After watching Are You the One, I struggled to find another drama just as good. Never thought a show about bank shenanigans would win me over, but there are good reasons: It's directed by Shen Yan, a Magnolia Award winner, and written by award-winning Zhang Ting, known for Wild Bloom and The Long River. The quality shines.

Zhang Ting was inspired by the online novel Qian Tu ("A Career in Money") and visited banks and interviewed staff to capture the reality of working in a bank. Having worked in a bank before (corporate), let's just say that I've had moments "been there done that!" when watching this.

This drama is more complex than it seems. It's not just about an underdog idealist battling his manipulative corporate colleagues—it’s a dance of Machiavellian minds, where our hero learns he must be just as cunning to win.

The plot keeps you guessing - You’re constantly left wondering who the real masterminds are, and even about the supposed heroes’ "noble intentions".

Surprising character moments - There was this moment when a brown-noser tells the hero, “You can afford to be idealistic; the rest of us have to be dogs.” That line hits hard if you've ever worked in corporate. Many moments like this.

A devious protagonist - Lin Qiang hates the game but plays it just as skilfully as those around him.

Fascinating look into Chinese finance - Banking lawbreaking have serious consequences, but in China, God help you if the government finds out. If you're peeved off why bankers seem to escape punishment, watch this to get some catharsis.

Realistic corporate politics - The power moves happen in boardrooms, without resorting to violence, and the tension feels authentic.

Amazing actors - The cast is incredible, making even the villains compelling.

I wrote a longer review here: https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2024/10/14/bank-on-me-review/