Experiencing Youth

I have no other way to describe this drama other than the word 'youth'. I think what made me so attached to this show was that it felt like living through the bittersweet joyful days of youth, one that I never had/may never have. It's very pure, to a point that makes it healing and comforting. If you're looking for a heartwarming drama that can make you smile, I think this may be the right one for you!

The story and the characters are extremely easy to fall in love with, I was just about 5 eps in when I knew it would be hard to move on and now that I've finished it that hasn't changed. Perhaps I'm a tad bit of an emotional person, but even for a fun and happy drama, there were moments that I cried my eyes out for. It wasn't anything that was heartwrenching, but rather it was that bittersweet nostalgia of youth and purity that brought me to tears. It was those moments full of laughter when we're young, that as we grow up, we may not be able to get again.

All the main characters are kind and emotionally mature in their own ways, despite being 'young'. It made me think of the ones who grow up too fast, the little adults that mature too quickly, for better or for worse. I really don't think it gets more youth than this HAHAH.

*spoilers below*

Zhang Lu Rang is actually a really heartbreaking character, who I think is really strong. I think I would have crumbled if I had been in his shoes. He never complains or speaks up about how the favouritsm is affecting him, and it's to a point where we barely get a glimpse of the amount of pain he was in that led to him distancing from his brother. I cried at the part when his brother realised that being quiet and not smiling a lot was not because of his personality, but rather that he couldn't because of the family environment. Zai Zai helped him to brighten up a lot, and every time his dimple smile came out because of Zai Zai, I felt an unexplainable amount of joy.

Zai Zai is everyone's favourite sunshine, she brings so much joy in every moment and scene that she's in. She's fun but she's not weak. There's multiple moments where she stands up for herself and I just adore her. Jiang Jia is an energetic character who always got everyone's back and Gu Ran is a chaotic but actually really kind and wise. Guan Fang is someone who has learnt his lessons and has grown up to become a loving friend and grandson. (If I really go indepth into each character it's never gonna end) They all form healthy relationships and their friendship is to die for frfr, I fall in love with every of their little outtings and all their schenanigans.

The acting I wouldn't say is spectacular performance of the year, but it's mostly because I think we don't dive too deep into intense scenes. They all do a good job in portraying their characters and the most important part of this show: youth. I love love love love the concepts in this drama, mainly speaking of their video diaries. The angle that the show goes for is very nostalgic, as if looking back onto memories just as we would our own. Every moment feels golden and just so precious and endearing, even if it is the simplest of things. I think they did amazing with pacing, other than perhaps the last episode, the pacing is very good and it doesn't feel rushed or draggy and boring. I also love the detail where they turn 17 at ep 17 and so on. It was just so nice to see them grow up and it felt like I was growing with them. The music is also rather fitting, my favourite is 'Paige's Summer' that feels extra nostalgic. I just wish there was more episodes honestly. I'm so attached to them that I would have loved to see every small details of their lives as they grew up. For example, perhaps there could have been more on Rang Rang's healing regarding the issue with his parents.

Overall, I think it's well done in all aespects and it's definitely one of those shows that you rewatch again and again for the comfort. The characters are lovable, there isn't unnecessary drama or misunderstandings, there's healthy relationships, there's healing. there's love, and many many memories. It's definitely a drama that will forever be a comfort, will be super hard to move on T-T.

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a romcom at its core with an interesting set-up and wrapped up story

to really start off, i feel the need to say that i feel like this series isn't so serious about itself; it's a lighthearted, fun and chaotic romcom at its core, with a tinge of sadness and for some, reality.

i went in blind with not much expectations and i really ended up enjoying it and looking forward to it every week. for a series of its length, i think they did well in pacing and developing the characters and its story plots. by the end of ep 7, they managed to tie everything (or well most of it) in for me, especially regarding the questions and doubts i had. i wavered a bit between ep 1-4 but ep 5-7 really set it all in and boosted my enjoyment. (yes i am biased because ep 6 is my favourite)

for maximum enjoyment, i recommend either 1. don't think too much about it, 2. give it time to sink in and pick back up, 3. really dive into understanding the story and characters. I think other than the fact that i have a soft spot for romcoms, i really liked how i could, in some way, understand and relate to the characters especially on the issue of familial pressure and how it conflicts with the love you have with your family. they also had some really good emotional scenes and conversations (coughs in ep 6)

from a story standpoint, i felt like they did good in creating character motives. these characters are anything but perfect, they mess up, they don't make the smartest choices but we can see their intentions and reasons (for the most part) there is a sense of realism in the portrayal of the characters and progression of story, even if its short so it may seem rushed sometimes. it's not perfect, but really most shows aren't and for me they don't need to be because my feelings for it was still very positive and it still brought me joy.

the actors did really good, they're not experts or like perfect but they did an amazing job especially sunnypak in their first series together. sunnypak had really good chemistry and tension too. i liked yiwa and marine, they had chemistry, but their intimate/ kissing scenes still need some work. the production quality was definitely on their higher side with a good concept and aesthetically pleasing scenes. I really liked the ost esp the main one by sunnypak "you couple me"/"you paired with me" that they used for both the op and the ed; i think it suited the theme and i found the lyrics "the bride is paired with the groom, and you, no matter what, will be paired with me" quite cute.

like with any show, it may not be your cup of tea and that's fine, it's just that it was mine and i do think its worth the shot :D at the end of the day, how much you feel and take from a show depends on you and how you understand or relate to it so have fun and take what u can from it!

P.S. watch ep 6 :)

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