Lovely Us (2020)

I was looking for something light to watch and chose this one by accident. The reviews seemed pretty good and there's only 16 episodes, so it's light and short... anddddddd filled with cute and sweet moments between the main female and male leads. This drama feels different than your usual c-drama, so it's a nice change for me. Each episode seemed to cover one theme of the relationship in this drama. Although this is a youth drama, it doesn't just tell about the kids, but also about the parents. I'm not going to write a long review on this but really recommend watching this hidden gem!

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Nice slice of life with some touching moments, but annoyingly jealous ML

TL;DR at the end with no spoilers.

I've been debating with myself for the last couple days over whether I liked this one or not. You know that feeling when you generally like what you're watching but there's something about it that really, really bothers you? Yeah, that's me with this show. But let me start with the good.

For the most part, the characters are likable and their interactions are entertaining enough, although it's kind of episodic in that not a lot of things carry over from previous episodes. It feels like it tells you bits of their lives while it's implied that significant time passes in the background. It's mostly events that seem to be contained in the episode where they take place, though; relationships between characters do evolve. Also, some episodes focus on particular (secondary) characters and, for me, those are the highlight of the show because of the way they portray relatable situations. I tend to value stories much more when they make me feel something, so this one gets points for that. The plot is secondary in character-driven stories like this, so I won't get into much detail. If you like the dynamics between the characters, you'll probably like the show.

However, in my opinion that part is also the problematic one. To be exact, I'm talking about the dynamics between the ML and the FL. I don't have much issue with the rest of the cast, since they're pretty normal people with their own quirks, but the ML gets particularly bad. At first, the ML and FL have kind of a quarreling relationship, which is not ideal, but many people do this to some extent growing up and they stop when they mature. Okay, mildly annoying if you're not into that, but bearable. The issues I have with the ML start when he realizes he likes the FL. From that moment on he becomes an overbearing, jealous prick that defaults to sulking whenever anything to do with the FL doesn't go his way. Some things that come to mind:

- When any guy her age attempts to touch her or display any kind of physical affection, he immediately separates them. This includes their male childhood friends from their own group, who have no interest in her.
- There's an episode where students are told to pair up with other students that complement their weak subjects. He doesn't have the guts to put down her name, so she gets assigned to a random guy. Of course, he gets jealous and forces his presence on them in their study session and treats the other guy like shit.
- There's another episode where she gets chosen to participate in a writing contest in another city, and the guy from the previous point appears for only the second time in the show because he's going to the contest too. The ML takes it upon himself to convince her parents that it's dangerous for her to go alone and that he should escort her as her guardian. During the trip, he treats the other guy like shit again, interferes with their conversations, fakes illness to get her attention, and groans when she dares to do her own things.

Now, don't get me wrong. He does have his good side with his friends and also treats the FL well when things go his way. It's just that, with all the cold-shouldering, belittling of her and other guys, and overall obsessive impulses, the times when he behaves himself around her look more like a manchild atoning for his sins rather than a well-intentioned but insecure teenager being his ordinary self. There were some episodes where he was so damn insufferable I had to pause many times to take a break from his antics. That might be only me, though, but you get the point.

You could argue that it's legitimate to portray unlikable characters because the world isn't just made up of perfect people, and I'd totally agree. But the show doesn't even acknowledge that he might be wrong; in fact, all the characters are enablers who brush off his bullshit and ignore the contradictions in the excuses he makes up for his actions. You could argue that it's still legitimate to portray unlikable characters with enablers, and I'd agree again, but it irks me to see it onscreen anyway and I'm leaving this warning here just in case you're like me. The happy ending just doesn't feel satisfying when you don't believe in the process that was supposed to bring it about.

I'm also not sold on the strategic appearance of guys who like the FL and girls who like the ML at the exact moment the plot needs them to move forward, but that I can live with. It's just something I noticed and you'll notice too after reading this.

Finally, to play the devil's advocate for a brief moment: I don't have the absolute truth, and I'm sure I must've also breezed through shows in the past that other people found unwatchable. It's up to you, really.

TL;DR:

It's a show with entertaining characters, some touching arcs, and some romance (that doesn't fully take off until they turn 18 and graduate high school because apparently liking people before that is a bad look in China). It's no masterpiece, but if you like character-driven stories, you'll probably dig this; if you want plot, not so much. Also, the ML turns into a jealous, obnoxious mess whenever he feels threatened by the presence of other guys in the FL's life, so bear that in mind because that was my number one reason for writing this review.

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Feeling nostalgic with laugh & cry because of this drama!

I never thought I can laugh and cry just because watching this high school students drama... It's been so long since I was in high school, but this drama is waking up my memory about those good old days to be spent with friends.. Those hectic yet fun life with exams, homeworks, cram-school, also school events. And the most important part is the parents dominant role in our school life.

By watching this drama, you will learn the true meaning of family, friendship, and love... all in 1 in lovely way as being mentioned in the drama title. The story probably could be longer.. but it will lose its own beauty.. so I think 16 episodes is good enough to describe the lovely youth. Each episode has its own theme, and it's totally meaningful.

In the end of the story.. we will learn that love can be ended well or remain in friend zone too. However, their togetherness as childhood friends will remain strong no matter what.

I'm grateful to watch this drama. It's inspire me to respect more about the dream, also the role of parents and friends in life :)

It just a bit sad that not everyone can be together as couple... The one sided love story between Chen Zui to Jin Jiao is leaving us with a big question mark after all. It's an open ending.. so probably there still a chance for them to build their relationship in the future. As the audience, they let us imagine what will happen next in their relationship whether just a friend or become lover.

"From friend to love" story between Tan Song and Cheng Zi are definitely lovely and adorable. It reflects how youthful their life is. I'm glad that they are still together at the end no matter what. Lovely couple!

I'm gonna give my thumbs up for the acting skills of all characters in this drama. It's totally awesome and each character has successfully bring us to falling deep to the story and feel it more emotionally.. their existence really give us a meaningful message. The drama ost songs are also good and refreshing.

I love how this drama is successfuly bring us back to year 2007 with strong youth elements like Jay Chou's era, old TV, flip phones with ringtones and sms, MP4, handycam, bicycle, olympic, phone strap, key chains, and also diary. We can see all of these stuff in this drama, and I can relate how classic it is, yet so nostalgic.

Salute to the drama production team for giving us such a nice plot and settings too.
I spent 2 days to finish all episodes.. It's totally worth to be watched!

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If you love school, youth, slice of life dramas you will absolutely love this one!!!!

I started this drama because I had nothing else to watch and looking at the plot it was totally my type of drama. I didn't really have any expectations heading into this drama cause I had never heard of it before. But when I tell you this drama was absolutely AMAZING!! It didn't only focus on friendships or romance but also focused on other relationships such as families, or relations within all the families living in that society. It had a very youthful feel and managed to check all the boxes for a slice of life drama. It didn't have a big conflict, yet every episode had a different yet realistic issue that the group had to deal with. The romance is prominent during the first half of the show but still there's a spark between the leads that is obvious. This show is super super close to my heart and is one of the most underrated dramas out there and I think it needs way more recognition then it gets. Also a big shoutout to the entire cast for portraying their respective characters so so beautifully. The music doesn't play a huge part in the show but it is still amazing corresponds to each scene beautifully. I laughed, I cried, I fawned over the ml and fl and their cute moments. This show made me feel all the emotions and I love it so much and is forever my comfort show and I still rewatch it sometimes when I'm upset and want to laugh. If you're someone who likes slice of life dramas I highly recommend this show and I guarantee you'll love it!! So what are you waiting for, GO WATCH LOVELY US!!!

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Slice of life done well

This show is about growing up and slice of life done so well... c drama writers do this genre so well and this is just another example

The cast was great and the bond between the 5 was amazing

The story hits all the major points of growing up and doesnt extend them into draggy long winded story... like an afterschool special with a subject in dealing with death or loss of something special to parents and emotions ... simple.depictions of said subject then even simpler resolutions and move on to the next thing

The romance for the ML and FL is great. Wish the same could be said for the 2nd but not all in life works out. Which sucks but thats life

Just fun light watch. Watch it to feel good for the holidays

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a sweet, heart-warming drama

The main characters are so loveable and their friendship is so sweet and lovely (as the title of the drama would suggest). They support each other, bicker, laugh, and ultimately are there for each other through the rollercoaster of growing up, helping each other in subtle ways which will warm your heart and make you feel fuzzy inside. There is also a lot of antics and fun which ensues :)

On top of the light-hearted fun, all the episodes conveyed beautiful messages about life, family, love and friendship - the romance between Tan Song and Huang Cheng Zi especially was adorable. The episodes which discussed parental love had me crying - as they touch on emotions which I think a lot of people will be able to relate to . This drama, in a few standout episodes, also didn't shy away from the reality of loneliness (that elderly people feel) and unrequited love, and didn't glamourize them. Some of the conversations and reflections the parents or children had about their feelings and relationships were so bittersweet and real and really solidified this drama's place in my heart.

Regardless of what age you are you can take something away from this drama, be it a lesson learnt about friendship, or a reflection on our own pasts and relationships with our friends and family.

Overall a wonderful drama filled with many moments that will make you smile. Don't miss out on this one!
I'm so glad I didn't as it's one of new new favourites.

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I REALLY REALLY LOVE THIS DRAMA

Best chinese drama in my opinion..
why do I say the best...because I've never repeated watching a drama 5 times...story...characters...plot and music...all wrapped up neatly and beautifully...seeing this drama I can laugh.. .crying and amazed by the story...the chemistry between all the characters is very good...no excessive love story...no bad characters that can make you hate...watching this drama is like seeing our daily lives.. .the story is really true...not made up...simple but really touching...episode per episode is really good to enjoy it doesn't make you bored...the ridiculous incidents between the players really make me laugh...and that makes me the most falling in love is FL...the acting is really very natural and the face is very cute...it fits the character...for those who haven't watched it...you have to watch this...must...but there's one thing that's disappointing. ..why are the episodes so short...i can watch this drama up to 100 episodes...i really hope there is season 2 for this drama...i really love this drama...

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Friendship. Is the purest thing ever

I just love all the characters in this drama they all r too very cute to resist ..♡♡and this drama will give a youth feeling as well as it will definitely give u family-related emotions...i will suggest rather deeply force u guys to watch this as it is too very...heart warming
The leads are very friendly. And their bickerings are top notch.
Just TOP NOTCH OKAY..!!°°
[SOMETHING NOT RELATED TO DRAMA :
I usually restrain myself from giving bad ratings like below 8. But once I gave a rating of 5 or something . As far as I remember that's the worst rating I ever gave..Wow Maybe I way too much ignore the flaws which some people don't]

Quickly watch it guys !!.
Whose signal are you waiting for to start this drama ?!
^^

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Q: What makes Tan Song happy? A: ?

A definite must-watch youth drama! Its about a group of five friends (Tan Song, Cheng Zi, Zhu Jinxiao, Chen Zui, He Jinzhao) who grew together and eventually went to the same school. They bicker and fight with each other but they are also each other's support in life. Among themselves, they can call each other names but definitely do not allow other people to do so. If so, they are always ready to defend and protect one and another.

Main leads: Romance between Tan Song and Cheng Zi is not sudden, feels like they have always liked each other since the start but due to their constant bickering, it took them some time to realise their own feelings.

2nd leads: Whereas for Zhu Jinxiao and Chen Zui, they are the brains of the group so naturally their thinking process and actions are much more mature. Despite his feelings for Zhu Jinxiao, im glad he did not confess to her because its obvious that ZJX dont feel the same way. Confessing would only ruin their friendship.

This drama is also good in teaching us the aspects of life, the importance of family and friends. Life is already hard enough but if we have our family and friends by our side, even harder times will pass :)

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Great Show

Good show realistic and relatable story. The messages were touching.

All the actors were really good - from the kids to the parents and grandparents. No over the top acting - it was all natural. The Group of Five portrayed their characters really well - from being goofy to serious, you get drawn into their emotions.

I would like to see Marcus Li in more dramas. His character naughty but sweet and caring inside was very subtle in his expressions but you can clearly see it.

Tian Xi Wei was really good too. There was a difference when she acts silly and touched happy, exaggerated sad and actually sad.

All in all a good show and great cast!

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Heartwarming, Engaging, Well-Made Drama

The reviews for this drama are good and this drama deserves them! This drama is very realistic and very well-written/ well-made.

I highly enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone.

What I liked:
- The impressive acting from the whole cast. They were in character throughout and acted so well.
- The endearing friendship and loyalty of the five leads.
- The puppy love and budding sweet romance between the young adults is endearingly sweet. So cute.
- The drama has its up moments and its down/ sad moments. There are funny “laugh out loud” moments and super sad “misty eyed/ tears flow freely” moments. The sudden death of one of the elderly grandpas was saddening.
- The music fits the drama’s scenes quite well.
- There are many meaningful words/ ideas in the drama. This drama is a touching one.

What I didn’t like that much but was not big deal:
- He Jin Zhao was my least favourite of the cast. He was not that funny and well, just kind of “meh”.
- The female lead’s voice was both nasal and high-pitched. She sounded quite like a squeaking duck.

Nonetheless, this drama is Fabulous! It is Wonderful! It is a Must Watch, so please go on right ahead if you are hesitating! Excellent!!

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