This review may contain spoilers
This is on youtube with English subs from the official youtube account 腾讯视频 (search "腾讯视频 Just an encore" and you'll see it or just search the drama title).I highly, highly recommend this drama for people to watch because, in summary of what's been put below, the plot and the characters are just amazing, yes it's another school love drama but its really good, its not so typical for it's genre as theres aspects which differ from it, I don't want to spoil anything this drama is so, so well made and the characters are so well portrayed by the actors.
This drama has possibly become my favourite drama because of not only the plot but the characters themselves have amazing chemistry that only made me love it more. The plot is quite basic in a sense but also not very typical of a romance drama, as seen on the plot summary provided, but it is so so good! Everything is really well done and actors are simply amazing.
This story doesn't have the typical 'cold hearted' and quiet male lead as Xin Liang, is what you see in a 'typical' second male lead who never has his love returned; fun, outgoing, knows how to sort problems out and probably the sweetest guy, in any dramas that I've seen, portrayed. He constantly looks after Yan Ze without her knowing, which is highly frustrating but gosh it makes the audience fall in love with this character, and he helps her with everything, literally with everything. This is only one of the things that I love about the drama because Just An Encore also follows the growth of two best friends who is seen be to jealous of one another which I find interesting as the typical pretty character is jealous of the "ordinary" friend while still being (kinda) nice, which I haven't seen in a while. Although her character did annoy me a bit.
Yan Ze, had a character that's seen in a lot of Chinese school dramas with a very similar hair cut with an amazing personailty but Yan Ze is also very popular, not because of her looks or grades but because of her personality and I think that's intriguing to me because in a lot of dramas, the male lead is often very popular among girls and the female lead gets a lot of hate but in this drama, theres none of that which I love so so much and everyone supports and loves her. In my opinion this drama has a more, almost, mature vibe to it as it doesn't have the childish high school drama of this and that (it has some but not to the extent seen in some other dramas) everything is so well portrayed.
The ending, now I'm not going to spoil it but dang I wish the drama was longer so we could see how the characters turned out, it seemed kind of rushed to be honest which is disappointing but nonetheless, has a very happy ending and it's so sweet and lovely.
I've seen some behind the clips of the drama and honestly, the two people portraying the main leads (Jiang Zhuo Jun as
Yan Ze and Ding Yu Xi as Xin Liang) have an amazing friendship as they were on the variety show I Actor in 2018 so I'm assuming they're quite close and familiar with one another. The chemistry they have in real life is definitely seen in the drama as they're very comfortable with each other but as they're supposedly new actors (?? Correct me if I'm wrong), they're amazing, their expressions, their voices and their overall acting are really well done, especially as they're new so well done to them.
Overall, I do recommend this for people to watch because its so, so good and I hope people can support these actors in their upcoming dramas!! :)
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Just an Encore is absolutely beautiful, and heart wrenching at the same time. The characters are not perfect, they get jealous, they can be selfish and petty. And yet it is precisely these qualities that make them so lovable, and more real.
But I won't lie, the reason why I loved it so much can be summed up in three words:
He Xin Liang.
He has set a new record for book boyfriends. He is so damn caring, patient and sweet,..... andjust all kinds of amazing.
Your heart breaks for him so many times.
He is just...too good.
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The "Second Lead" Won
So this is my first time writing a review just because it is plain painful how this drama is not getting the attention that it so deserves.After watching Put Your Head on My Shoulder, I thought it will take me a long time to move on. But upon watching this, poof, I forgot about PYHOMS and was immediately hooked up with this series. Until now, I haven't move on from this yet. Have you ever watched a 60 plus episode drama which you think should have ended at 10 plus episode? Okay, so yes. Now, have you ever watched a 30 plus episode drama which you think should have reached 60 episodes? This drama, at least for me, belongs to the latter.
So what made this series stand out from the rest of the C-dramas I watched?
Story: The story is a typical C-drama school romance played for so many times already. Being typical, however, is not necessarily bad when it is done so well. This, I believe, is an example of it. The characters were believable and one can relate with them (although they are still exaggerated at an extent because well, of course, this is still a drama). Nobody was portrayed to be perfect. And unlike other C-dramas which tend to portray the female lead as literally dumb and bullied, this drama gave leadership ability to the heroine and made her likable to her classmates. The character development was also good. Additionally, the parts touching family and friendship were heart warming.
Cast and their Characters: Most of the actors and actresses are apparently newcomers but guess what, they certainly did not show it. They have the emotions, they have the timing and although there are still some toe-curling scenes, they are still manageable. Each of them have given justice to their roles, delivering it so well. Their chemistry is also great especially the male lead and the female lead (their chemistry is purely insane). As each episode go by, I can't helped but be drawn and attached with everyone of them, especially to the character of He Xin Liang. Casting Ding Yu Xi for the role is definitely a winner as I cannot imagine someone doing it better than him. He Xin Liang undeniably raised the standards for internet boyfriends. He deviates from the stiff, cold, snobbish male leads who, for some reason, always gets the girl. I guarantee you that in here, you will not be infected by Second Lead Syndrome (except if you prefer the typical male lead). As for Ji Xiao, although you may not jump in his ship, you will definitely still love him. I think this is where the beauty of this drama lies--you do not have someone to entirely hate on. There may be times you get annoyed with a character but it doesn't last.
Music: Opening OST was good and memorable. Other background music was suitable where it was played. The song sang by Ding Yu Xi is also good.
Rewatch Value: I have rewatched this drama and still do, especially on times when I just need a light and fuzzy drama.
Overall, I think this drama captured the essence of youth, of young love, of first love, of family, of our dreams and ambitions and of friendships the way we see it when we are still 16 or 17 years old. It takes you back to the days when you were still in high school, reminding you of your silliness and immaturity. It brings back the fuzzy feeling of having your crushes and your so called love. Most importantly, it shows how some things do not turn out the way we wanted to and how, at some point of our lives, there are greater things more important than being in a relationship with the person we love. It also portrays how love, although true, can also be shown by letting go.
This series is highly recommended for everyone who loves light dramas and who are tired rooting for the second lead to no avail. Many have dropped this from the first episode because of the female lead's hair but please, please, please, try to overlook her rather unflattering hair and you will see (maybe) that this show is a gem.
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I really liked this drama and the male lead He Xin Liang is one of my favourite male leads ever. He was just so sweet and thoughtful. Beneath his tough and arrogant exterior was a beautiful person. There was no kiss and normally I don’t like that in a romance drama. But the way this story was told didn’t disappoint me that there was no kissing scene at all.. The last scene when they saw each other again after so many years was one of my favourite endings ever. That look between them, the hug said it all. You could feel the longing, love and promise of a good future. I loved the main theme song too “Who Knows Me”. Can I just be honest though that the female lead did annoy me a bit. She was a child that needed a lot of growing up to do to be able to appreciate our male lead. I think that’s why they were separated for years. She had to go through life and adulthood to know that He Xin Liang was a keeper. Will definitely watch it again. Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
As the headline says, Just An Encore has become my new favorite Chinese drama and I think my all-time favorite so far. This also is the first time I am writing a review in mydramalist because I just need to share how good this series is.Cast- May I just applaud the casting crew for selecting the actors for this series because they are all so effective and are so fit for the characters. They could be considered newbies to acting but that didn’t show all throughout the drama. They’re so emotion-filled, not awkward and no cringy acting at all. We all could relate to a character or two- they have pettiness, jealousy and insecurities which make them relatable.
Story- The plot may have just been a basic one and might have been played out a million times already but nothing beats stories of family and friendship and high school romance. A lot of scenes could bring us back to our high school days which would actually make us wish to experience those again.
Music- Only a few songs were used as OST and BGM for the series but they were all remarkable, especially the one sung by Ding Yu Xi (He Xin Liang) ????
My favorites:
????To top it all is He Xin Liang ???? He has beaten all the Chinese Drama leads I have loved and I think it would be difficult to take over him. He is all I would wish for a boyfriend, bestfriend. He is caring, attentive, understanding but most of all he values friendships more than what he feels. My heart broke for him several times in the story ???? Now to the actor playing him, Ding Yu Xi ???? He has also become my favorite chinese actor ???? His eyes that speak a thousand emotions, his clever smile, his dimple, his smirks, his serious face, his voice, his appeal. Aaaahhhhhh ????????????
????Life lessons at the end of every episode- Yan Ze shares her realizations at the end of each episode which are all relatable.
????Friendships- The story shows different kinds of friendships in which the characters would usually sacrifice their personal matters so as not to ruin the friendship.
Overall, I love how I’ve felt a number of emotions from watching the series. I’ve sacrificed my sleep because I just can’t stop watching. This has given me Reply 1988 feels and heartbreaks ???? I could not count how many times my heart ached for He Xi Liang but he is worth watching every second ???? Now, I’m off to rewatching the whole series because that’s just how awesome it is ❤️
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The story is typical, yes, however among the rest of chinese youth drama this is by far have the most potential. Primarily, the casting is totally worth it although you cannot consider them as newbie but their previous works aren’t in par with other youth dramas nor their looks aren’t kdrama standard that’s why most kdrama fans doesn’t see its potential but for me their looks is just right for the genre as it intended for “youth” their age, and their character sits well with the genre. Secondly, the drama is not draggy although there are some slow and annoying moments for the female lead but she managed it very well. You will also be undecided who she will end up to which is a nice twist cos commonly you’ll know who will be the male lead. Last but definitely not the least is the ending. For me, it was one of the best! I am not really fond of sweet, cringey romance, nor kissing scenes so for me this is the best for all ages. Was this review helpful to you?
It's My Encore
This is a youth, high school, puppy love romance. It reminds me of myself during my own years in school.I sat together with the school smartest and most good-looking boy one year in school. He was also the class captain. I looked more or less like Yan Ze with the same hair style, except I was 1,000 times uglier with a flat chest (still do). Like Yan Ze, my grades were not good (ranked lowest 10 or so). Our similarities stop here. Yan Ze is popular; I was like the air – nobody noticed me. Our class captain was the top student. I had always wondered how he managed to get such good grades without seemingly putting in as much efforts as I did. Just like Ji Xiao, my seat mate tried to help me in my school work, and I had a crush on him. When he left town, I remembered I cried for days. We were both 10 years old.
A few years later in junior high, he started writing to me. He had never expressed any admiration for me. Then his best friend who was the go-between, started to ask me out. One day, I received a letter from my ex-seat mate, expressing his admiration and love. It was too late; I was in love with his best friend, who, by coincidence, not unlike He Xin Liang – outgoing, basketball, and playful.
Until today, from time to time, I have wondered, what would have happened had he expressed his feelings to me sooner? Would things be different today?
I believe every one of us has a similar story to tell. Sometimes, these stories happened so long ago that we may have forgotten. Sometimes, these stories are seemingly unimportant and we don’t pay much attention to them. But if we look closer and think deeper, I believe we all can live through our younger years again through this drama, “Just an Encore”.
Fun watch!
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I'm really amazed by how much I've learned from this drama. It portrays the emotional conflicts and insecurities that we carry even as adults in real life.
The male lead was my favorite character. He Xinliang was so positive and selfless all throughout this show. He placed the desires and happiness of his loved ones above his own. Most of the time, his gestures are not even appreciated by the female lead but he kept on giving even when he is tired.
The rest of the casts were also lovable though understandably a bit immature or misunderstood.
Even though this drama didn't focus on romance, it can touch your heart with what friendship, sisterhood and what real love is. I cried at its beautiful ending.
Please watch this to appreciate...☺️
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life lessons for those growing up with a massive inferiority complex
we all have it... an inferiority complex of some sort.. whether its massive like the main F lead of this showor less massive like the cold M lead of this show.. its in there somewhere..
this show will help u work through that or show u that it may all be in ur head.. do what u do and things hopefully will work out but it is definitely not as bad as u are thinking..
the stories within this show.. deals with all 4 main characters living learning and dealing with their indivisual complexes on top of life in general..
each chapter gives u a nice depiction of what happens when u let ur complexes rule over u.. or what happens when u overcome them or try ur best to work through them..
sometimes it works.. others it doesnt.. but its never as bad as it seems..
the cast in this ensemble is great and the chemistry btw everyone involved is wonderful
the music is catchy and u will probably hum a few choruses randomly after the show..
its a good slice of life growing up show.. yes u will probably get annoyed a time or 5 on they characters dealing with the same complex over and over again.. but its life.. these things dont go away.. u just hide them for as long as u can till u cant hide them no more..
this show.. does that wonderfully.. recommended when ur having a bad day.. this will put a smile on ur face
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"When We Were Young" vol.2
The user jes wrote that this series is a mix of "A Love So Beautiful" and "When We Were Young". I would somewhat disagree; it's much, much closer to the latter (it could be even called a 'remake' or 'another adaptation'). There is romance, but it's not the main focus of the series. Just an Encore is primarily about growing up, the last year(s) of high school before university, and all the experiences, dreams and conflicts which come at that age and point of life. I can only repeat again that it is very similar to "When We Were Young"; the main differences being time setting (this one happens around the year of 2005, so about decade latter than WWWY) and ending - where WWWY closed with high school graduation, "Just an Encore" adds a final '9 years later' conclusion.To sum it up: if you are looking primarily for romance, similar to "A Love So Beautiful", you may end up (slightly) disappointed here. However, if you are a fan of WWWY, then this series is pretty much a must for you.
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Es un hermoso drama
Este drama es realmente lindo te enseña sobre la juventud y que son momentos unicos que jamas regresaran. Además de personajes muy reales con debilidades me identifique con mucho con ellos sobre todo con yan ze, tambien me gusto lo particular no es un tipico drama escolar aunque asi se muestra dense la oportunidad de verlo y no se arrepentiran. Personalmente me enamore de he xing liang pero ambos chicos son adorables con sus cualidades, tambien es un drama que te mantiene en suspenso siempre me preguntaba con quien quedaria la protagonista, y aunmentaban mis ganas de verlo de igual manera tiene un poco de todo lloras tambien ries mucho es un drama que sin duda no puedes dejar pasar lo ame uno de mis favoritos.Was this review helpful to you?
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Puppy Love that’s Sincere & True
I really love this drama. It’s relatable, fast-paced, interesting and moving. The boys in this drama are, on the whole, tall and adorable. The girls are watchable too.Watch because:
- Ryan Ding - I loved him in Intense Love and so, I decided to watch this drama. He’s such a cute and handsome young man. He acted well and made me wish to have my own protector and ‘lover’ / sweetheart called He Xin Liang! His character in the drama is such a sweet guy who genuinely loves the girl. He does so much for her without asking for anything in return. Swoon.
- the actor who plays Ji Xiao is tall and cute too
- the actor who plays Yan Hai is funny and very relatable
- the teachers in this show made me wish that I had teachers like them in my youth - the teachers are good people
- plot is interesting and well-linked
- 31 eps at about 30 mins makes this drama very watchable
- happy ending! :)
- there are several words of wisdom in this drama too - meaningful. Eg: Learning how to be hardworking / diligent is more important than studying hard. This is because the good trait of being hardworking / diligent will stay with us for life.
I don’t talk about the girls as I don’t think they left deep impressions on me. Only the female lead, called Yan Zhe, is good enough to be mentioned and given an okay. The rest of the actresses are quite average.
He Xin Liang (Ryan Ding) really stands out in this drama though. Watch! For him! :)
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