Shout-out to manukajoe, who was the one who put this movie on my radar.
He said that this one was breezy and enjoyable, and now that I’ve watched it for myself, I do concur that it’s a solid spend of an hour and 55 minutes of your drama hours.
Plus, Leo Wu is so very endearing in this. 🤩
Psst: Link to watch is at the end of the review.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Chen Chen (Zhang Zi Feng) fails her college entrance exams, and tells her parents a lie that ends up implicating fellow student, free-spirited Zheng Yu Xin (Leo Wu) in her life.
As the lie grows, so does the bond between Yu Xin and Chen Chen.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS
Here are a few things to keep in mind, that I think would help to maximize your enjoyment of your watch:
1. Show has an undercurrent of pathos, underneath its breezy veneer.
It’s true that Show is breezy a lot of the time, and also, quite funny. I found myself chuckling out loud several times during my watch, which is a great sign that Show’s sense of humor works for me.
On the other hand, I feel it would be remiss of me not to mention upfront, that not everything’s easy-breezy in our story world, and that there are distinct spots of pathos in our narrative.
I did feel that it all fit together organically, and that the melancholy isn’t injected just for the sake of making a statement.
It made sense to me, in the context of our characters’ journeys, and that’s the most important thing.
2. This is more of a coming-of-age story, rather than a romance.
Although the premise and the trailer might have you thinking otherwise, I also think it would be helpful to let you know upfront, that this isn’t designed to be a romance, even though our characters experience romantic inclinations and talk about romantic relationships.
This is more of a coming-of-age tale, for our two protagonists.
I do think that keeping that in mind, would make this watch more enjoyable for you.
STUFF I LIKED
Leo Wu as Zheng Yu Xin
I have such a strong impression of Leo Wu’s role as young and adorable Fei Liu in Nirvana in Fire (review is here, and Open Threads are listed here), that I still find it rather trippy to see him in more recent, more grown-up roles.
Without getting into spoilers, I just wanted to say that I really, really liked Zheng Yu Xin, our good-natured, free-spirited male protagonist.
He’s got all these shades of personality to him. He’s easygoing and cheeky; he’s also honest and straightforward; plus he’s got flashes of swag, while managing to be slightly dorky, especially when it comes to his good looks.
I found him altogether really, really likable, and I can totally see why he’d have a bit of a fan club, among the girls at school.
At the same time, when the occasion calls for it, Leo Wu imparts these layers of angst and emotion, that we see so well, even though, most of the time, Zheng Yu Xin only shows us glimpses of his inner self, for mere seconds at a time.
Zheng Yu Xin won my heart very quickly into my watch, and I found myself wanting only good things, for this bright spark of youth, that’s so full of life.
Zhang Zi Feng as Chen Chen
Chen Chen is a more introverted character compared to Zheng Yu Xin, but I found her easy to relate to, nonetheless.
The way she feels socially awkward and sometimes doesn’t know what to say; the way she works to bottle up her feelings about her family problems; the way she works to shrink and stay small, so as not to draw attention to herself.
All of these things feel relatable to me, like my teenaged self would have done any or all of these things, in Chen Chen’s position.
The growing bond between Yu Xin and Chen Chen
I didn’t realize this until after my watch of the movie, but Leo Wu and Zhang Zi Feng have acted together before, in 2019 movie, Adoring (which I do recommend, if you like animals &/or holiday-type omnibus movies).
Maybe that’s part of the reason they spark off each other so naturally, in this show.
I really enjoyed the growing bond between Zheng Yu Xin and Chen Chen, over the course of our story. This was THE highlight of my watch.
[SPOILER ALERT]
First of all, I have a huge soft spot for contract relationships of any kind, so when Zheng Yu Xin and Chen Chen find themselves in a contract relationship of sorts, thanks to Chen Chen’s lie to her parents, I felt rather thrilled.
Like I mentioned earlier, however, the bond between these two turns out to be more platonic than anything else, which is very heartening and pleasant too, as long as you’re not dead set on romance.
I really liked the fact that the moment Chen Chen sees Zheng Yu Xin’s pain, she works to overcome her own awkwardness, to reach out and connect with him. That desire to be there for him, even though they technically don’t know each other, is pretty sweet.
The more secrets Chen Chen and Zheng Yu Xin share with each other, the stronger their bond feels, to my eyes, and it just feels quite precious, that they can confide in each other, where before, they both didn’t have anyone with whom to share their innermost thoughts.
It’s also cute how they become desk-mates, and how Zheng Yu Xin introduces Chen Chen to his favorite techno music.
The fact that they spend personal time together, with Zheng Yu Xin even wanting to celebrate Chen Chen’s birthday for her, is sweet, and makes me want their friendship to go on forever.
[END SPOILER]
Special shout-out:
Liu Dan as Teacher Qu
Teacher Qu is a small-ish secondary character, but because I’d so recently watched Liu Dan as a very different character in the very excellent Reset, I just wanted to give her a quick shout-out.
I rather liked Teacher Qu and her naggy ways. Even though she’s strict, I do think that she cares about her students.
THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]
Somewhere along the way, I somehow picked up on the idea that the person that Zheng Yu Xin’s been pining for, might be male instead of female.
(In Chinese, the word for ‘he’ and ‘she’ are homonyms, even though they are written differently. This makes it easy for Zheng Yu Xin to be honest about his feelings towards Ming, even while his words pass easily as him talking about a woman.)
That said, I don’t think that that’s the main point of our story.
The pain and angst of coming to terms with the fact that the person they like, doesn’t like them back, is something that both Chen Chen and Zheng Yu Xin have to go through; it’s part of growing up.
I love that beat where Chen Chen makes that earnest birthday wish, while clasping Yu Xin’s hand in her own, that they will both be able to face themselves more honestly, and become stronger and braver.
It’s such a heartfelt, needful, perfect wish, and as Chen Chen makes that wish on both of their behalves, I find myself agreeing with that wish for them as well.
Even though they make that spontaneous trip without the permission of their parents, I do feel like that trip is an important milestone in their journey towards being stronger, and more honest with themselves.
It’s during this trip, that Yu Xin decides that he will work to put Ming behind him, and not continue to fixate on the fact that Ming doesn’t like him anymore. And it’s also during this trip, that he lets Chen Chen in on his secret, that Ming isn’t female, but male.
It feels fitting, that Chen Chen also opens up, and tells Yu Xin that she’s liked him for a long time, since junior year.
Augh. The way Yu Xin leans in to kiss Chen Chen, then tell her sincerely, that he wishes that he could like her back, is so bittersweet. 😭💔
That solidarity, where they realize that they both are going through the same heartache, feels so palpable, in this moment.
The fallout from their trip is huge, though, and I do hate that both Yu Xin and Chen Chen end up having to pay such a high price, for a trip that had ended up being so pivotal in both their lives.
I also hate that the adults had all ganged up to put the blame on Yu Xin. I’m glad that Chen Chen puts her foot down, and insists on paying her own price, for her own wrongdoing.
I honestly find it so sad, that Yu Xin and Chen Chen end up being separated in a big way, after this incident. And, I’m also gutted that Yu Xin’s hearing becomes impaired, from the blow that he suffers from his father. 😭
But, I’m glad to see that, 3 years later, Chen Chen, now back on the college academic track despite dropping out of high school, is back at the music festival in Sanya, to witness Yu Xin DJ-ing on the big stage, like he’d always dreamed of doing.
It feels like they’ve both come such a long way, in the 3 years that have passed.
Even though I’m disappointed that their friendship seems to have been cut short, I appreciate the idea that theirs was a bond that was special and important, for a special and important season.
They were there for each other, when they needed each other the most. And just as importantly, they shaped each other’s lives in irrevocable ways, and together made memories that will last them a lifetime. ❤️
THE FINAL VERDICT:
Breezy, with touches of pathos. Ultimately uplifting.
FINAL GRADE: B+
TRAILER:
WHERE TO WATCH:
You can check out this movie on Netflix.
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It’s after watching the film that I realized why Yu Xin’s dad is cold towards him despite the fact Yu Xin seems like a perfectly decent and respectful son.
So in my eye, Yu Xin is sweet, endearing, reliable and even pitiful, but in the eye of the dad, Yu Xin is not straight, academically unsuccessful, interersted in some strange music instead of focusing on achieving a “real career” like doctor or lawyer – all the things Asian parents are afraid to find in their kids.
Again, we’re looking at a couple of Asian parents here, not to say who is right or wrong but them imposing conservative values on their children is not something unusual.
Loved reading your review, KFG. Totally agree with most of your points. Totally watched it for Wu Lei lol, and really loved how Zhang Zifeng played Chen Chen too. I have a soft spot for stories that centers on music/where music has a big role in someone’s life, and also a soft spot for non-romantic love too, so this was a big win for me. There are some scenes that I felt were very well done in bringing out emotions without dialogue needed.
love, love leo wu. so i am definitely on, i’ve been waiting to see him again on my screen. i was quite surprised and amazed that he is also a producer – so young. i adored him in nirvana in combo with hu ge and have only seen him in shadow. (btw, anybody who likes artsy movies – that would be something to see. the movie can be considered a piece that is worth to be hanging in a museum.)
so i’d be glad to have “little feiliu” on my screen again.
it’s a day later, when i said i was going to watch it, and here i am after the watch.
ya, so my final thought: i felt sad – i did not want it to end. this feeling was loud and sort of demanding in my head – i wanted more. so that must tell you something of my take on this movie.
what can i say about this movie – it’s unpretentious, but it will throw you back to your teen’s years, with all the confusions, crashes, disappointments, fun, tears, inner searches, friendships, pains, victories and losses. for me those years are so long ago, but this brought it so close.
it was a pleasure to see our “little fei liu” all grown up, although i also experienced this desire for feiliu just to stay little feiliu – i loved his character so much, that i did not want him to morph into anything else. so i was a little bit sad also, but it was very soon replaced with a new love, as leo wu’s acting and his character both charmed my heart. the FL chen chen, a young actress that is herself still in high school in her real life, is surprisingly awesome and her acting is right there in sink with leo wu’s.
all in all, i agree with kfg, it is really worth the 2 hours of your time.
@Eda Glad you enjoyed the movie!
I’ve included a spoiler tag in your comment because
The manner of the reveal, is through the poster, which we don’t see in full, combined with passerby chatter, that “Ming is so handsome”
It’s also in clues like Yu Xin’s father being so sure that Yu Xin wouldn’t do anything to Chen Chen – it’s because Dad already knows that Yu Xin isn’t interested in girls.
thank you for clarifying this for me.
o, and one more thing.
Fangurl – as always, a very solid review. I had to see this for Leo Wu. He did not disappoint. He is so very talented. He projects a naturalness on the screen and he brought a level of sensitivity beyond his years to this role. Sigh, our little Fei Liu is 6′ tall and all grown up. He was born to be on the big screen. I cannot wait to watch his projects in the coming years.
Ha – Pot Lady was the teacher. Teachers do not get that involved in HS student’s lives here.
I do wish that we could have seen them meet again after the music festival and share a hug to end the movie. They went through a lot together and that little bit of positivity at the end would have left me quite happy.
Overall, a really great little movie! Thanks @manukajoe!
@phl1rxd Aw, so glad you enjoyed this show, and yay that this review helped persuade you to give it a look!
You’re right; Leo Wu brought a lovely sensitivity to the role. I was very pleasantly surprised and quite wowed by his portrayal of Zheng Yu Xin’s angst.
PS: I included a spoiler tag in your comment to protect new and unsuspecting eyes. 😁
Thank you Fangurl! Yes, that is a spoiler. I made you a meme to apologize for you having to take the time to do this.
@phl1rxd Ahaha!! The meme is SHO CUTE!! 😍😍 Thanks my dear, this was such a fun thing to receive!
That said, no apologies necessary, we all slip up sometimes. ❤️😘
Wow a review already! I actually watched this again just tonight, and loved it just as much as the first time. Even more in some ways since I could see the foreshadowing. I didn’t pick up a lot of details you did KFG, for example I didn’t connect the actors to Nirvana in Fire or Reset! Also I didn’t get the detail about Ming’s identity. Watching in English maybe.
I wonder why the show got poor reviews?
Anyway I love it. I thought it was totally deftly done, it seemed like it was going to be predictable then it quietly sidestepped our predictions, it didn’t try to be sensational but just leaned into the hear of the story, and all the actors were great to me. Having been divorced I also appreciated divorce being it portrayed sensitively and non-judgmentally.
It’s an A+ for me.
Hey @manukajoe! Thanks again for suggesting this movie, I wouldn’t have checked it out otherwise, I don’t think!
As for the detail regarding Ming’s identity,
As for why the show got poor reviews, I do think that it’s a matter of expectations vs. reality. The trailer does imply that this will be a breezy romance, but it turns out to be something quite different, in the end. Those dashed expectations would certainly affect the show’s reputation, I’m sure.
PS: I also tend to think that the English subs glossed over the Ming thing, because it’s hard to translate.
oh interesting! I’ve heard so many negatives for this movie — which I’ve concluded is really a difference in lens. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I really like Wu Lei and ZZF both in general.
If you’re interested in seeing more of Wu Lei, his Crossfire and Our Times (2020 and 2021 respectively) did really well and were pretty well loved.
Oh! I hadn’t realized that the general response to this movie was on the negative side of things! I do think it’s a lens issue, coz if someone were to go into this expecting a cute romance, they’d end up being disappointed. 😅
Thanks for the tip on Wu Lei’s other shows. I’m rather intrigued by the synopsis for Cross Fire, so will put it on my list! ❤️
Cross Fire is one of my fave dramas from 2020 and it’s pretty good indeed. 🙂 I loved all the main characters (well, save for one, for obvious reasons 😆 ), in both timelines. Well worth a rewatch actually. I really liked the story overall, there’s even some romance amongst the gaming and camaraderie.
Ooh, wow, that’s a big statement, that Cross Fire was one of your top dramas of 2020, especially given how few shows have been grabbing your attention these days!
I will dutifully bump it up the list, thanks Timescout! ❤️
I did write a post about it too… so yeah, one to remember allright. 😄
Wow, so the show got you to watch, AND inspired you to write? It must be pretty darn solid, then! 😁😉
And guess what, I even like the OST a lot. 😁 I think it fits the drama. The main theme by Lu Han is quite inspirational.^^
Where can I watch 穿越火线 Cross Fire?
Oh it’s on Youtube, cool.
But no English Subs, despite what it says. Dammit.
Oh here it is I think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neyis9qjUdM
@Timescout – Do you have a blog? Or did you post about it somewhere in KFG’s blog? If it’s available on the web, I’d like to read the Crossfire post.
@Beez – Timescout has a great site. Here is the link -https://atouchofdrama.wordpress.com/2020/12/12/thoughts-on-cross-fire/