Proof that the Chinese can create a rustic stage

In all my years of watching Asian entertainment, ten in fact, very few times did I encounter stage settings that are realistic and not overly glamorous or overly gloomy. Even fewer times did I find stories in the background of little colonies consisting of ordinary families. What I found even fewer times is a setting similar to what I mentioned, in a Chinese drama. So much so that I often wonder if they really believe that everyone in that country lives in a lavish apartment in a bustling city and drives a nice car and wears suits like they cost nothing. Even more so in their Republican Era stories which almost always consist of luxurious clothing and beautiful scenery. And here is where this drama is so different. They actually showed a period in time as it actually was in terms of stage setting and costumes and the overall vibe. That is the biggest reason why you should watch this drama. It is a love
letter to that specific period of time and it's people.

As I was in awe of the setting I really did not pay much attention to the story at the beginning. It is a very slow burner but I expected that. What I did not expect were the occasional high tension moments that made you glue your eyes to the screen. In a long story you get multiple stories and every story has its climax. The climaxes in this story are so high tension that you wonder how it was so calm just a few episodes ago. The tension grows gradually and it reaches a feaver pitch then it calms down. Chinese drama are not always this strategic in their execution of episodic television.

The characters are equally unique both in their personalities and characterization. The three main characters, four, I should say, emphasizes different traits of human nature. The elder brother, as if by designation is the calm rational head of the family, the middle one, again as if by design, suffers from inferiority complex, and the younger one, is like a mad dog. It is the fourth main character that is a puzzling one. Yet she is the one whose appearence moves the three sworn brothers to three different direction. And it is with interactions with her that their individual moralities take shape. Yet she is the one who is the most reserved in her demeanor and interactions. But when she does show vaunerability she can break your heart.
Special mention goes to all the supporting actors especially the family members.

I am not going to say much about the acting since it might lead to spoilers but I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. This is one experienced cast and they all pull their weight .

In seventy episodes I must have skipped the opening credit at most three times. That explains something. There are some instrumental that are appropriate for the mood and period and I love it.

To finish it off I would recommend it if you have patience to sit through a bit longer exposition than normal. But I promise that the payoff would be one to remember for a while.

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A Chinese drama away from the white company interiors

I love simplicity. I love Everyman characters. I also love romance that is grounded and is a source of support rather than anxiety. I got all those traits here.
Yet again I found a drama that is set away from the cities and I loved it. There is something about those little town communities that strikes very close to your heart. The added bonus here is that the characters match the grounded setting and they too strike very close to your heart.
I am a fan of Jimmy Stewart and Tom Hanks. One thing they have common is their ability to portray Everyman hero. The male lead Gao Zhi Ting has that ability which is so rare in Asian actors. There is a simple charm about him that makes you like both him and the female lead Jerry Lin almost instantly. Then you have his group of friends, each with their individual struggles. But the biggest win are the parents. The way they are characterized is heartwarming.
If you like slice of life, if you are tired of the same old plastic suited stones, if you like to keep your family close you will love this drama. If nothing else watch this for the setting and the two leads. They are the real hook in this story.

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For a better experience watch the 2001 version

This will be a criticism borne out of frustration . Three issues I have with this take of this story -
1. The biggest issue is the casting of the main heroine. She does not give off the sense of vaunerability that this character demands. She gives off the vibe of a self indulgent brat that one gets more annoyed with than feel sympathy for. This is magnified when the main villain plays her role so well that you feel sorry for her. I did not feel that in the 2001 version. Same character different delivery. But when the heroine doesnt really hit the key notes you have a problem with that dynamic.

2. There was no need to make an already dramatic story have more drama. This completely suffocates the story in the later half and I got totally exhausted.

3. The self reflection scenes of the heroine were either cut or they ran out of time because they wasted too much time with the other carnage. This makes this just another random Thai drama. I can tell you that was not the case with the 2001 version.

Watch this if you are a fan of the actors or a sucker for carnage. Watch the 2001 version for a little something different.

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