Going To 18 (2022)

Nostalgic and Slice of Life of the 90s

Never Grow Old aka Going to 18 aka Hello, Yesterday is a slice of life drama set in the 1990s, definitely gives a major nostalgic vibe for those who were born in the 90s or remember the late 90s.
The story is based on 6 close-knitted high school friends and their neighborhood bond.
It's mostly about them going to school, hanging out, eating, helping the neighborhood/families, and so on. If you watched When We Were Young (2018) then this is highly recommended!
Each of the main 6 youths have different personalities and is quite fun to watch them hang out together.

Gao Zhi Yuan (Guo Jun Chen) is very mellow, yet strict one out of the bunch. He's also considered to be the smartest one, tutors his friends a lot. Although he seems indifferent on the outside, he actually cares a lot for his friends.

Tan Xin(Ren Min) is a very loud, obnoxious girl but studies hard - not your typical dumb female albeit she does have trouble studying sometimes. She's compassionate, and empathetic but also has a short temper. haha There is something off about the way the actress acted out her lines at times, because it feels like she's just "reading" her lines instead of acting, it just didn't blend in with the others at times

Zhou Li Zhi (Annie Sun) considered to be very pretty, she seems to be quite daring, although hesitate initially, but she's willing to try new things that piques her interest. Tan Xin and Li Zhi are cousins, yet surprisingly are not rivals at all.

Chen Cheng (Zhang Zhi Hao) the second smartest of the group but I think he can come off as arrogant or too much confidence initially. He's just as loud as Tan Xin sometimes. However, he's an honest guy through and through and is willing to help a friend in need, will choose his friends over a girl. haha He's seems like a family guy, he's quite affectionate towards his sister and grandma.

Guo Fu Cheng (Li Xing Chen) First of all his name reminds me of the actual celebrity every single time he pops up. LOL I digress, his character is one of my favorites because his acting is so natural yet so hilarious. He's definitely the comedic relief in this drama. It's his expression that makes it so funny and I freaken loved it. haha

Ma XIao Yi (Jiang Guan Nan) his character came in later in the drama with a lot of misunderstandings. He seems tough and was mistaken as a big bully but in reality he's a softie who just wants genuine friends. I like his duality with Guo Fu Cheng cause they were funny together.

The cinematography reminds me of When We Were Young because they would edit a scene towards the end as if to expose someone's hidden tricks. haha Every episode has some kind of meaning which is quite a nice touch.


Is there romance in this drama? Not really per say, just crushes. There's a lot of subtle eye contact or peaking at someone, you just have to be aware of the characters' body lanague/facial expressions to notice it. Were there infuriating charaters? Definitely but that's to be expected from old school Chinese families and their expectation of a "son/daughter-in-law." Love triangles? Nope.
Would I recommend? Yes, definitely if you just want to chill and not pull your hair out.

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Personal rating

Never Grow Old

Casts: #RenMin and #GouJunchen
Genre: Youth/family urban drama
Number of episodes: 24
Broadcast platform: Youku TV
Personal rating: 10/10

Synopsis

Strength:

• I've always been a fan of urban dramas and this one has to be one of my favorite urban drama. This drama provides something that I've looking for a youth drama.The plot is so good as it addresses different societal issues such as fixed marriages, family quarrel, neighborhood gossips, youth issues, and etc. The way the whole drama describes how bond is stronger than blood, and how blood is thicker than water.

• Ren Min and Gou Junchen have that chemistry which can not be seen by physical contact nor by intimate scenes. In fact, they compliment each other really well despite the drama being wholesome. Two persons don't need to be intimate to see if they have chemistry. They just have that by existing. Char HAHA

• I've also want to point out how balance the scenes and the sequence of every scenes are. Like, it isn't too dramatic, nor too funny. It's just in moderation. But one thing is for sure, it gives you the emotions that you can only have at home. As I've said, it's one realistic drama which will make you think that these things happen in reality. Say for example, every person differ from one another just like how students differ from another student. Some are not really stupid, nor dumb, they just often had a hard time understanding context and clues. Some are also not that smart, but since they work so hard, they get a lot of grades. Each individual have their own specific coping up mechanism.

• The drama describes bond as stronger than blood. If you have watched the drama, you know what I mean.

• Life lessons:
- Education is meant for everyone. No matter what circumstances, if you want to go to school, you can. Don't listen to people saying you're too old for school, education is for everyone.
- Never marry off your daughter to someone who you barely knew. The tendency of failed marriage is high.
- Expecting doesn't hurt, assuming does.
- Bond is stronger than blood.
- Family should always be above all priority.
- Grades is not a measurement of someone's worth.
- Love can always wait.

• One thing, you will fall in love with all the casts. I love the kids and their parents. 😭 it's a family, or community goal for me.

Weakness

• While the drama is so good for my personal taste, I think the only lacking is the love lines. Well, I think since the drama focuses on family, and the community they're living in, it's forgivable. I just wish they could have add a spice of love. This one literally has no "kilig" moments, mga minors lang. 😅 I think it's good though. Junchen and Ren Min looks like they're siblings tho.

Over all, the drama is so good that I had a hard time moving on from everyone in the drama including the parents. 🤧

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