Just a Beautiful Slice of Life....
Okay so I know this drama has been getting either 10/10 or pretty low scores. Now I personally agree more with the 10/10 than low scores because it definitely had a lot to it to love, but it just was not perfect.The beginning of the story was amazing I was so into their childhood and what would happen when they came back together after being separated. I was really just counting down the hours until the next ep was available. But at some point I kind of stopped and it seemed like just another drama I was watching. This is probably because of the ongoing drama between Ling Xiao and his mum that lasted way too long and caused a rushed ending. However, other than that I don't really have any complaints.
The beauty of this drama:
- the relationships, not just romantically but the parent-child relationships, the siblings, the friendships, even just that dental colleague knowing when to stay in her lane and not be annoying like characters in a lot of other dramas. I also like they show different kinds of relationship problems through the supporting characters as well like Tang Can and Ming Yue's situation
- character development: now the ending is sort of rushed with Chen Ting's development however I loved seeing Tang Can, LX's little sister, Ming Yue (though her character was slightly annoying in the beginning lmao), then of course Zi Qiu and Jian Jian. Ling Xiao kinda stayed the same for me though he just decided to open up a little more
- Actors: Can we just appreciate the dads for a second, those two were 10/10 I loved any scene with them. Of course Seven Tan, Steven Zhang and Song Wei Long are amazing. But even the support characters were a joy to watch, this cast was just so good I love them all. Yang Tong She (Chen Ting's actor) was amazing, she really managed to fire me up and her expressions were on point.
I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys family dramas, now that it's over it might be easy to binge, waiting may have made it seem like it dragged out however I still think this show was beautiful despite its imperfections.
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Not a romantic comedy
There are light moments but it's family drama with elements of slice of life. I would probably watch it again to see if there were any nuances I missed.CHILD-PARENT RELATIONSHIPS
I was crying a lot in the first half witnessing the hurt parents inflicted on the children they supposedly love. The same can be said of grandparents affecting the parents.
I cried at the beauty of Li Ba's love for the children. What a gem. I am a mum and awfully sentimental, so I cry at these things.
CHARACTER GROWTH
Of the main characters, LJJ and Li Ba were the constants so their characters don't develop much. They are caring and (subjectively) loveable from the start.
LX is broken and continues to be subjected to abuse. He's still very broken by the end but this is eventually acknowledged by Ling Ba who makes effort to make amends for his lack of emotional support.
I liked HZQ's character growth the most. In the eyes of the neighbours, he is the most pitiful child. He gets the happy ending he longed for and settles things with his bio dad realistically. He takes on Li ba's caring role in the girls' house.
ROMANCE
I personally didn't ship the main couple, it felt designed to the tie the family together officially that I think defeats the overall message that you don't need to be official to be family.
The heavy dependency and controlling behaviour of LX doesn't sit well with me but I didn't find it incestuous. The numerous complaints about LJJ calling LX "Gē" is a bit annoying when it's been explained over and over that it's culturally acceptable to call the boy next door "Gē". Although there is a cultural romanticising of childhood sweethearts, which I don't care for.
I also don't care for love at first sight, but this is addressed nicely with the lawyer friend Zhang Bei.
The best couple gets married.
FRIENDSHIPS
The friendships were beautiful and provided the slice of 20-somethings life. They provide a different example of their parental issues and difficulties finding their own path. Some might feel the side characters were given too much screen time but I thought it was a good balance and more realistic/healthy romantic encounters. I was invested in them and their immediate troubles were resolved enough.
OVERALL COMMENTS
Good quality production and casting. It didn't drag too much for my taste, but I enjoy the slice of life elements eg. cooking scenes.
Comic sound effects were on point.
Flashbacks were mostly new material and used to progress the plot/reveal the characters reasoning rather than needless repeats of what we have already seen.
HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
There wasn't any convincing resolution between LX and his mum. They both need professional help. You don't just get over PTSD and suicidal tendencies in a month. I would have preferred it if they were on the road to recovery by the end. She didn't have to accept LJJ or leave, just accept she needed help. This could have been a opportunity to shine a positive light on seeking mental healthcare, a chance to break taboo, even the Traditional Chinese Dr suggested it but Ling Ba insisted there wasn't any need.
Song Wei Long's acting does not stand out in this but that could have been the direction given.
A FEW TINY OBSERVATIONS
The 9 years away seemed too long. You can't usually stay in the UK on a student visa and then work indefinitely. Without help from his bio dad, HZQ was probably working discreetly from the authorities. Singapore is not that far, LX might not have been able to travel but why did no one go to see him?
This might be a problem in translation, but the boy Dong Dong is suffering developmental regression due to early childhood trauma from He Mei's description, autism seems incorrect.
LX & HZQ could have had a different hairstyle to depict the different time lines, like LJJ and QYL.
Hope that wasn't too long winded. My first review! :)
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This drama will push the buttons you didn't know you had.
This drama is good, very good. The actors portrayed what the writer wanted so well that I also hate the drama.I'm not here to give a full review, just to rant. If I skip the ML's parts with his mother and her relatives, I would give it an 8.5 or a 9. But because I want to get the whole gist, I end up not skipping.
I refuse to believe that someone can be as spineless as Ling Xiao. He has all the annoying attributes (he can't say no to her or stand his ground against her) of a mama's boy without being a mama's boy (his mom hates him).
As a woman, no matter how loving and handsome you claim to be, if you cannot stand and protect yourself and me, we won't be together.
Jianjian was an outspoken and no-pushover girl till she started dating this man and he had a negative impact on her. She now takes the abuse his mother and sister rain in her.
I think he likes and enjoys wallowing in self-pity that's why he didn't stand up to them.
The abuse he receives overshadows the wholesomeness of the drama for me.
Also, there is only one and half good and loving adult in the whole series - one is Jianjian' father and the half is Ling xiao's father because he is an absentee father towards his son but a good person.
If the further I watch and I see ML be protective of his mental health and of those who love him, I'll update but till then....NO.
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28/01/2023
Had no plans to watch this at all, but ended up binge watching it over the last few days.
All 40 episodes!!!
I give this a thumbs up of approval!
More or less this series is about three kids, two boys and a girl, brought together in their childhood as a "blended family" due to different losses and what happens to them from childhood through to graduation, then the next 10 years or so with all the sagas, joy, heartbreak, absence and experiences between themselves, friends and family.
It explores the strong bonds of *family ties" as well as what loving or toxic relationships can be like, also, what happens when secrets are kept or the truth isn't told like it should be early on rather than decades later. Unfortunately, sometimes children are overlooked when it comes to grief, neglect, domestic dysfunction and their emotional well being.
Also, this is about what can happen when relationships change to something more than just friendship...
The child actors were fantastic in this series as were the three acting as "siblings" when older - they were so believable in their roles as high school students then as adults in their careers as a dentist, cake chef and sculptor.
The brother and sister relationship was done to a tee!
I have to say the whole cast did an amazing job of bringing this to life with their characters and stories so not one episode was boring for me.
Only a little bit annoyed me like the *sister" making a stand about being her own person and not needing anyone, but a few episodes (few times) after that she throws tantrums, cries and sulks around her "brothers" like an annoying 5 year old.
So much for being strong and capable, but other than that it was still excellent on the whole as that side of her occured in small tolerable doses.
The main theme song became one I liked more and more each time it played only I could have done with more episodes not just 40.
There are a few funny moments I really enjoyed like:
a: Li JianJian's first day of high school.
b: Li JianJian's heartless acts towards Zi Qui when he first came into her life - like being mean to him and packing his suitcase and throwing it down concrete stairs because she didn't want him living with her and her dad at the grand old age of 7 or 8.
c: Ling Xiao always keeping the other two in line with no problem disciplining either.
d: The mischief relationship between Li JianJian and Zi Qui which often lead to trouble.
e: The time Zi Qui had to sleep with Ling Xiao so that his aunt could have his room only Ling Xiao told Zi Qui that he should sleep on the floor in which Li JianJian pipes up saying that she would quite happily sleep in the bed and he can sleep on the floor as she was already on the floor next to them on a mattress. He responds to her : "Why are you here anyway?!" She didn't want to be left out it seems and didn't trust her "brothers" not to talk behind her back.
f: Ling Xiao telling Li JianJian in 12th grade he would marry her if she was brain damaged from all his head whacking.
e: The elevator and kitchen scenes between Li Xiao and Li JianJian as adults.
As the series progresses there aren't many funny moments like that as it does become more of a drama and especially once the boys return from abroad.
One moment in episode two made me open my eyes a bit. It was when Ling Xiao's father talked about what happened to him and his wife when they decided to keep their "second child" - like her losing her job and him being demoted in his job. Also, in a later episode there was a "moment" when Li JianJian's dad saved Zi Qui from a life of being worked on a farm (child labour) because of coming from a poor family.
Child labour should not be happening in any country!
Seeing how "broken" the boys were in their adult years despite having a wonderful man in their lives (Li JianJian's dad) was also heartbreaking to observe, however, it was truly understandable. In part, their overseas experiences contributed to that "damage" as well not just their childhoods.
Actually, maybe that isn't quite true - their time abroad added more and more to the internal conflicts and past insecurities simmering inside of them only with one of the "brothers" it was perhaps more Psychological and detrimental Mentally.
Secrets shouldn't be kept, the truth should not be hidden from those closest to you and real open communication is important even if it hurts.
This series is highly recommended and is one I will revisit with no issues whatsoever!
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Best Drama of 2020!
OMG, the absolute best and most heartwarming drama of 2020! This is the story about life, family, friendship, love, and so much more. Everybody will be able to relate to this. The actors are perfectly selected for their characters. Every single one of them played their roles just right. You cry, you empathize, you laugh, you cry some more, you smile, and you feel for each of these characters. What a superbly written, scripted, and carried out storyline. Chemistry among all of the characters were phenomenal. I ADORE the three leads. Excellent actors, all so talented. No bullshit, no annoying dumb characters. All real stuff. Sweet story. Love the soundtrack, too. I would totally watch this drama again.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
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The Truth
This was one of the best dramas I've watched in 2020!It starts out when the three leads are children and goes to adulthood. Two men end up raising three children together, the 2 MLs are both abandoned by their Mother's while the FL's Mother dies before the start of the show.
The three grow up as siblings and best friends always there for each other. Until ML1 is guilted into moving away to take care of his sickly mother and sister. While ML2 leaves to go to school in England with his Biological Father.
They both promise to returns in a few years, the FL is devastated. Years go by and they keep extending their time away, until 9 years have passed. Both MLs return at the same time.
Pros:
ML1 has returned because he has always loved FL and wants to be with her. Their love is so beautiful and interesting to watch. The love that all three have for each other is amazing.
Cons:
ML1's Mom gets very annoying at times and I was hoping that the FL would stand up to her, but she never really does.
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Best Drama yet!
This Drama has everything in it. There are times you cry and other times you laugh. You feel the hurt and gladness. The concept of this Series is great. You get to see fathers do the best the could for their kids. Li was the best of all the actors. The chemistry among the cast is second to none. When they stuck up for each other, when one was attacked ; I'm like there you go! The Writers/Producers has done a fantastic job on creating this Series.Some of you will not like this Series because you don't have a ML a pouting abusing, demeaning and acting superior to the FL. You don't have a mumbling, subservient mindless FL.
This Series answer the question - Does blood or heart make a family. By this Series so far I would side with the heart. Li is hurting badly. She puts on a good front - everything is good front. The heart ache is felt by all. You can see how torn the fathers are when the children leave for College. You can see the happiness when they came back home to see them.
The dilemma of growing up with a person in the same household (no blood relations) and having feelings for that person: What should be done? It was dealt in such a way that didn't seem creepy no as a taboo incest. One could feel the situation that FL was in and you could feel what she felt. For those of you that have your minds in the gutter, it ain't that of Series. Well done Writers/Producers.
I am 11 episodes deep in the Series and it is getting better.
It was very nice to watch a Chinese drama, which was overly patriotic. This Series dealt with some hard dilemmas, laughing, crying, heart aches and family matters. The scenery was great! The music good. The fathers are differently positive role models on how fathers should be. I really felt for Qi Ming Yue and Tang Can, because their mothers were so dominate. Those mothers ran every aspect of their daughters lives.
Tan Song Yun stole the show! If she didn't play the part of Li Jian Jian, it wouldn't of been as good. Don't get me wrong the rest of the cast were great. There are some surprises, so make sure you watch carefully.
There need s to be a Part 2. It should round about 15 episodes. We would be able to see who got married and who didn't. We would know where in life are they. I would recommend this Series to anyone.
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This is my number one cdrama
Up until now, I think I've watched more cdramas than kdramas, and I've never once changed GH's position as the number one.It's been quite a long time since I watched it - if I have to write a review I wait, so that I can see if it's actually worth enough to be remained in my memory - but something about it it's impressed on my mind. The plot.
I can't make huge spoilers, but the relationships between every single person inside that family are awesome. And I say relationships because they have different "stories" and connections between each others.
Li Jianjian and her father Li Hao Chao start off as a family of two, due to the loss of Jianjian mother when she was younger, but soon become a family of five. Three siblings and two fathers. And this is something that really touched me: the complete absence of a maternal figure. They didn't imply that a family can't run without a woman and I appreciated it so much.
Every mother in there had a valid reason to leave their child behind: from Jianjian's mother, who died suddenly, to their upstairs neighbour Ling Xiao, whose mother left him 'cause she was feeling overwhelmed after her daughter death - which left her with some mental instability -, and finally to He Zi Qiu's who left him to search for a job and a better life in another city. Now, everyone has their own opinions, but to me they weren't bad mothers. Apart from Jianjian's, Xiao's mom was unstable and, to be honest, if she didn't make a comeback I would've loved her disappearence; meanwhile Zi Qiu's mom just wanted the best for his son (I honestly don't remember what happened but I do know that her original thoughts were rightful).
And the presence of Ling He Ping actually proves that nobody is perfect, but together with Li Hao Chao they made great parents for their children. That showed us how it's important to find equilibrium with someone else in this life, and how this can change our positivity and our impact to the world. If He Ping didn't have Hao Chao beside him, he wouldn't have been such a great parental figure, but instead a father who only cared a lot about his child but couldn't do anything except bringing money into the family. This really really depicted the importance of looking at the bigger picture and not just the single person.
Taken alone, He Ping was a bad parent, especially at first. He then learned how to be present for their children thanks to Hao Chao, but before this milestone the series testified - and I want to repeat this - how imperial is EQUILIBRIUM.
Now, I won't talk about the acting 'cause I thought it wasn't neither exceptional or awful. It was alright, good enough to make me cry during significant moments. As for the soundtracks, they're perfect. And the morals of the series? They made me reflect a lot on what kind of life I want to live.
Overall, this is a 9.5 drama. The only thing that maybe can ruin it it's the sad fact that once you've watched it, it's hard to rewatch it. At least for me, since it had so many important details that are impactful only the first time you catch them, the second time I tried to watch it was quite boring: I couldn't focus and every little plot twist wasn't surprising since I already knew them. I wished I could watch GH for the first time again.
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Go Ahead and watch it!!
I want this to be a long review but there are so many great reviews about this series already! So, I’ll just say if you haven’t watched it already, go watch it! This is a beautiful drama that is very wholesome. I personally love the slice-of-life genre and this touches home for me! It is a heart-warming story that focuses on family. For a lot of Asian cultures, family means the world. For a family of three siblings that have no blood relation, this is unusual. The way how the story unfolds, how each character is developed, and the way how it is directed is just perfect!
I can’t say enough about how I love this cast, the opening song, the storyline, and the characters. There are so many quotes that touched my heart that I plan to go back and re-watch them so I can write them all down. This is definitely a series I can re-watch over and over! Often, I skip the opening theme wanting to go straight to the series but this is probably the first one that I just let it play and listened. My heart aches and I cried each time I hear it. It reminds me so much of the struggle they all went through, especially He ZI Qiu. I often thought about when he confronts his mom, he asked “why is it me that is deserted every time? Did I do something wrong” I look forward to more of his work, as well as the screenwriter!
The only downside is that because the online version is a cut version, the end just felt a bit rushed. But again I didn't want this series to end!! T_T
10/10
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So worth it!!!!
Im not gonna lie. I am only gonna watch a very good quality drama as I am very very strict and details towards the very quality good storyline, great actor and actress in terms of displaying emotions. And this drama really get my thumbs up! So worth to watch. A good drama always have a very good backup ost and this drama nailed it. The arrangement, the music, the emotion is an important thing towards a quality drama. Don't just looked at the ep num which is 40 ep, because once you found a really good quality drama youre gonna crave for it then thats how the times flies you end up watching a masterpiece. Thank you.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
Una joya.
Una serie conmovedora, adorable, maravillosa. Te estremece, te remueve, te duele y te acaricia y, por sobre todo, te hace sentir abrazada por el amor inmenso y puro, en todas sus versiones. Qué personajes más maravillosos, qué historia tan bien contada -el guión es increíble-, tan bien actuada, tan bien musicalizada. Una joya. El nivel de las actuaciones de todos los actores es sorprendente, haciendo que los personajes sean creíbles, adorables y odiables -según corresponda- y que sientas junto a ellos el sin fin de emociones que representan. Quisiera resaltar la actuación de Zhang Steven. El personaje de Zi Qiu es el que tiene más matices y por dios que Zhang Steven lo representa de manera magistral. Llega a un nivel de profundidad y detalle en su representación que hasta sus gestos más pequeños son coherentes y creíbles. Imposible no amarlo por completo y sentir junto a él todo el mar de emociones, fragilidad, pasión, inseguridades, felicidades. Gran actor. En síntesis, es muy difícil no sentirse tocado por esta historia y hacer de esta serie una de tus favoritas. Amor eterno a Go ahead,Esta resenha foi útil para você?
