Juntos Aqui de Novo (2023)

Only You...

Played by Janice Wu & Vin Zhang of course I've to watch this one...

The drama told about 1 man, Xu Yan Shi (YS), that like 1 woman, Xiang Yuan (XY), in his life. But life played them good & separated them again & again until life decided enough time to make them together now. Haha...

YS & XY have 4 times encounter: kindergarten, high school, university & workplace. But when in high school & university, YS's dad succeed screw up their chance & finally they have their chance in the workplace.

The story begin in Velin company, the branch of Donghe group that in the verge of collapse, cause bad management, corruption & nepotism deep in the management. XY is happy go lucky girl from rich family that at first don't care about her family business. XY grandpa, chairman of Donghe group, send XY undercover to manage this branch. In there XY finally group up from happy go lucky girl to the girl that finally understand how to manage business & care enough about her family business in the end.

What I like:
+ First of all really happy to finally have another director that using their brain when cast, to separate the cast of adult time & high school time... Sometimes I must sigh when I see actor/ess on end off their 20s or early 30s play as high school student. I know sometimes that relate to the budget etc. & the bonus point, they even cast the actor/ess according to their respective age in the drama...
+ The chemistry between Janice Wu & Vin Zhang is good.... They match each other perfectly. It feel really like old friend that finally get together. Janice & Vin Zhang looked like having fun while filming this drama.
+ The develop of YS & XY relationship is make sense. YS a few times make XY angry & XY not immediately forgive him, all need process....
+ YS is quite jealousy boyfriend, but his jealousy several time quite make sense. But I really like when he never restrict XY's life & really respect her, especially when he said that XY should not change herself just cause him.
+ The story of Gao Leng (GL) & Chen Shu (CS) also make sense. They love each other, but GL indeed need to grow up to match CS. And I kinda like how GL just not give up, but he still care & try to chase CS again.
+ The cute & adorable XY's grandpa. Especially when YS's friend try to messed his mind about his evaluation toward YS. Is just so funny...
+ Janice is quite adorable played XY, but still nothing too new about her acting...

Overall this really one good drama this year...

Leia Mais

This was so close to You Are My Glory, so I knew I was going to love this!

Instead of an actress and aerospace engineer, we have a corporate girlie, whose grandpa is the CEO of the company, and a GPS engineer who is a prodigy in his field. The ML and FL are technically grade school sweethearts, who keep running into one another at different points in their lives, but seeming to miss one another.

I would sum this up as a sweethearts to strangers to friends to strangers to online lovers to strangers to coworks to lovers, romance. When I say they keep missing one another, I mean it!

I loved Janice Wu in this, a quirky yet mature businesswoman who wants to help her grandpa's sub-company not go bankrupt while correcting all the internal fraud that is being committed by the VP. I loved seeing Vin Zhang finally in a lead role, and not being a side character to a Dilraba drama... which is funny because I just said that this drama reminded me of a Dilraba drama.

In the 30-40 something episode drama, the writer and director took their time letting us get to know all the characters and their roles in the company as well as follow them throughout different projects - I felt like I was a part of the team! And I appreciate a drama that is well written and shot, not feeling like it is dragging... because I know these longer Chinese dramas and feel scary and boring when seeing how many one-hour episodes there are.

The romance was very cute, and honestly a bit sexy ... more than I have seen in a Cdrama before. I fell for both characters and wanted them to find love so badly with one another, and once they were together, it was sweet.

But going along with that point, I had to knock a point off because there were times throughout that I had no idea what was going on, and why the FL was crying or why the ML was comforting her or why the ML thought it was cool to start making out with the FL during an argument. There were also times when either one of them would be in a sales meeting and I had no idea what was going on... especially when the company seemed to be a huge factor or when the meeting ended up being fake? It is hard to explain even now because I feel like I was... on drugs and a part just flew over my head.

Other than that, loved this.

Leia Mais

Popcorn escapist power fantasy disguised as office drama

TLDR: If you can make it past the side characters and the second couple then you'll probably like it

Overall: The show isn't anything new and follows a lot of the traditional cdrama tropes. But the business power fantasy and comeuppance is what kept me coming back for more and I have no regrets. Watching the leads go through their ups and downs as a couple and in the workspace was a treat to watch even if the rest of the cast was pretty lacking.

Story: The story is a pretty standard office drama with the only real twist that the FL has a powerful background that the audience sees from episode one but other characters find out as the show progresses. The appeal is really that you get to see how everyone reacts and watch her navigate the space while trying to get things done on her own merit. No new ground is tread but that was perfectly fine for this kind of show. If you can make it past the side characters and the second couple then you'll probably like what you see.

Acting: no complaints across the board. I feel like maybe some of the side characters were a little over the top at times but I assume that was the direction they were told to go in so can't really pick on it too much.

Characters: The leads were great. Probably one of my favorite FLs to watch in recent memory. She is strong in every sense of the word but also isn't afraid to ask for help which was refreshing to see. Janice Wu did a great job bringing her to life and it felt like I was right there with her through all the satisfying reveals. ML was ok as well. The character was kind of a doormat with a whole lot of backstory that gets revealed to make you feel sympathetic toward him. I felt that they could've done a better job with this because there never had to be any misunderstandings and it seemed to me like it was mostly just the ML refused to tell the FL important things that were happening. This isn't new to the cdrama space but I could've done without the whole years of angst because he didn't just say he had a family situation.

The second lead couple were the only other side characters that get any kind of background but they were unfortunately not my cup of tea. I felt like their relationship felt off from the beginning so seeing them go through their rocky patches actually felt pretty real and I was happy with that direction. But then the entire show just gaslit the woman into thinking that because the guy likes her a lot she should put up with his BS. I will say that normally breakups in dramas tend to be nonsensical, but this one had a really grounded and relatable reason that felt true to the characters as well. The guy had a character flaw that she didn't want to put up with, he repeatedly demonstrates that he can't fix it. She clearly communicates what the problem is and why she wants to end things. He still doesn't work on changing. The show puts them together anyway. Needless to say one of my least favorite couples out of the dramas I've watched.

The side characters in this show have got to be the worst I've seen in quite some time. No shade on the actors/actresses as I think most of the issues lie in the material that they were given or lack thereof. Starting off I don't think I've seen a group get so much screen time yet we know next to nothing about any of them. I literally could not tell you what any of their hobbies are, any childhood memories, outside friends, partners etc. etc. etc. They pretty much only exist to either start drama or react to drama happening around them which is sad because they could've been so much more. Just as an example, there is a sudden double agent kind of reveal halfway through and it came so far out of the blue that I was just like "Oh, ok." when I'm pretty sure they wanted it to hit a little harder and be some big shock. The only reason I didn't care was because we had no reason to care about the character in the first place (citing aforementioned lack of background) and there was literally no build up to it (even on second watch it felt like a writer rolled the dice and just said yeah, she gonna be evil now lol).

The other big miss for the side characters was their dynamic. I think the writers were going for some kind of super familiar, we've known each other for years vibe so we mess around with each other but it all felt really artificial. Couldn't really put my finger on it but I compared it in my head to the main trio in King the Land and I just felt like that dynamic felt authentic. The characters in this drama also flip between sides so fast which contributed to them feeling less like actual characters and more like set dressing. Tangible example is later on they hear the boss may be closing their company and instead of just asking the person they've grown close to over the course of a year they just instantly choose to believe that was her motivation the entire time because surely putting in so much work just to close the company makes sense. Its not even that it doesn't make sense its that they didn't even hesitate for a single minute to paint her as the new villain which made it harder to like them.

Music: I actually added a few songs to my playlist so that counts as a win in my book.

Rewatch: Despite the many problems the show has, I would rewatch it (and have) for the premise alone. Not even close to the top 20 best dramas I've watched but I've already watched it again all the way through not even a week after finishing it.

Leia Mais

Promising, But Boring

We get it, China. People with money= bad, poor people= good. We get it.

Two childhood sweethearts divided by class difference. Nothing new here. We know they are going to get together, but there is no actual connecting story here, so the plot is stretched over sexual tension that just doesn't burn bright enough to keep interest.

I have a girl crush on Janice Wu, which is why I gave this a chance in the first place, and she did not disappoint. I love her facial expressions and mannerisms. The ML was ok as well, but he was written without any real depth, and that also has to do with his lack of flaws. A perfect ML is a boring one.

Leia Mais

Great chemistry and flirty repartee!

I love the fact that this story doesn’t rely on one of those cold, stiff characters that never smiles. Serious, yes, but not stiff. The flirty banter by Janice Wu’s character is always entertaining. I like the way they have revealed the hidden backstory of the ML slowly. I wait eagerly each day for the new episodes and while I wait I’ve rewatched scenes from earlier episodes that I particularly like. I almost never rewatch anything so this says a lot about just how much I enjoy these characters and their interactions.
I understand the review about the FL’s misunderstandings being too easily influenced, but this is so far the only annoying trope we are dealing with in this series, and I feel like the smile I’m wearing on my face for most of each episode is more than worth it.
It’s funny, heartwarming, romantic — what more could you ask for?

Leia Mais

Another great drama for me!

I have not give a drama all 10/10 in a while now. This one deserved it! It is about the realities of life, love, and dreams. Reminded me a bit of “You are My Glory.” This one ranked right up there for me. There were 2 scenes they kept showing on Facebook that told me it is a must watch. The first one was when she was in the meeting room and they were trying to frame her and her grandfather came in and set them all straight! It was one of my favorite scenes. The other is when he finally went after her and made it clear he wanted to be with her. I laughed at the guy who was trying to court her! The look on his face was priceless! If you watch it you’ll know what I am talking about.

Storyline - was well done all around. The only parts I skipped was some of the memories of what happened. I watched all the ones that pertained to the main leads because I had to see what each one went through and how it all overlapped. It made me laugh, cry, and happy that the FL was strong and not weak. This is one FL I can relate to. Loved this storyline.

Acting/Cast - loved the FL/ML and all the support cast. Their stories were great to watch. They did an amazing job!

Music - was great! Fit the drama perfectly and dang if I cannot find it on Amazon! I would love to have the OST.

Rewatch - YES!! I am adding it to my once a year (probably twice a year) favorites to watch.

Leia Mais

Straightforward romance story with superb main leads

I enjoyed this drama first because of the straightforward romance story with highly talented actors as the main couple. The story of both leads as individuals was different from the majority of stories we see in C-dramas or K-dramas. It is not all around their love and relationship and we can connect with their story and growth as individual persons. Also, both Zhang BinBin and Janice Wu's acting are really top-notch with a lot of chemistry between them.
Here shows the process of FL's growth without a bunch of jealous people causing problems because of her relationship with ML. She learned and discovered her potential throughout the work handling without ML being her saviour. ML help her and stand beside her whenever is needed but he is not the saviour and the same was for FL. So you see the strong FL and you can see the process of her growth and very patient ML who finds the way to his interest at the end.
As for their romance is very straightforward, not a long break-up or antagonistic third party. The majority of the time they solve their problems by speaking (better say by Kissing). Nothing in the story remained unexplained or vague.

The only problem for me was the acting and story of some of the side characters, especially the second couple of the story, I couldn't connect with their chemistry and their story.
In conclusion, I enjoyed watching this drama it was so relaxing and exciting as well. I really liked the ML character (Xu Yan Shi) portrayed by ZBB and his chemistry with FL. I also like to watch it again.

Leia Mais

A LIGHT ROM COM WITH AMAZING AND THRILLING CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE LEADS.

I was anticipating this from the very moment I knew they paired two of my favourites, Janice Wu and Vin Zhang and from the moment I decided to watch this...I've been entertained, fed with all the sweetness and satisfied ?

The plot is actually nice and we'll executed for a light romcom it managed to balance the business part and the romance parts but at the same time got rid of many of the cliche plots like the love triangles and the second leads and the second female leads and the second couples that tend to steal screen time.
The leads were given there time to shine, they were given time to flirt and slowly fall for each other,what I loved about this was the clarification and the story telling, showing us the past and the present simultaneously but at the same time in an organised manner, I appreciated the use of young actors and actresses to portray the leads young versions, it felt absolutely refreshing on my side, the story was cute, a slow burn but with lots of thrilling moments between the leads, the screen time was divided evenly and I haven't been bored once since the first episode.

The chemistry between the leads was chefs kiss, how do I say these two could be cute and hot together at the same time, their interactions felt really natural and I giggled rolled in my bed each and every time they interacted I loved to watch both of them together..they were and are still are my C drama comfort couple.

The acting was good, I'd say Janice Wu never disappoints me with her natural acting and effortless comedy she wasn't your typical spoilt rich brat of a female lead, she was hardworking gutsy smart and refreshingly strong enough to stand up for her self and her loved ones..she really was having fun with her role as Xiangyuan and iam glad I met her.
Vin Zhang I don't know if I'd see a male lead like him, I know they are many but he has to be the most calm and down to earth male lead I've been introduced too, he was hot too and I absolutely love his voice...Xu yanshi was definitely meant for him and no one else❤️?

The osts were so good, I always listen to them on loop and I don't think I can pick a favourite...since I love them all?

The support characters too did a good job in their respective roles..and iam glad I had time to interact with them.

I haven't finished the drama yet but a drama that will stay on my mind for decades is that which gets me excited each time I start a new episode and gets me sad when the episode ends and Here we meet again was that drama..I highly recommend it to everyone.

Leia Mais

Main characters with depth & growth, mature romance, good office drama = one of the best Cdrama

Here We Meet Again is one of the best Chinese modern drama I've watched. It is quite rare to have both female and male characters that have separate backstories but they grow as individual and as a couple.

What I liked:
1) Writing - There were multiple arcs i) Xiang Yuan, ii) Xu Yan Shi, iii) their romance, iv) big office drama, v) Xiang Yuan and her grandfather, vi) friendships, vvi) workplace dynamics. All main arcs were done well.
2) Xiang Yuan characterisation - I love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. She started as a granddaughter of a business tycoon who was not in the family business but then took on the challenge given by her grandfather to avoid marriage by working in one of the family companies. I enjoyed watching her journey as a boss-in-training. Xiang Yuan is also smart, rational and capable. There were instances that she could abuse her power but she did not do so. Xiang Yuan is kickass female lead.
3) Xu Yan Shi characterisation - He is handsome, sexy nerd played brilliantly by Zhang Bin Bin. I also love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. It's great to see the multiple hats worn by Yan Shi in this series: i) office worker, ii) friend, iii) lover/life partner, iv) father figure/brother, v) university student/mentee . It's great that he seized a chance to do his own thing instead of catering to other people's needs at the end of the series.
4) Romance - I love love love their relationship. From schoolmates to co-workers then later on lovers and partners. Their relationship was healthy & mature. They had disagreements but which couple never argued? I liked their banter which each other - sometimes it seemed one-sided like the yakult scene involving Yan Shi's brother. Their romantic scenes are hot too - I like when Yan Shi tried on the suit that Xiang Yun bought for him.
5) Family - I like that there was a contrast between Xiang/Situ family and Xu family. Amazing dynamics between Xiang Yuan and her grandfather - their scenes are delightful to watch. I also enjoyed the interactions between Yan Shi and his brother, and between Xiang Yuan and her brother even though there aren't many.
6) Friendships - There are many types of friendships explored in this drama. My favourite is the brotherhood formed by Yan Shi and his close university friends. I also liked that technical team members formed friendship & cared for each other.
7) Supporting cast - wow supporting characters played important role in this series even Mr Bai and Feng Jun!

What I disliked:
1) I wish Gao Leng-Chen Shu romance was further developed by showing growth of both characters. I think Gao Leng shouldn't give in so easily to Chen Shu's plea.
2) The ending could have been better. With the time jump, I'd love to see Xu Cheng Li as a teenager or young adult.

Favourite scene
When Xiang Yuan was revealed to be granddaughter of Chairman Situ. I didn't expect the reveal would be done in that way!

Leia Mais