I'm a bit lazy writing reviews, however, at some point I think I owe it to this film/ series to have a high rating and for people who tumble on this to watch. Noona Romances are a trend nowadays, some would be on it or don't. But for me, I like it because it brings a lot of maturity to watch unlike those school-setting boys next door falling in love with a clingy school girl or crush theme. What's lovable about this series is it didn't focus on one topic only, it showed how fate would bring two people from opposite sides of the table to be awkwardly acquainted, be best friends, fall in love, handle society's pressure, make the best version of themselves and succeding in life having a happy ending. That's how the story goes.
Now talking about the actors and characters. There is no single doubt that the lead actors did a fantastic job. Ruby Lin and Derek have great chemistry, thou there is a huge age gap in real life which is 17 years I guess..they both portrayed their roles with no awkwardness. Though Ruby Lin at 41 and had just given birth 4 months prior she started this role, how amazing this woman is and her passion for acting. I have been searching some of her works and mostly it is drama and historical roles. If you want to see her being light, goofy, smiling with her dimples on, laughing, funny, and stupidly childish lying drunk on the floor then you are lucky to see her on this. I wished she could have done more romantic comedy roles in the past or maybe in the future, who knows thou she is 47 now in 2023 she still looks young. Now talking about her character, I have all praises as said above the only thing I would comment about on the other side is that I hoped her character could have been vulnerable during the times that they were already a couple. The character was so fun to watch in the beginning as she was vulnerable. The character has always been a strong independent woman and would have been nice to see her being vulnerable in the relationship. Mentioning there was no time in the series that she said she loved the male lead "wo ay ni". I could have cried a lot if there was a moment in the story about confessing her love to the male lead. She did confess she had feelings and cried but was still in denial of it. Also, there was another comment I read here saying it did not show exactly what the female lead liked about the male lead. It would have been nice to see how she gets jealous of Shampoo who is the first love of the male lead. And with that, the support role of Shampoo could have been maximized.
Now Derek Chang, as a new actor is very good. No wonder he was nominated for this role. When he cried, there was so much sincerity that he didn't care that his saliva was dropping. Character-wise, the only thing to comment on is it just took a long time in the series for him to grow up. Yes, the story is that he is a boy who doesn't even know he is in love that is why he acts stupid. But it could have been nice if half of the series already showed that he grew up and that this time the female lead fell in love more. It could have been nice to see a little pride in the male lead character.
Overall both characters and actors did a fantastic job, and also just to add up the kissing scenes were done in a respectful, light, and kind-hearted way. The pecks and hugging were enough for the romantic vibes. This is the kind of chemistry that there is no need for a bed scene or hot kissing scene to make it sizzle.
To add up as well, I know most Chinese dramas though this is Taiwanese Drama, the story only focused on those two main lead characters. There are support characters but they just moved the story and main lead characters to where they should be. It is not like Chinese dramas which there are side stories aside from the main lead which is confusing. I became a fan of Ruby Lin and Derek Chang because of this. I am also glad that they are real friends following each other on IG even Derek having pictures of them together while filming. The story made an impact on me and I want to share it with all the people out there who want to just for a little while in their heavy lives escape and smile for 20 hours of watching. The last thing, you may also want to watch "Rational Life" on Netflix which is as great as this.
The final verdict is a 10/10!