When I Fly Towards You (2023)

Who said found footage doesn’t work?

I tend to watch coming-of-age dramas in bursts then I'd swear I'll never watch another one! I must be in my manic phase when I watched 3 such dramas recently . . . in a row.

Let’s focus on this show for now. Our leads are 16 years old high school students when we meet them. Typically, such shows would cover the period leading up to the all prevailing college entrance exams and some would go beyond that. This show walks the same well-trodden path. What sets this apart is a well written script that contains all the usual tropes, but it uses them rather than being subsumed by them.

On top of that, the leads played their roles well and they infused a certain warmth and je ne sais quoi to their story. The FL is in her elements. Her spunky personality and infectious smile make her so lovable. She takes no prisoners when it comes to dealing with love rivals, but she'd let her suitors down gently.

The pacing of the show is nice and steady. This is helped by a shortish 24 episodes run. There is little need for mindless filler subplots. However, I would venture to say that they probably spend too much time in their early years. Two third of the show is taken up with the first 2 years of their senior high school. The critical Gao Kao year is greatly compressed. Ditto their college years. The first year did get some attention but then it largely skips ahead to their college graduation. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with this because their school related plots are quite constrained as some topics are simply too taboo for the censors. They can finally explore their relationship to the full after they left school.

Acting overall is solid from the ensemble cast. The 2CP is well matched but they are a bit awkward around each other until they finally confessed their feelings and change status from friends to lovers. Overall, the show is very cute and sweet. The FL's parents are gems. The ML's more problematic but they do change for the better later on.

As I mentioned before, most of the plots are well written with one exception. When the FL worked as an intern, she was taken to a banquet for a big client. The setup is the classic honey trap with the pretty young thing sitting next to the middle-aged client. Of course, he starts to get handsy. This is nothing new to c-dramas and many nasty subplots start from there. Luckily, she managed to excuse herself but her manager later sent her a text saying that she is in the wrong and should self-reflect on her mistake.

Ok, I’m not a prude but in a show full of positive messages about youths and new horizons, this stood out like a sore thumb. How can a young intern be at fault when she is a victim of harassment? Should she have seduced the client instead?! This just served to propagate the horrid cliché. I understand that it allows the ML to play hero and comes to her rescue but the payoff is not worth it, IMHO.

Nevertheless, I still consider this to be a superior show. The positives far outweigh the negatives. I can recommend this show wholeheartedly. OST is nice and catchy. Rewatch will not be a chore.

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Simple, sweet and pure kind of love.

I genuinely enjoyed this drama. Best youth drama so far! It has the right amount of sweetness and fluffiness.

This drama brought me back to my high school days where everything was simple and less complicated.

The simplicity and purity of the relationship between the two main leads/characters make the series outstanding.


That scene where they countdown to doomsday was so hilarious yet so precious. Their frienship really bloomed beyond time and season.

I hope these young actors can fly high as their dreams in the drama. Jiayo! Job well done!

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Major BUTTERFLIES. Honest and cute school drama

Absolutely recommend for those who are just getting into cdramas or like lighthearted and sweet dramas! This is for sure a low drama type of show that can drag on a bit at the beginning, but the character development of all five friends is incredible, and they truly bring out the best in each other. I would compare this to Falling Into Your Smile, Love020, and Put Your Head On My Shoulder in its pure romance first love type of vibes. I also loved the main characters’ acting, especially Su Zai Zai (it was easy to see why Zhang Lu Rang liked her). Their chemistry was spot on and gave me so many butterflies. Lastly, this is definitely a she fell first but he fell harder show. Probably my favorite show since 2021!

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THE BEST HIGHSCHOOL DRAMA FOR ME

From the story plot, characters, casting, visual effects, down to the OSTs, I can't think of another Cdrama that can make you feel more at home. There's nothing negative I can say about this drama, except that I wish it had unlimited episodes so I could see what happens to the characters afterwards.

It's a soft and fluffy series that evokes beautiful memories of high school. The friendships portrayed are wholesome, and all the characters are lovable. The main leads, ML and FL, are the epitome of a perfect couple. They face their problems together by communicating openly. I adore the FL's character; she knows her worth and doesn't seek sympathy from others. She's independent and capable of solving her own problems. As for the ML, he's refreshingly flawed, unlike other characters who are multitalented and excel in everything. This imperfection makes Lu Rang perfect for Su Zai Zai.

The entire story is a masterpiece, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. With each episode, I find myself transported back to my own school memories. It's the best Cdrama for me, and I believe it will be hard to find another one that can replace it. It will forever hold a special place in my heart.

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An incredibly beautiful drama that everybody should watch at least once

First of all, I hardly right reviews so I think that in itself is a testament to how much love I hold for this drama.
Would I fly to you may intially seem like a typical chinese youth idol drama, loaded with cliches but by the end of the first couple of episodes, you realise that this drama is something that is really special and unique.
Cattree as the director is incredibly skilled at illustrating the beautiful parts of youth; by his choice of the camera angles and shots, the wonderful OST, to the overall aesthetic, it is clear so much effort and precision was afforded to making this drama one that would be remembered by so many people.
I loved how consistent the storylines were, and coupled with the scenes of the digital cameras, viewers will feel a sense of nostalgia that brings a warmness to the heart.
Every character was fleshed out and had distinct personalities; They had their complexities and shortcomings yet they were so incredibly hearywarming that you cant help but love them all like you would love a dear friend.
ZaiZai and RangRang's chemistry was so beautiful to see and their story was developed so well; i truly felt like by the end of episode 24, i was saying bye to my children who has grown up.
I think what i loved most though, was the friendship; it felt so authentic and natural which i think i so hard to see in cdramas.
im so thankful for the existence of this drama. I truly feel like ive been healed and that my heart has been warmed.

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Each other's happy pill

"RangRang" I sure will miss hearing FL calling out to ML. Seriously best youth romance Ive watched in awhile.

FL's love is so unreserved, unpretentious and passionately sincere. I love how ML has always felt her sincerity and his gaze never left her face. This has the best development in terms of first meet to actual start of relationship. Big green flag in how healthy their relationship is. How I wish all FL in other dramas can take a leaf out of Zaizai's book. You can be sweet and direct without being greasy or annoying. Great selfawareness and always given so much positivity to ML.

Infact I find the drama adaptation to be even better than the novel. Director has removed some of their conundrums and I believe its better without them.

Last but not least, second leads were thoroughly cute too. Their friend GuanFang and his grandma tugs at my heartstrings.

Im already rewatching just as soon as I completed this drama. Thats how lovely it is and how much its worth spending time with my fav characters.

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Best Female and Male Lead

The amount of love I have for this shows and the leads is unmatched. I have never felt this way about a show before. Su Zaizai is a kind, extroverted girl with a crush on Zhang Lurang a smart, introverted guy. But it's so much mroe than that. The writers wrote an incredible story showcasing a sweet green flag relationship in a coming of age setting. I have never seen a lead like Zaizai. She never backs down when there is an injustice and fights with her powerful words. Lurang is one of the most attentive and kind man I have ever watched on TV and his acts of service for Zaizai is unmatched. There is so much more that I want to talk about, but I don't think I can encapsulate the feeling this show gives me. Please do watch it!

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That famous story of Chirpy cute girl falling for cold genius boy!!!

Looking for a fluffy cringe romance??
Here it is!!

Honestly I watched it because it's from the same author as Hidden Love.
It's a high-school romance where the cute and chirpy girl Su zai zai falls for genius of the school jang lu rang who is ofc cold and introvert!!
Eventually the boy falls for her but harder.
The story is cute but sometimes cringe and I feel su zai zai is little extra at times!
It's a cute story that's all. I m not understanding the buzz of 10/10. It's just a 7 for me.
I am happy with my one time watch. Not gonna watch again though!!

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A Feeling of Nostalgia

The nostalgic video before the big announcement is just the cherry on top. OMG It felt like I was with them throughout their lives.

This CDrama is the first drama I've watched this school break. It made me want to document my life too - and I just bought a hard drive because of it.

When I Fly Towards You takes us on a poignant journey through time, capturing the essence of love, self-discovery, and personal growth with a touch of wistful nostalgia. Set in the early autumn of 2012, within the hallowed halls of Yucai Middle School, this drama unfolds like a treasured collection of memories, stitched together by the characters themselves.

What initially appears to be an unlikely pairing soon evolves into a heartfelt tale of profound connection and emotional transformation. Su Zai Zai's unwavering affection and genuine warmth begin to chip away at the hardened exterior of Zhang Lu Rang, revealing a vulnerable soul yearning for acceptance and understanding.

As the story unfolds, we are treated to glimpses of the characters' lives through their own videographs, beautifully interspersed throughout the drama. These snippets from the past serve as nostalgic windows into their hearts, allowing us to witness the genuine connections formed amidst the chaos of adolescence.

This drama not only resonates with the romantic at heart but also speaks to anyone who has ever faced adversity and sought redemption. It serves as a powerful reminder that love, empathy, and understanding have the potential to transform lives and heal even the deepest wounds.

With its beautifully crafted videographs, this drama becomes a time capsule of emotions—a testament to the power of memory and the bittersweet ache of nostalgia. Prepare to be transported to a place where moments linger like faded photographs, where the laughter and tears of the past intertwine, leaving an indelible imprint on your soul.

When I Fly Towards You is a visually stunning production, with each frame beautifully composed, accentuating the depth of emotions conveyed by the characters. The cinematography captures the delicate nuances of their evolving relationship, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the story.

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when you are happy, record it down and the moment will be happier.

when i fly towards you is a simple chinese youth drama.
the story is simple. love at first sight and you get to see the process of it, being shy to falling in love.

the friendship build tugs your heart and makes you wish that you have these type of friends that stays with you and does not judge you no matter what.

but what made me love this show was:

- each character has their own level of depth, own flavour. which i appreciate a lot. the second leads have their own flavour and everyone has their own stories, being the main character of their own life.

to further expand what i meant by each character has its own flavor. let's take su zaizai. the female as an example, she is vocal and straightforward. she isn't one to suffer from injustice and held her head up because she knew that she has done nothing wrong.

another character will be guan fang. he might be easy-going, but his backstory was one of the best and the most heart warming one for me. from not having any friends to having friends that learnt his past and does not judge him.

each character has their own struggles and might see happy-go-lucky but will be serious when they face problem or to protect their other friends. + their friendship are super precious because they know each other well, stay by their side and provide the help that one need.

while watching the show, you will go ah, i understand why this friendship is formed or i really want this type of friendship.

another thing i enjoyed was that there isn't any miscommunication. even if there is, it is solved quickly. as su zaizai is very vocal, she communicate with rang rang well. + su zaizai knows how to handle with green tea girls!

i also love the second couple which was jiangjia and guran because they are the chaotic type that goes rawr rawr while zaizai and rang rang are more of the relaxing type!

i hope to see a show like this again soon! + please do not leave me!

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so adorable...

I just finished the series and I genuinely feel empty. This series makes you feel like you were there with them, watching them grow up throughout the 24 episodes. I also loved the aesthetics and the way they used the camera as a diary. This c-drama shows you the beautiful youth of the group that'll leave you feeling nostalgic.
The story might seem simple as the story doesn't contain such plot twists or love triangles or a lot of dragging yet it gives comfort :). I also love that the series ended so peacefully and nicely. And not to mention the proposal of Lurang that made me cry 😭 (where can I find Zhang Lurang's?).

I'd recommend this c-drama to people who'd rather like it simple and don't want too much chaos and just cute moments, so if you're not sure if you want to start, please do!!

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A high school youth that everyone wants to experience!!!

Exactly today is the ending of the drama, hence, I am going to speak up my admiration and love to this drama.
The story of your first love being your first boyfriend to being your husband and the father of your child. The main couple were truly a perfect match for each other, they quite compliment each other's personality, and they were each other's happiness and light. What I really like about this drama is the way the female lead keep on documenting her life from the moment that she like the male lead until they become (old), it feels like I am watching someone's handwritten dairy. A truly dream high school life that everyone wanted to experience, a wonderful friendship, a lovely romance, and a youth that you won't forget for the rest of your life. And also, the OST were very beautiful, it really suits the mood of the drama.
Note: The novel of this drama is very recommended to the readers who wants to know more about the inside feelings of the characters.

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