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In a Class of Her Own chinese drama review
Completed
In a Class of Her Own
2 people found this review helpful
by Kiromenanz
Apr 1, 2021
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10.0

Absolutely Lovely

I have just finished watching this gem and let me tell you, I loved it. I loved it so much I am sitting here now, feeling empty, and staring at the wall, not sure what to do with myself now that it's over.

To preface this: Yes, I have watched Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I liked it a lot. It has been a while, but I still dare to say that this one is just as good, at the very least.
It's definitely cheesy. The kind where someone gives an emotional argument and people around them are so moved, they start clapping. Does all of it make sense academically? No, but it doesn't have to. It's exactly the kind of fun, moving, found-family genderswap story it says on the tin. Personally, since that is what attracted me to the whole thing in the first place, I got exactly what I wanted.

The heart and soul of this show are definitely Wen Bing and his friends. Yes, they're all phenomenal eye-candy – every single one of these characters is so beautiful, I'd watch them wash dishes for hours. But more than that, their relationships grow so organically and deeply, they look out for each other, protect each other and care for each other. It's heartwarming, it's moving, it's a wonderful escape from reality. The gradual unveiling of everyone's secrets and backgrounds, and how they just end up accepting each other without question and having each others' backs is just wonderful to watch.
The supporting characters are just as great. I can honestly say that by the end of this show, I loved all of them. There are fights, there are antagonists, there is character growth, there is redemption, and it flows incredibly well.

Apart from being beautiful to look at and heartwarming to watch, the show has clever, quick dialogue and organic interactions between people that truly endeared it to me. While the storyline and the conflicts were a little cliché at times, the show pulled it off well.
I have seen people complain that they could not accept that Wen Bing is supposed to look like a girl. I have thoughts on this, but they are probably too long for a review. That said – yes, even dressed as a man she looks feminine. I believe that the producers did that entirely on purpose. She is supposed to always be recognizable as the female love interest, of course (probably related to reasons to do with heteronormativity, but we don't have to go into that). That said, if you cannot stretch your suspension of disbelief a little, this show might not be for you. But then, that goes for almost all genderswap/girl disguised as guy stories.
If you can accept that people think she is a dude for a good long while, this is what this show offers: Heartwarming friendships, a lovely execution of the found family trope, exciting, diverse fight scenes with moves bordering on the ridiculous, moving scenes where you think "that makes no damn sense – compels me though", very sweet teacher-student interactions, in general a lovely execution of the university setting, gorgeous costumes, gorgeous people, gorgeous houses, settings, accessories – you name it, character development, comedy, some heart-wrenching scenes but nothing that would leave you clutching your chest in agony. It feels like eating ice cream on a summer day with the breeze blowing through the trees. It's a sweet, refreshing show. As long as you're alright with the occasional plot hole or questionable character actions, you're in for an absolute treat.

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