Conheça a Si Mesma (2023)

Long but enjoyable

It was too long thanks to all the characters and their issues that needed to be resolved, but it did manage to tell a story without the usual Chinese template. There’s no tropey romantic moments (accidental kisses, blisters on heels, fireworks, etc.) and no love triangles, obsessed chicks or tyrannical parents. There was an internet scandal, but it was a past event in one of the side character’s lives (thank you, screenwriter, for not putting us through one of those!) This drama is mostly about relationships and the problems/benefits of living in a small village. There’s a slow burn romance between ML/FL, and that’s about it. We do have a side character (Mr. He, the musician) hooking up with an old lady (old compared to him but not old as compared to the various aunties or ML’s granny), but thankfully, their romance does not take a lot of time. I think he would have been better with the web novelist or even café worker, but for some reason, Asian dramas are obsessed with older women-younger men romances these days. I still don’t like an age gap of over 5 years, and this one looked about 10+!

My favorite character is probably Mr. Ma (or Haochao – I’ll always remember this actor by his Go Ahead role).

As for the leads, I definitely liked ML. I liked this actor an A’Yao better than his Go Go Squid role because he was friendlier, warmer, smiled a lot and was just an all-around nice guy. I also liked that he was just a normal guy – he wasn’t a born-rich CEO – trying to make a happy life for himself and his community. He was realistic as was his romance with FL. As for FL, I liked her quiet mature demeanor, but I wasn’t wild about her, probably because she was too reticent. Half the time, I didn’t know what she was thinking or feeling, and it took her until nearly the final episode to admit to loving ML…and she didn’t say it, ML said it for her. I like still waters that run deep, but I never really saw any ‘deep’ emotion from her. And at times, she could act childish – like when she got mad at ML for suggesting the café worker meet her problem head-on. But, overall, they were a realistic couple who didn’t rely on the normal tropes to express their devotion to each other.

Although I found the drama enjoyable, I did have some questions at the end such as:

1) FL apparently goes to Yunnan to heal from her best friend’s untimely death. Her friend had encouraged her to live life to its fullest, to find what she enjoyed. However, how is FL’s life any different at the end than what is was in Beijing? Yeah, she has a boyfriend now and strong relationships with the people she met while staying in the village, but she’s still focused on a career above all else. Rather than being happy with a single homestay in Yunnan, she wants several homestays throughout China. How is that relaxing? How can you stop and smell the roses with those big plans? How can she spend quality time with A’Yao if she (and he) is busy with work? For once, I’d like to see a drama where the leads are happy being together and enjoying a simple life rather than toiling away at a career. Success is not measured by wealth or prestige; it’s measured by how content you are with your life.

2) It’s been a year, and they still aren’t married. At least, the in-laws are finally meeting. Talk about a slow burn romance. Sorry – I’m not a fan of open endings. I like things signed, sealed and delivered. There's plenty of hints that they will eventually marry, but without seeing it, the story isn't complete in my mind.

3) I understand ML’s desire to develop the community so that there’s more jobs for the residents, but do they realize that development will change what everyone currently loves about the community? You’re no longer going to have the peace and quiet, the strong connection with your neighbors that you previously had when there's a bunch of noisy tourists everywhere not to mention all the new people moving in, forcing their values and ideas on you. There is a reason why some people chose to live in a small community, and they aren’t happy when the city comes to them, ok? Honestly, I could see those men who attacked FL’s construction site being more upset about that than not getting their fair share of the ‘wealth’. Living in a community that’s currently experiencing high development, I can well understand current residents not being pleased that their paradise is being changed. I think more time could have been spent showing the downside of development.

4) Also, the big development push is getting a bookstore to move into the community. Well, I like bookstores, but they’re starting to be a thing of the past thanks to e-books so how it that a benefit?

5) Finally, I preferred the homestay FL stayed in to the one she built. The one she stayed at was homey and quaint, idyllic even, while hers was nothing more than a hotel. There was no ‘home’ in the homestay, no character or warmth. It looked institutional to me.

I gave an overall rating of 9.5 because I wasn't wild about FL's character. I couldn't 'connect' with her even though I prefer mature characters. I had a hard time believing that she actually loved A-Yao because she didn't express the warmth of love very well. Also, I marked down the music because, although I liked the songs, I got tired of hearing them over and over again for 40 episodes.

Leia Mais

PERFECT ASMR show frazzled tired days

ASMR .. if ever a drama was made for relaxing ONLY .. and putting you to sleep .. Have to give it to the team for pulled one off ..

It's like muzak (elevator music) ~ won't make your pulse speed up, worry you, plunge you, or even make your brain go into a tizzy. But it's not unpleasant .. just keep it running in the background as you go about doing other things .. you won't miss much or be bothered about missing either, if you pick and choose from any part of the show you soak in some village life ..

But it will be unfair if I don't mention that beginning was dramatic and had SO much pace and movement and going somewhere. The loss of friend and those scenes capturing grief (though too drawn out) were palpable and brilliant. The moving out to the country promised adventure .. and then it becomes a travel mag ;-p

I stuck around because the LEADS are too good looking to turn away from :-D
AND they are talented actors to boot .. BUT no chemistry really .. Li Xian tries so hard .. What a different role from GGS (Go Go Squid).

None of the characters make us worry about them ..

My fingers got sore from FFD ing.

SO MANY people compared it to "Hometown Cha Cha Cha" ~ THANK GAWD I didn't bother watching that either after an episode (when it had released).
I am not a fan of the ML in that .. he has no sizzle factor.

BTW it's NOT the SLOW pace that made me YAWN!! It's basically quite FLAT.

Compare a SLOW PACED RURAL setting show like "I'll Come when the Weather is Good".
That's great DRAMA IMO.
Not a travel brochure ;-p

YUP .. the first ASMR Drama I have watched

Leia Mais

There’s virtually nothing happening for the first 4 episodes…

I dropped the drama as it is too slow. The cinematography is good, but the drama is shot like a movie, with no plot happening for the first 4 episodes. There’s a man staying in the lodge who is a comic relief as usual who is quite irritating and pointless as a cast, who does not contribute to the storyline. I dropped it without watching further. I do not understand why the drama has such a high rating, besides the fact that the two leads are good looking and Yunan itself is picturesque. The precipitating factor for the FL to move to Yunan is due to the passing of her good friend, but that is merely a device used by the scriptwriter. Overall too slow for me to continue watching.

Leia Mais

A well-written mix of happiness, angst, sorrow, joy and excitement portrayed magically!

I once dropped this show after watching 3 episodes. They were too deep and sad for my mental state back then and I decided to stop. But I'm just so glad, months later, I gave this show another go. Best decision ever! This has to be one of my favourite shows. This show has made me wanting a WFH set-up in a beautiful airbnb in a peaceful environment so much!

What I like the most about this show is that ALL the leads have a brilliant background and story. Yes, you heard it right. You do not feel any imbalance in how they handle the multiple characters. Enough and more time is spent on the struggles, achievements and daily life of all the characters instead of being focused on only Hong Dou and Zhi Yao.

I also like how they've shown a broken yet extremely independent and sensible woman in the form of Hong Dou. She prioritises her mental health, is willing to work on herself when things are not right but overcomes it all (with the help of our wonderful characters) to get back on her feet. She does not let others guide her future and is a force to reckon with. Whether it be her family, or love, nothing gets in the way of her dreams, and that is just aspirational. What is even more amazing about this is that she does all of this without stepping on others, she considers everyone's feelings, acknowledges them and talks it out peacefully, commendable!

I also like the character of Chairman Xie. He is a self-aware and brilliant guy who knows exactly what he wants and gives his all to achieve the same. Although his character is too good to be true and very philanthropist-y for my liking, kudos to him for being like that and staying at it throughout the show. His commitment to his goal and community is commendable and it makes me look out for my own Chairman Xie.

My favourite characters though have to be of Na Na and Da Mai. They have developed beautifully over the show, given their best performances and worked magic on the screen. The bond between the two is also magical and something I aspire for. But having said that, all the actors including the village aunties and uncles, have brilliantly depicted their roles and the acting in this show is very top-notch by everyone.

What amazes me to this date is just how calm, composed and peaceful Xu Hong Dou sounds. The tranquility that sets whenever she's talking is no joke. So gentle and so sweet. It's like she could say 1000 mean things to me, and I would still be focused only on just how tranquil and gentle she sounds. I've never heard any actor portray a character like that and usually I find it very annoying but Hong Dou's tone matched the entire show and it's concept so well that it was a brilliant touch!

What I didn't like about the show is the little Chinese propaganda flowing throughout, but personally, I've learnt to overcome the same after having watched countless Chinese shows. At some point it also feels like a tourism documentary but I don't find any problem with that because the show has otherwise delivered on every single front so what's the problem with a little advertisement. I've been to Yunnan, Kunming and Dali and hands down the beauty of these places needs to be shared with everyone.

If you're looking for a feel-good, deep, and absolutely BRILLIANT show, then don't think twice. THIS IS IT. I can't recommend this show enough to everyone. What an amazing 35 hours of my life. Cheers! 🌸

Leia Mais

Pretty, but that's about it.

City life is stressful, folks, so let's move to a beautiful village in China! It's by a glorious lake backed by glorious mountains. Sample its delights in a gorgeously photogenic homestay full of vintage and artisanal charm, where you can sit peacefully sipping tea in a flower-filled courtyard with tinkling windchimes, friendly cats, no litter and not one single bug even though there aren't any screens. While you are here, you will be gently encouraged into wholesome activities by adorable grandmas in cute cultural costumes, while random people impart wisdom to you in not-at-all-clichéd epigrams and show you the True Meaning of Life! (tm)

Unfortunately, the promotional postcard was just that; much surface, little actual dramatic content. It was vaguely soothing to watch for a while just because it is so pretty and nicely shot, and all the points I am giving it are for that. But it didn't deliver anything else, for me: some cute photogenic moments but no real depth to anyone, and definitely not enough story to fill 40 episodes. The romance left me not only cold but actually feelIng lIke kIcking the ML's cheesy white grin - he was annoying and kinda preachy, and after far too long waiting for something interesting to happen I came to my senses and dropped it. I love a thoughtful slice of life, but it has to not bore me, and sadly, this did.

Leia Mais

Go aheah & watch this drama you will love it.

After a long time I got to watch such a great drama
At 1 st I thought it would be boring but I wanted to give it a try because of the male lead (Li xian).
It was a really really great drama the type of drama I was looking for..
There are so many scene that will make your heart flutter.. I personally laughed a lot also did get emotional some time even cried!!
It has the type of setting that I personally want in my life ( I mean living in a small place with a lot of good people who really care for you) .. & the ost those were just great I downloaded all the ost & i listen to them & think about the setup they showed us.

It was such a healing drama. I like their acting, the whole cast are awesome. Also it was the 1 st drama of the female lead that I watch & i became e fan there were no weird character every character did a great job.
The male lead & female lead being together was also great I may not the right way to explain the drama but you should give it a try .

Leia Mais

The Actors make you love this show.

My main complaint for a lot of Chinese dramas is that the characters act so young for their ages or take 20 episodes just to peek on the cheek kiss after some dumb misunderstanding. This is not one of those dramas. It’s about family, friendship, work life, living for a dream or just working for a paycheck . The actors are likable and real in their emtions. Of course the ML and FL are so much fun to watch as their relationship develops —you find yourself rooting for them, the village and the community. No fast forwarding needed as you just sit back and enjoy being part of the friend group
Wanting to help each other succeed

Leia Mais

A lighthearted drama about life

"Meet Yourself" is a standout in the realm of Chinese dramas, effortlessly blending heartfelt storytelling with deep social themes. The show captivated me from the start with its realistic portrayal of life, love, and personal growth.

The drama is set against the beautiful backdrop of the countryside, which adds a serene and almost therapeutic element to the narrative. However, what truly sets "Meet Yourself" apart is its mature and nuanced exploration of relationships and personal struggles. It delves into themes such as grief, community, the clash between modernity and tradition, and the journey of self-discovery. These elements are handled with such grace and depth that they resonate long after the episode ends.

The romance between the lead characters is one of the most authentic and grounded portrayals I’ve seen in recent dramas. It’s not just about grand gestures or clichéd moments; instead, it’s built on mutual respect, understanding, and personal growth. The chemistry between Liu Yifei and Li Xian feels natural and effortless, making their relationship both believable and deeply moving.

Liu Yifei shines as the female lead, bringing a quiet strength and vulnerability to her role. Her performance is both captivating and understated, perfectly embodying the complexities of her character. Li Xian also delivers a stellar performance, bringing warmth, charm, and depth to his role. His portrayal of a man who is both confident and introspective adds a compelling layer to the drama.

The supporting cast is equally commendable, each adding depth to the story with their unique personalities and subplots. The show does an excellent job of exploring different life perspectives, from the struggles of the younger generation to the wisdom of the older.

In conclusion, "Meet Yourself" is more than just a romance drama; it’s a beautifully crafted story about life, community, and the journey to find peace and happiness. It’s rare to find a drama that balances romance with such meaningful social commentary, but "Meet Yourself" does so flawlessly. This is a must-watch for anyone looking for a drama that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Leia Mais

Awesome Acting and Romance with lots of epic visuals.

I love the way they details each and every natural view.
FL lead Acting is wow superb.
This type of drama can give you peace of mind.
This drama carries lots of emotions, hard situation to overcome, epic detailing, awesome cast with superb acting especially FL acting overshadowed everyone.
Many things I like about it.
This drama gave you lots of lessons,
This drama shows you how to uplift your hometown into tourism attraction,
Basically I am from india , my culture is very different but in this drama you feel their culture,
Most important part of this drama is in Acting part , especially FL expression is superb 💕
If you are looking for relax , romance, healing type situation then go for it.

Leia Mais

One Relax Drama

Long time hesitate to watch this, but I'm bored so just decided to watch this drama. Quite happy to watch this drama in the end.

This drama tell story about Xu Hong Dou (HD) that just losing her friend & decided to take a break from life & just go to small town in Yunnan to relax. HD had plan to go travel to Yunnan with her friend, but since she died, HD decided to fulfill the promise & just go there. In Yunnan, Yun Miao village, like all small village, the community is closed tied & family related.
So aside from relax, HD also find new friend & new community or you can say new family and also not forget the love of her life.

What I like:
+ Really relax atmosphere. Like all small village, the time worked really slow & can make us feel relax & nothing in life is so important that you need to work your ass around...
+ The maturity of HD & Xie Zhi Yao (ZY). Like we know they love each other, but they don't rush thing & let the time take care of it.
+ The friendship that all the village create for one and each other.
+ The funny Granny Xie. Hoho... One more cute & adorable grandma in dramaland
+ They talk about the important communication between family. Like when Ma Qiu Shan & HD want to start business, they like having talk that whatever happen talk with family is important, not only when you already decided then you announce your decision.

Maybe from all of this the minus is only one. The times sometimes moves so slow... For you who don't like it gonna feel this drama a little bit bored.... Oh and maybe as usual for c-drama, the episode is just d*mn too much, I don't think the episode need this long.

Overall this is one good drama for you to enjoy and learn to relax....

Leia Mais

Love this drama, especially the side characters, amazing cinematography

Meet Yourself is a melodrama in Yunan as Xu Hong Dou (played by Crystal Liu) went there to find herself after the death of her best friend Chen Nan Xing played by Janice Wu.

The drama has many known guest roles and a supporting cast. The acting of the entire ensemble was excellent, even though the flow of the drama is quite slow, but I love it.

I love all the side characters; each is uniquely portrayed by the supporting actors/actresses. Especially Granny Xie, played by Estelle Wu. She is a supporting yet firm grandma to Xie Zhi Yao, played by Li Xian.

The Yunan community not only supports each other, but they also make their guests feel welcome and belong in their society.

The cinematography is so beautiful that it makes me want to visit Yunan one of these days. I enjoy this drama and would recommend people to watch it.

Overall, I am giving it an 8.5 rating.

Leia Mais