He's, surprise surprise, not some cold and arrogant CEO, not a bully to the girl he likes, and not a shitty guy to his friends or classmates. I really liked seeing a wholesome male lead for once in these dramas. The female lead was the most relatable character for me and I admired her so much. She's genuinely a positive role model for a lot of young kids out there. Not to mention their other three friends.
Maybe you've yet to experience what they have as 17 and 18 year olds or maybe you've already experienced that or maybe you're experiencing that right now. But I'm sure you'll end up seeing your youth in a positive light-- whether you're reminiscing it, anticipating it, or living through it right now.
You'll smile, you'll laugh, and you'll cry. But you're going to love every single moment of it. I can swear on it.
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i just finished watching this an hour ago and im telling you, i cried buckets of tears. this drama is so realistic and will tug your heart, make you laugh, and will make you look back on your younger years. it has a touch of everything: romance, family, friendship and what have you. this is so nostalgic (even the music) and made me reminisce my student life.
this drama is about the lives of five students, but hui biao's is the one that really caught me. he lost his parents at a such a young age and only got his grandma with him. despite that, he remains a happy kid and was always there for his friends whenever they need him. he remains optimistic and lively.
it has an open ending. and i think it was perfect because they are still too young to figure out their lives yet.
a must watch definitely *wink*
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A masterpiece
Just from the first episode you will know that this is a pure masterpiece. I've watched so many dramas but none of them made me feel good like this one. The series of events occurring in every single episode was pure gold. It relates to our student life so much that I almost forgot the boundary line between the drama and reality. Beautifully crafted, the characters were just chef's kiss. The OST was beyond this universe. You'll feel like a high school girl in every moment of this drama. I definitely recommend this. This is just magical, nothing elseEsta resenha foi útil para você?
The ML’s character was very endearing, I can’t imagine anyone not love him. I just want to hug and assure him that he is doing such a good job with life at his age, I actually wouldn’t mind adopting him, lol! The FL is the epitome of immaturity in the most naive and innocent way possible. It was refreshing to see the actress nailed the job flawlessly. The other ML on the other hand (neighbor) could use some expression, I find him flat most of the time. The big winner of this drama is the grandma! Such a natural, I have seen really good older actresses in similar roles but my oh my Wu Yan Shu is a league of her own.
The cinematography of this drama can’t be beat, very nicely done. Music is so-so. Overall, I would say watch if you are feeling nostalgic and have no particular drama to watch on your list at the moment.
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Its a lighthearted, refreshing and nostalgic film about friendship .
They kept the over all tone at the same phase all throughout the film. The story was weaved perfectly, its simple but it tackled so much--- friendship, family and issues we face in normal life. The execution was superb, no exaggeration whatsoever.
The ending was bitter and sweet --- yet perfect.
Its a definitely a must watch if you want that tug in your heart.
Also, the main lead is eye candy. ??
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