I was eager to see what the other classes at Zhen Hua High School were up to. At the beginning of the drama, we are introduced to a large roster of new characters and I have to admit initially I was a bit worried that they bit off more than they could chew. However, I should have known better than to doubt this production team.
What I love most about both "With You" and "My Huckleberry Friends" is the attention and time they afford to each character whether main or supporting. As the drama says, every person is the main lead of their own story. That means all the characters will experience highs and lows. No matter how "big" or "small" the issue, all of their problems were treated with the respect they deserved. As a result, even when characters that weren't featured heavily throughout the drama had a moment of success/triumph, I couldn't help but be moved as well. Similarly, some characters also experienced setbacks and failures and I was able to sympathize with them. But these hardships/struggles also serve as learning experiences so that we can better ourselves. No one can predict if our past struggles will net us the result we want in the end. However, in the process, we will become better versions of ourselves with fond memories that we can look back on. As a result, we should cherish our past not mourn it.
I also like how Zhen Hua feels like a community made up of individuals that genuinely care about one another. Even though Zhen Hua is an elite school, students go out of their way to help each other if they see someone is struggling even if that means a student might surpass them in ranking. The students try to be inclusive and take notice of each other's strengths in order to help each other achieve their dreams. Sometimes we forget that school isn't just about learning different subjects/earning grades but also learning how to socialize/interact with people who may have different personalities, interests, dreams and so on. Ideally, you shouldn't have to choose a major/university only because you think you'll get a good job from it and your job/career shouldn't solely define who you are as a person. Instead, you should be able to pursue something that genuinely interests you so that you'll be more invested in what you're learning. Unfortunately, this isn't a realistic option for most people. But there will be a courageous (and lucky) few who will buck the trend and go after their dreams however impossible they may seem because when you're young, the possibilities of what you can be seem endless.
One of the main messages that both "With You" and "My Huckleberry Friends" promotes is being yourself. This also means discovering who you are in the process. For some people, high school is the time when you start to think about your place in society and how you'll contribute to it. Some of the characters in both dramas, select their majors because their friends/crush have chosen that major or have been pushed into choosing it by their parents. It's important to explore a variety of options to find what suits you the most. That is how you'll contribute to society but your interactions with other students/teachers/parents and how you conduct yourselves will determine who you are as a person. If you want other students to be more kind, to be more understanding/empathetic, you should lead by example. Be the change you want to see. I think it's great that the teachers are portrayed encouraging this type of behavior and that they understand the youth are the future.
One of the main differences between "With You" and "My Huckleberry Friends" is the greater emphasis placed on the students life outside of the school's walls in MHF and how those factors inform what kind of student they are at school. Social status, high expectations from parents, personal trauma are just some of the issues that are examined in this drama. We also see the students bond over shared interests such as Anime/manga, basketball, music, movies as a way for them to relieve their stress and temporarily escape the harshness of their current realities. Those interests will bring them together but their shared experiences will bond them for a lifetime.
Honestly, if I had to choose between "With You" and "My Huckleberry Friends", I wouldn't be able to. I feel that they both complement one another so well and together should be counted as one of the definitive representations of youth and the growing pains associated with it.
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This review may contain spoilers
-----Story-----Growing up in a Chinese family, there were so many points of the show that really resonated with me. This show really brings a lot of Chinese culture to the table. I truly, truly enjoyed that aspect.
The depiction of parent, children, and teacher interactions were quite well done. So many different angles of parenting were covered and so many different resulting children personalities. The clashing of these personalities is portrayed very well. There's a lot of insight in the show about how students are brought up in China and how the system shapes them into who they will become.
The depictions of high school students facing things like relationship issues, academic accomplishment, and their futures, the show really does a great job with fleshing out the students' progression from the beginning to the end of their days as a student. This show goes into some really heavy material as well. I found myself helplessly crying as it was so moving.
Rather important for me, I'm so grateful that this show dedicates time to life after all their struggles in high school. It gives us closure and doesn't just end with some happily ever after, after high school is over. Life's not over after high school.
-----Acting/Cast-----
I'd have to say, there was nothing notably bad for me. I really liked the actors. Their acting was often very moving so I'd have to say it was very well done.
-----Music-----
Arguably, no song felt memorable from the show. None. However, I believe they do the music very well in this show because each scene that needed to hit home hard, is backed by music that seemingly perfectly pairs with the emotions the scene is trying to convey. The music was definitely excellently done.
-----Rewatch Value-----
I'm not really much of a person who ever rewatches anything so my rating for this is rather arbitrary. I think there are a lot of takeaways in this movie. Lots of cultural stuff to be learned, lots of moral lessons, and lots of motivational stuff in this movie. I highly doubt I would watch the entirety of it again, but there are definitely scenes in the show that hit home. There are scenes worth watching again. The movie also links the beginning all the way to the end really well. Often times I found myself thinking, I needed to go back to watch some scene again that had some foreshadowing that I didn't quite remember but it was prominent enough that it left a mark in my mind. It's really a good show. I'm certain many would rewatch it again.
-----Overall-----
I come from the background of being a Chinese American millennial. This show truly did resonate a lot with me. I might not have been born in China and gone through the exact same system as theirs, but I was brought up with similar cultural aspects and similar parenting aspects. If you're someone in this demographic, this show is pretty much a must watch.
From the beginning till the end, this show was amazing.
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~~~~Sort of Spoiler-ish Review Stuff~~~~~
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When they show the characters in the end during the last 2 episodes, the time after the Gaokao, It's almost like they didn't even try to make the actors look their appropriate age which is about... 31? Maybe it was symbolism to show that they, despite all the years, are still like themselves from their best time. Their days of the past. But it was just kind of like... hmmm...
Another thing about the ending is that Chinese women age 27+ are called leftover women. The women as depicted in the show are already 4 years-ish older than this age and they're still not married. To me, this was the show kind of fighting against that notion that women who don't marry early are leftover unwanted goods. I really liked that. Times are changing in China.
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I have watched many school-life dramas and some are good but none of them left a deep impression on me like My Huckleberry friends.
The plot hooked me from the start and I slowly got into the storyline which is why I was able to complete it in just 2 days.
Here’s what you can expect from this drama;
1. Beautifully written plot
The plot is simple yet logical.It not only shows romance, but also kinship, family problems, friendship and comedy. Every episode is interestingly written and the storyline is tight-woven as well. Most importantly, it is not draggy like most dramas.
2. Young but talented main leads
I am quite impressed by the two main leads Li Landi and Zhang Xingcheng. Li landi is only 19 this year ( about 17 in this drama) but she is super talented. Her character portrayal as Yu Zhou Zhou is so good that I even think she is born for this role. I am gonna support all of her works from now on.Zhang Xingcheng is quite perfect as well, he looks like young Feng Xiao feng to me.
3. Sweet Puppy love
I am quite surprised by Ling Yang’s affections for Yu Zhou Zhou.He loves her, cares her and protects her with all of his might. Likes to see sweet romance?If so, this one is a must for you.
4. Amazing supporting casts
There are many side couples in this drama.But surprisingly, each and every one of their story is interesting as well. They were all impressive, Mi Qiao, Ben Ben, Ling Qingqian and Jiang Chun will be remembered quite for a while , though Xin Rui is a little annoying.
5. Family and Friendship
It also shows family problems, especially Yu Zhou Zhou and Ling Qingqian. Having lost her mother and not being cared by her father, Yu Zhou Zhou’s life is quite pitiful but her uncle and aunt’s love for her is sweet as well. As for Ling Qingqian, I am totally relatable. Being born in Chinese family, the most difficult thing is being pressured by our parents. How they solve their family problems was quite a interesting thing. Most importantly, how friends support each other in this drama is my favorite.
6.Music
There are quite a few good songs. Liu Xijun’s 遥远的歌 is probably the best one.
It is not easy to have a chance to watch such a meaningful drama in the future. Thumbs up to the production team,director and amazing casts.
This is a must drama for everyone, you’re gonna regret if you miss this one.
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I'm impressed with each casts who have done such great job. They potray each character well. There's no exaggerations in their acting.
The music is good. It stuck in my head
I highly recommend this drama for you. Just give it a shot!!!
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Story:
My Huckleberry Friend's had everything you would want in a youth drama. It was so refreshing to watch something as real as an ordinary school or life story. Every character had their own part of story where they were the main leads. What I especially like about My Huckleberry Friend's was how it ended. By the end all the loose ends were jotted and we seek a full glimpse of every important character of this drama. It was brilliant how they went from one character to other and flow of the story seemed so aesthetically beautiful. I won't say much, but watch this drama till the end just to enjoy how beautifully it was wrapped up.
Acting/cast:
All cast members were amazing, be it major or minor. They all fitted their role and had a very youthful aura around them. I specifically loved the main female lead who played Yu Zhou Zhou. She will became an amazing actress in the future. Also when it comes to character arch, I loved Mi Qiao and Ben ben's story. It was so heartbreaking but at the same time so realistic. Lin Yang was so playful and cute at time that you won't help but fall in love with him. In short acting and character arch wise- this drama deserves another thumbs up!
Music:
Music was the BEST aspect of My Huckleberry Friend's. I loved loved loved the music and specially the ending theme of this drama. Its been a long time since I've obsessively enjoyed the OST of any C-drama. I have been looking to download the OST ever since i started watching it.
Re-watch:
Definitely going to re-watch it sometime, maybe not in near future, but this is the kind of drama which can be re-watched without any skipping.
Overall:
Overall its a really really good drama. My Huckleberry Friend's deserves more audience and their appreciation. This drama i available with full subtitles, so go and enjoy this amazing piece of work.
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First, the reason why i give 10 out of 10 is because i like this drama soooo much. I finished this drama around 10 minutes before I decide write this review and I cant really describe how grateful I am right now for all the subbers that have subbed this drama.
I am someone who have been korean and japanese drama lover since 8 years ago and this drama is being my top 5 all time along with reply 1997, reply 1988, with you, and a love so beautiful.
This drama is simply about a slice of life. But whats amazing about this drama is that it contains soooo many things, it will give you so many feels, like heartwarming, nostalgic feels etc. It will give you a story of a real friendship should be, a family relationsip, will motivate you to believe in yourself and do not ever give up, will motivate you to be a kind person, and will give you a positive vibe until the very last minute. And there is also cute romance too in this drama. Every character in this drama stand out with each of their story and their problems are soooo real that I'm sure that at least there is one person somewhere in this world that had been facing those problems too.
I really recommend this drama to those who wanna watch a slice of life drama, a heartwarming drama, or to those who are looking for something that can give you motivation to keep work hard and do not ever give up.
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This review may contain spoilers
Pure highschool romance
It's definitely a well written story with great characters development. The romance is pure, without any kiss scene and excessive skinship, but you still can see their chemistry and feel how much they love each other. However, I do feel that episode 1 until 17 are a little bit draggy with no clear motive(?).It's getting better after that though. 100% worth to watch!-Spoiler-
Like I said before, episode 1-17 feels draggy because of Zhou Zhou keep pushing Lin Yang away for no reason even though she already forgive him for what happened to her mother. And the fact that LY still keep pestering on ZZ, at some point it's getting annoying since ZZ is not showing any interest at him at all. The only reason why I keep on watching this is because of the cute relationship between of Mi Qiao and Ben Ben. This pair literally saves the half of this series and did better than LY and ZZ.
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My Huckleberry Friends, the second time you get to re-live the life of Zhen Hua in a way with a fresh new set of characters and stories. Yu Zhou Zhou and Lin Yang are this season's Yu Huai and Geng Geng. However, their stories aren't the same. Yu Zhou Zhou, the studious girl who has faced woe after woe is accompanied by Lin Yang who clearly shows his crush for her throughout the entire story. The concept of overlapping the two stories was performed more flawlessly than I had expected which is something I admired and hoped the writers / directors would include - after all, this is just a different story at the same time as With You.
(With You was also a spectacular drama - highly recommend it.)
Zhou Zhou and Lin Yang are accompanied by a group of friends that shape their high school years and go through the struggles of being a teenager in high school. I also applaud My Huckleberry Friends for putting together a seamless plot in my personal opinion, especially one that includes such a huge sense of reality of the challenges teenagers face. My Huckleberry Friends keeps the humor, attraction, and light vibe of With You but with a different taste in how it's executed and the story development. You don't have to necessarily watch With You to watch My Huckleberry Friends, but they're both amazing dramas that I recommend. What's there to like about this drama? Almost everything. It's realistic in the problems that life throws at you, the definition of friendship, and how love can play such a role in your life, even if you don't have the same type of love everyone else does. Personally, I enjoyed the ending to My Huckleberry Friends more than I did with With You, but only slightly. The ending to this drama has more clarity than With You did.
What I don't like as much: ( ! S P O I L E R S ! ) ( Possible for both With You & My Huckleberry Friends)
- The side characters had the similar plot in a sense. In With You, it was Jian Dan and Han Xu. The victims in My Huckleberry Friends were Xiang Qian and Tian Guo. They're both the side characters that have feelings with each other yet end up with the persevering other side lead, who's usually a friend of the main lead some how.
- I know it's not AS big of a deal, but I think if they added even the slightest cameo of characters from With You, it would've been more realistic that the two stories were connected.
- The story, and this is for both dramas, doesn't really show what happens during the 10 years. I mean, it's 10 freaking years. A lot of stuff goes down in 10 years, for both dramas, yet we don't really get any information (or glimpses).
Just watch My Huckleberry Friends, it's worth it. And if you don't believe me, watch it yourself.
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Although I'm typically not one who likes epilogues and I was terrified of the track record of typical Chinese dramas (unnecessary angst), the way they handled the time skip INCREDIBLY, and overall there was no character whose ending was left open-ended. Everyone had their own stories and character development, and I felt so much nostalgia and hope watching it.
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The story itself tells a lot about struggles of teens, friendship, family, and love. All in all, the reality of life. I can somehow relate on some of the characters because I experienced the same, which is nostalgic. The story does not only revolve on the main leads. They also showed the supporting roles' lives and I somehow liked it, because in this drama, everyone is the main lead.
The casts are so beautiful. It's so good that they didn't replace casts, they just added new ones. They made me cry and laugh tons. The leads' chemistry is just SO GOOD. They're being sweet without pulling off so much romantic gestures. Also the supporting roles~
The music feels very nostalgic as I play it again and again at home. It not only reminds me of the drama but also about my friends and my childhood. It's really nice to reminisce.
For me, I am definitely going to re-watch this again with my mom. It's just super good and it doesn't have that much angst unlike other dramas. I fell in love with everything in this drama. Definitely a must-watch!
. . .
This is only MY OPINION, it is still up to you if you want to watch it or not.
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A relatable drama
I absolutely enjoyed this drama! The charm of this drama is in its relatability. The actors are not exceedingly good looking (but they're still really cute in my opinion!) and the uniform they wear really contribute towards making this drama realistic. This show had me reminiscing my high school days so if you like that, this is the show for you! I also really like the two main leads' (ML) characters. I lament about how the female lead is typically portrayed as a clumsy/silly girl in similar dramas, but Yu Zhou Zhou is smart, calm and has a good head on her shoulders. I also enjoyed the slow build up romance and the gradual development of the MLs' relationship and actually cried during a few scenes. I had to give a 9.5 though because I did skip over some of the childhood/flashback scenes as it got a little draggy in my opinion. But overall, a great drama! I found myself going back and watching certain scenes again because this drama niggled at my feels!!!Was this review helpful to you?
