The Other Half of Me and You (2021)

Underrated comedy show with social commentary

Alright I loved this show a lot. Basically a fun way to explore gender roles in society with some cute romance. Ever wondered how it would look like if the female leads scenes were given to the male lead? Now you can find out!!

- Story 7
The story is fairly basic and has been done before but I liked this versions execution a lot. Male lead gets into a parallel universe where its a matriarchy instead of a patriarchy. They do have some ''scientific'' explanation for it but the main goal of the show is just to explore the whole gender role topic. The male lead gets to explore the parallel world and encounters situations that are normally encountered by women. He can see both the positive and negative parts of it.

What I liked the most was that the show does remain hopeful about gender equality while also acknowledging that the situation isn't easily changed. It covers topics ranging from assault to workplace discrimination but somehow keeps things really lighthearted. You may realize or be reminded how much gender (and its expectations) affects individuals.

-Acting/Cast 9
The show is strongest in showing subtle differences in the approach that is made towards female and male characters as typically shown in dramas. Filming in such a way that reverses the usual techniques used to film the male and female lead in dramas. Focussing on the male leads reactions much more and allowing him a much wider range of emotions than most romance dramas would show. Meanwhile the female lead has the typical ''cold guy'' look a lot of male leads in dramas have. Also of course the typical female lead scenes where she gets rescued or is desperate to get the cool guy... They all fall onto the male lead to perform and he does it well.

Of course most of the cast will act very comically since its a comedy but they do it well and both the male lead and female lead are likeable characters despite both not being great people. The romance is actually pretty cute between the main leads although very different from usual dramas. With the male lead being the one that's expected to be more cute and the female lead being the one that's expected to act cool. Really great acting from both of them.

Special mention for that one male friend of the male lead who had super energetic acting. Loved the guy.

-Music 7.5
The opening song always made me think I started the episode with 2x speed. It's very quick but alright. The music used in the drama overall is usually fitting for the comedic tone.

-Rewatch value 8.5
Personally I can rewatch it because I genuinely loved some of the unexpected jokes or character quotes. The episodes are super short and easy to get through because of that. Also Jacky looks cool and the male lead is cute so another reason to check it out again.

Overall 8/10

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Say yes to this show!

I found this show via an article that was posted on MyDramaList [https://mydramalist.com/article/recommendation-the-other-half-of-me-and-you].

This show is amazing because it highlights a very serious social justice issue (misogyny), by using humor. Note: The show isn't making fun of men nor women, but rather showing what it would be like if men were expected to endure the same treatment and have the same expectations that women have in today's society.

The episodes are only about 5 minutes long, and it's so worth the watch. Thank you China for breaking toxic trends! I look forward to watching more dramas/shows like this. FYI This show reminds of me the Chinese drama titled My Heroic Husband because it is also full of cliches (e.g. the academy of male virtuousness), but the cliches are not as obviously presented like it is in this show.

Recommended YouTube video: Have You Suffered Sexual Harassment? | Street Interview in China by TreeMan
https://youtu.be/FDVfyln4F2g

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