Ingrid_Underwater

I started this drama mainly because I like Zhang Yuxi, and also, I really like the title "Deep Affection Eyes". I began watching when it was around episode 15 and then found myself waiting every day for the new episodes to drop so I could keep up. That already tells you it hooked me.

The story itself feels fresh compared to the usual idol romantic drama setups. The male lead has mental health struggles and lives quietly in a small town as a freelancer. The female lead is strong, proactive, and the one who initiates and leads the relationship. That alone makes the drama feel different from the standard formula.

This is not an award-winning masterpiece, but in the idol romance category, I'd happily rate it 8/10. Here's why:

The leads have real chemistry. Their interactions feel natural, and the intimate scenes are filmed beautifully, artistic, soft, and blush-worthy without being awkward or cringey. Unlike some Western shows that go for raw, overly-direct love scenes that feel like low-quality porn, this drama actually knows how to make intimacy look romantic.

Cliché plots are there, but not dragged out. Yes, you'll find the classic misunderstandings, like one doesn't finish explaining and the other misunderstands. But thankfully, all those conflicts get cleared up within one or two episodes.

The character setup feels fresh. The male lead's vulnerability and the female lead's strength make a unique dynamic. It's not just another cookie-cutter romance.

The story flows really well. That might sound like a simple "filler" compliment, but it's actually very important, the way a writer and director tell a story can make or break a drama. It's like baking a cake with the same ingredients: the portions (or in a drama's case, the storytelling approach) determine whether the result is delicious or a total flop.

Before I even start, let me just say this: I'm 100% sure this review is going to get downvoted by anti-s of Yang Mi. So if you're interested in the drama, my advice is: ignore the ratings and read real reviews to decide if you want to watch it.

I've had This Thriving Land on my watchlist just because I liked the title. The show is adapted from an award-winning novel. The original story is much darker, heavier, and more suppressed. But the drama clearly leaned into the meaning of its title literally "This Thriving Land" or "All Things Born", and turned into something more uplifting, inspiring, and light. That said, it still keeps some serious and darker layers, so it's not all sunshine.

Overall, I'd rate the drama 8/10. The quality across the beginning, middle, and end feels uneven, so let me break it down:

First 10 episodes: 10/10. The start is so good. The plot is engaging, the pacing is tight, and the female lead is portrayed solidly within the first 5 episodes. It hooked me right away.

Middle episodes: 7/10. Here's where the story feels a little lost. The characters themselves are good people doing the right things, but the story doesn't give the audience enough reason to understand or support their actions. Sometimes it even makes you sympathize with the villains more, which is a writing flaw. We know who the protagonists are supposed to be, but the perspective just isn't persuasive enough.

Final 10 episodes: 9.5/10. The quality picks back up. The ending especially stood out to me! I really liked it and felt it wrapped up pretty well.

Now, let's talk highlights. For me, the standout is definitely Yang Mi's character, Xiuxiu. The scene where she cuts ties with her father after learning he deliberately didn't save her from bandits. That hit hard. It shows Xiuxiu as determined, self-respecting, and brave young woman.

Another highlight is Xiuxiu's sister, Susu. She doesn't have one single defining moment in my view, but every single time she's on screen, she feels so endearing. Honestly, I felt like I was looking at my own little sister (and I don't even have one!). She's adorable and always stands up for Xiuxiu when she's mistreated. I really loved her character, which makes her ending all the more heartbreaking. (Sob sob T_T)

So yes, while This Thriving Land isn't perfect (the middle could've been stronger), the strong first 10 and last 10 episodes make up for the weaker middle, making it still worth watching.

I've heard about Teacher Zhang Guimei's story from the news and articles. She's truly an inspiration and someone I really admire. This show tells the amazing story of how she started a free girls-only high school in a remote mountain village. It covers everything! Free tuition, living costs like food and dorm, all of it.

Since I already knew about her story, I thought the show would be super heavy and full of sad parts that try to make you cry. But it's not like that. The show doesn't drag out the tough stuff. Even when it talks about inequality, poverty, or setbacks, it adds just enough humor and warmth to keep things light and easy to watch.

I actually didn't cry during the sad parts, not even once. I only cried happy tears, like when all the girls got into college. That moment really got me.

The show isn't just great because it's based on a real person who did great things to help rural girls, it's also really well made. The script is good, the acting is great, and the quality is solid all around. It's 100% worth watching. Definitely add it to your drama list.