xiu lian
Somewhere Only We Know is one of the most realistic dramas I've seen. It features a student-teacher romance between English major Xue Tong, and Physics PhD candidate Mu Cheng He--but more than that, I think this is a story of growth and self-appreciation.
MAIN ROMANCE
Xue Tong and Cheng He have such a wholesome relationship. Both are very respectful towards each other, and they have the most adorable interactions. Of course, their relationship isn't perfect--Cheng He, in particular, has a lot of shit he has to deal with on his own. (He wasn't given much of a chance to grow, but overall I think I still respect his character a lot. This is so hard to explain without giving out spoilers, so just watch!! the!! drama!!)
SIDE CHARACTERS
The side characters helped the main characters grow, and even had their own interesting stories. Xue Tong's roommates all had very different personalities, and it was glorious seeing their friendship deepen as the show went on. They also had their own growing to do, which was just lovely. Mu Cheng also had his long-time friend to give him advice and talk some sense into him when he needed it.
FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP
Somewhere Only We Know is so honest. The family misunderstandings, the fights between friends, the not-letting-yourself-be-the-martyr--I lived for it all. This is probably why I loved this drama so much despite all the imperfections.
CAST
The actors did a phenomenal job here. They all had such great chemistry, and I think even the annoying ones served their purposes well, and added so much more value to the already brilliant story. Other than Juck Zhang and Li Ting Ting doing a great job portraying the leads, I especially loved Sun Jia Ling, who played Zhao Xiao Tang.
ENDING
The ending was definitely rushed with this one, but there is a conclusive ending for those who are curious. I haven't seen the specials yet, but I've heard that they bridge the gaping hole between the last couple of scenes.
SHOULD YOU WATCH THIS?
HECK YEAH. Your average Chinese drama can't get any realer than this. Stop whatever you're doing and go watch Somewhere Only We Know right now!
MAIN ROMANCE
Xue Tong and Cheng He have such a wholesome relationship. Both are very respectful towards each other, and they have the most adorable interactions. Of course, their relationship isn't perfect--Cheng He, in particular, has a lot of shit he has to deal with on his own. (He wasn't given much of a chance to grow, but overall I think I still respect his character a lot. This is so hard to explain without giving out spoilers, so just watch!! the!! drama!!)
SIDE CHARACTERS
The side characters helped the main characters grow, and even had their own interesting stories. Xue Tong's roommates all had very different personalities, and it was glorious seeing their friendship deepen as the show went on. They also had their own growing to do, which was just lovely. Mu Cheng also had his long-time friend to give him advice and talk some sense into him when he needed it.
FAMILY & FRIENDSHIP
Somewhere Only We Know is so honest. The family misunderstandings, the fights between friends, the not-letting-yourself-be-the-martyr--I lived for it all. This is probably why I loved this drama so much despite all the imperfections.
CAST
The actors did a phenomenal job here. They all had such great chemistry, and I think even the annoying ones served their purposes well, and added so much more value to the already brilliant story. Other than Juck Zhang and Li Ting Ting doing a great job portraying the leads, I especially loved Sun Jia Ling, who played Zhao Xiao Tang.
ENDING
The ending was definitely rushed with this one, but there is a conclusive ending for those who are curious. I haven't seen the specials yet, but I've heard that they bridge the gaping hole between the last couple of scenes.
SHOULD YOU WATCH THIS?
HECK YEAH. Your average Chinese drama can't get any realer than this. Stop whatever you're doing and go watch Somewhere Only We Know right now!
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