Meet Yourself

This is my second foray into a C-drama series. I thought it might be cutesy and slapstick like many others but this series is far from it. The 40-episode commitment almost put me off but the trailer appealed to me because of its soft approach to humanity.

To be honest, I almost gave up after episode 1 because I was already crying buckets. I thought if the rest of the series was like this, I wouldn't be able to make it through the series. I somehow perservered because the series captured the quaint village, its lifestyle, quirky characters and beautiful countryside.

The dialogue is written well - especially for the lead roles. The conversations are real and meaningful, giving you good insights into human emotions and behaviour.

The two lead actors Liu Yifei and Li Xian are of course not new to acting. They carried out their roles well, making you root for them almost right from the start. Li Xian is very convincing as a country boy with some city life experience; Liu Yifei is the cool city chick who comes to the quaint village to fulfil a promise. Good casting of the leads because they are totally believable as a couple.

Watch it, cry a little, then watch key scenes over again!

While I have enjoyed watching many Chinese dramas, I always felt there was something lacking in all of them. Maybe it was creativity or chemistry between the leads or poor acting by some of the characters. This one however is so terrific that the small flaws are more than compensated by the wonderful characters, beautiful cinematography and the enchanting story of the grief stricken, burnt out hotel executive who takes a break from life at a charming rural village. The show is chockful of intriguing characters and their back stories. The granny is "THE" granny everyone would love in their life. The male lead is virtuous, handsome and enterprising yet clumsy in love. I have never wanted to travel to China until I watched this show and now would love to travel to the area. It highlights the traditions, craft and food of the Bai people but it is very well integrated into the story so it never feels out of place. I could not recommend this show enough.

I'm not the type to watch mainstream media but as someone who has done a lot of backpacking, including in Yunnan, Meet Yourself filled me with nostalgia for simpler times. The experience of a bunch of misfits turning up to the same location and serendipitously making great friendships is a beautiful and rare thing, but an experience known to many that have spent years on the road.

The scenic setting in Yunnan is also critical to the experience of the show. Hard to think of anywhere better in the world for a show like this to be filmed.

I may be too old these days to relive those times, but I was briefly able to by watching Meet Yourself. Beautiful show.

A delightful and heartwarming movie that celebrates the power of relationships, family love, and romance in a small, close-knit village. Directed with care and finesse, the film beautifully captures the essence of community and the bonds that connect its diverse inhabitants.

Set in the picturesque countryside, the story revolves around the lives of several families and individuals living in a charming village. As we dive into their everyday lives, we witness the intricate web of relationships and the unique dynamics that exist within this tight-knit community.

Beyond the central romance, "Meet Yourself " skillfully weaves together several subplots, each delving into different aspects of relationships and family dynamics. From the heartwarming bond between a grandmother and her grandsons to the unconditional love shared between siblings, the film adeptly portrays the various facets of love in all its forms.

The ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances, effortlessly breathing life into their characters. Their chemistry and genuine portrayals create an immersive experience, allowing the audience to connect deeply with their joys, sorrows, and triumphs.

What sets this film apart is its ability to evoke a strong sense of community. The small village serves as a character in itself, with its quaint streets and bustling marketplaces. The attention to detail in the production design transports viewers into this idyllic world, where neighbors look out for one another and everyone is invested in each other's happiness.

The movie is a visual treat, with breathtaking cinematography that captures the rustic beauty of the village and its surrounding landscapes. The film's gentle pace allows the audience to immerse themselves fully in the lives of the characters, and the soothing soundtrack adds an extra layer of warmth and charm to the storytelling.

Overall, "Meet Yourself" is a feel-good film that celebrates the power of love, family, and community. It reminds us of the importance of human connections, the beauty of simple pleasures, and the strength we find when we lean on one another. This wholesome family story leaves the audience with a warm glow in their hearts and a renewed appreciation for the bonds that make life truly meaningful.

Sigh...

I absolutely adore how beautifully this drama is made, the editing and production too. ( and the music!)

The scenery and the locations where it was recorded are so out of this world and so gorgeous you will find yourself googling trying to see how much the flights to Kunming are.

A series thats extremely emotional, raw and heartbreaking pulling your heartstrings and making you thinking A LOT about the meaning of life and what's important. A journey of the female lead trying to overcome her feelings when her best friend dies but also the beautiful stories of everyone she meets during that journey.

When you finish you will feel elated, filled with hope and renovated. The message is very lifting and hopefully you change your perspective about life and start doing things that makes you happy and not what society expect from you.

The acting is just natural, it looks like they are just living their life and someone left a camera and recorded everything by accident.

Crystal Liu has a very unique, sweet and subtle way of acting and I have been a fan since I watched the amazing A dream of splendor.

But my surprise was to see Li Xian in this role, I have only watched him on Go Go Squid and woow what a change. His previous role was the super typical cliché bad cold guy that they love in cdramas (he literally frowns during the whole series). But in this one??? He will make you melt. Naturally charming, goofy and tender, he won't stop smiling. I genuinely enjoyed his role and how he played this character. I also need to mention this has to be the LEAST toxic male lead ever he was just empowering and confident the whole time.

The chemistry between the leads is great although is a very real life kind of relationship, so don't expect typical romance cliches you are used to in dramaland you won't find them here. But that's a good thing.

I would have maybe given less rating because the drama is the literal definition of slow burn, very slooooow and if you are impatient like me, you will struggle at times. But you have to stop, focus on what's happening and the conversations going ( all of them very relevant) and enjoy the journey.

Watch it, you won't regret it and I hope they will make more dramas like this!