Meet Yourself (2023)

Bravo!

Although not your typical fast paced, action packed drama, it’s a refreshingly beautiful healing drama with lots of smiles, giggles and some tears. Great casting! From the Main cast, the grannies, the kids to the gossiping villagers, loved them all! A Beautifully written script complemented with great directing, stunning film location in Yunnan, superb cinematography and the best onscreen chemistry among all of the cast members I’ve seen thus far, made this a winner for me.

Crystal Liu and Li Xian portrayed such an innocent, yet beautiful matured adult relationship with no scheming nor pretense. I do hope they have the chance to collaborate together again in the future.

Yes, this will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you have gone through at least one of the struggles referred to in the drama, you’ll get it and love it.

Thank you for creating a beautiful drama!

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One word: Charming

I am generally an impatient person and can’t watch anything beyond 20 episodes but I ran out of shows to watch and decided to watch this, expecting to leave this in the background. 3 episodes in and I am glued to the sofa.

Absolutely charming drama. It’s slow paced, slow burn but it is exactly this that made it so so so charming.

I have sobbed and laughed at dramas but this is one of the first where I had tears from being touched. The slow pace had me attached to all the characters, had me shedding tears when they did. It’s almost as if I got to know them irl.

I am a sucker for romance and while this is super slow burn and doesn’t have many romantic scenes, I can only say - I appreciate that, I love that the focus isn’t on the romance.

I am elated, beyond elated that I found this drama (I only found out later that it is super popular). Give this a chance, even if you are impatient.

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Charming and Charmed.

I was full of anticipation upon knowing that Li Xian (LX) and Liu Yi Fei (LYF) were the ML and FL of this drama. I have watched LX in other dramas and I like this charming young man. He, to me, is not the most handsome of the lot but he is absolutely charming! I watched LYF in "Dream of Splendor" and I was charmed by both her beauty and her acting ability.

Let me get back to this drama - Meet Yourself. I highly recommend this drama. I would not label it as a "healing or therapeutic" drama. I'd label it as a "meandering" drama of growth where the different people in the drama gradually discover their strengths (and dreams) and overcome their weaknesses (and get over their hurts).

What I loved about this drama:
- The cast was fantastic. Shout out to Ah Nai who is truly "China's National Grandmama". She was adorable and extremely natural and believable as Ah Nai. She lit up the screen when she appeared and often, she stole the thunder when she showed her feisty side by whacking Xie Zhi Yuan and the men who came to riot. Shout out to the ML and FL who truly made the show so very watchable. I really enjoyed watching how they fell in love and how they ended up together and how they tried to make their relationship work. Everything seemed very organic and real which, to me, is great. Almost everyone else in the cast was really great too. The acting is top-notch. Even the little kids were adorable. They acted very well. :)
- I liked how loving FL's family members were. They rallied around her and her parents were so cute, especially her mother. FL's mother's laughter is contagious. :)
- The OST suits the show.
- The setting of the countryside is breathtaking and I think a good break for us, city-dwellers, to escape to even if vicariously.
- I liked the clever script/ dialogue which was both witty and meaningful. :)
- Things are happening but there's very little angst.
- Happy ending where everyone wins/ succeeds!

What I didn't like so much but wasn't that big a deal:
- I felt that Hu Lao Shi was a negligible character. The story would have been good or even better without him. I found him quite a pain to watch.
- Some parts were just a little draggy but "fast-forward" button works wonders!

All in all, this drama is a must-watch for the superb cast and the beautiful scenery. It is a gentle and relaxing watch with every little angst but there are both big things and little things that are constantly happening as with our own lives. This is a slice-of-life drama done right and done beautifully. I have also learnt that (1) "what does not kill us makes us stronger" and that (2) "one must work hard towards one's dreams to make them a reality" and that (3) "even though the path towards success and accomplishment is treacherous, one will get there somehow/ eventually". Life and the people we meet will help us to meet ourselves.

I highly recommend it!

Leggi di Più

What a Wonderful Drama!

There have been so many disappointing dramas lately, that start off fairly good, but then go down the drain due to poor screenwriting, directing and storyline, but this is not one of those. Kudos to the screenwriters, Director, and the exceptional ensemble cast for creating such a beautiful, heartwarming story!
It may first appear to be a very simple story, but as it unfolds, you can enjoy the richness of the characters of this community.
We get to know the characters in a very natural, flowing way, which made me care about each and every one of them.
The scenery and cinematography are travelog worthy and had me checking the map several times as I planned a potential trip to the area in the future. Cultural traditions are honored and presented in a way that we can appreciate all that is involved in preserving a cultural heritage.
The rhythm of life that is portrayed in the drama, affected my daily rhythm in a positive, healing way, and I actually slept better while watching this drama.
The characters are a delight, from the youngest children to the oldest grannies, and of course our main young couple, whose romance was beautifully developed.
I generally do not rewatch dramas, but I will be rewatching this one. Rewatching it will be like going to visit some dear friends. I wish they were planning a season 2, but I have not heard anything about that.
This is a beautiful drama, and I highly recommend it!

Leggi di Più

Like a warm hug, cozy blanket, and soup for the soul

This drama is one of kind. With a rather simple premise of finding yourself, it manages to be authentic and profound yet gentle and calming. It is not plot driven, but instead a story of characters and so many good conversations. Much like real life, every episode shows the day to day that seems rather insignificant at first, but it is those little moments that make up the whole. Overall, this drama felt like a lesson in mindfulness. Slow the mind and tune into your senses and just be. It was calming and therapeutic, but never boring. I was also very surprised how many times I cried or was deeply touched in this drama, and I do not typically cry easily in my drama watching.

Just a few wonderful parts I loved:
our main leads’ natural chemistry and lovely relationship progression
gorgeous cinematography and natural environment
random cats in the inn courtyard
adorable village children living their best free range life
village elders, especially my hero Granny
OST and sound effects

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Absolute Perfection!

Strong bow of thanks to the teams that brought us this series!! I saw a comment that said this show is like “chicken soup for the soul” and I couldn’t agree more. I could watch 100 episodes of it.
Not many cdrama storylines can hold my attention 100% … i tend to fast-forward through sub plots but not this one. I am invested EVERY EPISODE in all the characters, they are each lovely. The kids are adorable and i cherish the scenes they are in … Loving it all so far. UPDATE :: Just finished and it was absolute perfection up to the last note and ending credits. Not a single detail missed - how can I sum up my love for this series!? Tied for my FAVORITE cdrama for sure (with Rise of Phoenix-although completely diff from each other). If you could imagine a story that leaves you so relaxed, as if sitting in the sun on the beach, walking through the cool forest, enjoying a breeze on a bright spring day … it’s that type of vibe. Incredibly lovely, detailed and moving storyline, characters, chemistry.. a lasting lasting impression for sure. I could go ion and on with all the details I loved about it. Truly truly truly deserves a 10 all around.

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Masterpiece of healing dramas

If you want a healing romance which can take away your stress, just watch this one.. i have very rarely given 10 stars to dramas, but it deserves a complete 10.. village setting, amazing scenery, day to day life and slow burn romance can be this good, I had never imagined this before watching this, total masterpiece!!
The lead couple has amazing chemistry, the romance is very sweet and side stories are also too good that i couldn't skip any scene.. it was a real treat to watch this one 💯❤️..
Don't miss this, you can watch dramas like this very rarely these days..

Leggi di Più

Amazing drama

This drama is so full of love,very relaxing, amazing, and the beautiful sceneries that captures my heart❤️🥰 it is a total package of lessons about life and reality,it gave so much inspirations to people just like me being inspired by their story and sometimes relatable in my situation as well. i really appreciate the characters of the story that also make me fall in love to the casts 🥰,they portrayed the drama so adorable. So amazing drama...it can heal a wounded heart like mine...and the beautiful scenes that made me wanted to go and live there🤭😄it made me think to start a new life with that kind of living,a happy neighborhood,lovable friends just like a whole happy family that is not perfect but the imperfections that normal or just natural but kindhearted people around me,even though they have flaws it's just normal to people but what i really love is that they are pure and kind...loving this kind of drama,it gives a positive impact to our lives.

Leggi di Più

Best Slice of Life and healing drama to date

Few dramas can capture the essence of life as Meet Yourself has done. This drama was impeccable from start to finish and all the characters are unique, fully fleshed out and endearing in their own way. Love the cast and their brilliant acting and OMG, the writing is superb - I genuinely laughed out loud at very funny and memorable lines. It is such a refreshing and relaxing watch. Love the actress in this - her acting is so on point and very nuanced and realistic, she is like an observer, although the lead - she isn’t unnecessarily placed or directed to act as the main character - she blends into the tranquility of village life and its people making the collective story shine even more. She and the male lead are excellent in their craft and has this rare natural chemistry that developed over time - no modern romcom tropes. The male lead is so hilarious- a well rounded character and a pivotal glue across families. This drama is so beautiful- it speaks to the heart and evokes my longing for simplicity, and thought provoking with all its lessons about love, friendship and family and what really matters in life. Watch this - all worth it.

Leggi di Più

Find solace in a place where the wind blows

"Meet Yourself" is a truly exceptional Chinese drama that shines brightly in the realm of contemporary television. With Liu Yifei and Li Xian at the helm, the acting in this drama is nothing short of outstanding. Their on-screen chemistry and emotional depth bring the characters to life in a way that is both relatable and sentimental.

The beauty of "Meet Yourself" extends beyond the performances; it's also a visual treat. The stunning cinematography, capturing the ever-changing windswept landscapes, is a testament to the show's dedication to aesthetics. Every frame feels like a work of art, and the scenery becomes a character in itself, providing a sense of solace and reflection for both the characters and the audience.

But it's not just about aesthetics; "Meet Yourself" weaves a profound storyline that delves into the intricacies of self-discovery. The characters embark on a journey of introspection, grappling with their pasts and embracing their true selves. The narrative unfolds in a way that is poetic and moving, offering viewers a mirror to reflect on their own lives and the paths they've taken.

"Meet Yourself" is more than just a drama; it's a contemplative experience, an invitation to find solace in a world where the wind blows, carrying with it the whispers of profound truths. If you're seeking a meaningful, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant show, this is a must-watch that will stay with you long after the final episode.

Leggi di Più

Heart moving and heart warming

This drama is about the small things in life - laughing with friends, sharing a meal or taking a moment to feel the wind on your face.

The drama deals with loss in the 21st century - with each character arriving at a homestay in a small village called Yun Miao for a reason. As you watch, those characters become your friends and you feel yourself wishing them well - and as they undergo the journey of healing and self discovery, you find yourself learning something in the process as well.

Overall, the drama is very relaxing and enjoyable to watch, although, there may be times where you may find yourself crying at the most unexpected scenes - I certainly did. The drama (including the romance between the main couple) is a natural slow burn, wholesome and real. If you're looking for a green flag couple - this is it!

P.S If you love cats then you're in luck - there's a good amount of cute cat footage throughout this entire drama!

Leggi di Più

Too long for an uneven pacing SLOW healing drama.

Subjective Gut Rating - 8.25

“Meet Yourself” is a beloved drama here on MDL and I can see why so many people are in love with it. I was hoping to love it too, but unfortunately, I only like it. I hesitated to watch this due to its rave reviews and I need time to ensure I am in the right mood to watch this drama. Objectively, this is a great drama but for my subjective rating of my personal satisfaction and enjoyment, I can only give it an. 8.25. I have two main criticisms only but they are enough to prevent me from truly enjoying the drama.


What I Like:

1. Grandma Xie - Who doesn’t love grandma??? She’s witty and funny, and it’s a ray of beautiful sunshine. I love how she defends her loved ones both verbally, physically and emotionally. I love her intelligent way of pulling strings behind the scenes to get what she wants. We need more grandmas like her!

2. Sceneries - Can’t really argue with the picturesque landscapes and relaxing sceneries in this drama. I want to visit this little village and take a long vacation as well. I really like the boarding house with the courtyard, even if it doesn’t have good soundproofing and I might fall on my face when walking down those cobblestones.

3. Acting - Great acting all around… from the youngest to the oldest. Those four child actors are amazing and I believe they use their own voices and speak the lines themselves. The main cast did not disappoint, nor the supporting cast.

4. No annoying characters -Oftentimes, dramas set in the rural areas or countryside will have annoying side characters or villagers. I actually like all the aunties and grannies in this drama. They are loud, but they are not annoying and each of them has their own personalities.

5. Chemistry - Though I think the romance is a little too slow burn, I do think once Xu Hong Dou and Xie Zhi Yao get together, they have really good chemistry. Their display of affection and skin feel natural and mature.


What I have Mixed Feelings or Don’t Like:

1. Slow Pacing - My biggest criticism is the pacing of the drama. I understand this is a healing, relaxing slice-of-life drama. I’ve seen my share of them as well. But the first 20 episodes really are slow with nothing much happening. 40 episodes for a healing drama is too much. I feel that the drama could have spent some time on the stories of the supporting cast in the first half, instead of jamming them all in the second half. There are so many interesting stories that could have been explored more instead of doing so half-heartedly.. The romance can be slow-burn, but when everything is slow, the slow burn romance feels even slower. I am a binge-watcher and I keep on falling asleep (I am also tired from work). Even though I stopped binge-watching and watched only a couple episodes a day, the drama still doesn’t hold my attention throughout. I find myself not tempted to hit the “play” button for the next episode. If I wasn’t persistent in continuing, I could have easily dropped it within the first 20 episodes.

2. Music - I actually quite like the songs in the soundtrack. BUT, they play the songs waaaay too often and too loud, and often the same songs repeatedly for many episodes.. For a healing drama in the countryside, I would have liked to have fewer songs with lyrics blasting when the actors are speaking their lines. Maybe some relaxing instrumental background music to complement the tranquility of the drama (but will I fall asleep more? Mmm….). I was quite annoyed with all the singing.


I would definitely recommend this drama if you are in the mood for a slow, healing, slice-of-life drama. It has beautiful scenery, excellent acting and a very fun supporting cast. The drama is just too slow for me. Additionally, this drama should not be compared to the Korean drama “Hometown Cha Cha Cha”. HCCC is a rom-com with annoying characters. “Meet Yourself” is totally different. Two very different genres and feel to them.


Other Random Observations:
1. FL has so many pairs of sunglasses.
2. There’s a lot of cooking and eating.
3. There are some pretty funny moments, and lovely conversations.
4. Those 4 kids warm and break my heart.
5. Ep 19 is one of my favorite episodes - the mushroom episode brought out so many different emotions.
6. Reminds me of the Taiwanese drama “A Thousand Goodnights”. Both dramas are like promotions from the local Tourism Board.



Completed: 9/12/2023 - Review #353

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