A River Runs Through It (2021)

Friendship, one sided love and dreams.

I loved it. It was refreshing,funny and just cute. I related to the FL's woes with her family tho I'm the youngest ?. The friendship between the main cast was so cute I laughed a lot at their shenanigans I felt like I was one of them. I also found myself liking the second lead along with the FL tho I quickly realised it won't work and gave up unlike her ? I can't believe she kept liking him for so long it didn't make sense tho he's nice and all but he already got someone he liked at some point so... Welp anyways I also liked how the bestie broke up peacefully at the end with that guy it was different. The ml and FL were so good Richard really outdid himself in this drama I loved his character a lot. Most importantly what I liked in the drama is that each character is given a very good realistic persona with good points and flaws they felt real. The only thing I have a complaint about is the ending... Like it was a little abrupt? We needed a little explanation maybe also a closure? It felt a bit rushed I found it lacking!! The time she spent liking the other guy felt more than the time they spent loving each other and to be precise what I mean is her reciprocating his feelings finally. So yeah I felt a little frustrated like we were robbed of The perfect ending. Overall, it was still beautiful.

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realistic take on youth

i will never ever recommend watching this to anyone looking for a fairytale romance.
story and characters: this is a slice of life. it is about youth. a very realistic portrayal of life and love, loss and separation, reunion and complex attachments that happens to most of us. it is highly relatable to many viewers. many may not like the fl because she spent over half the drama pining for the 2ml, who was busy with his own love life. but in reality we all probably know someone like the fl and 2ml, and maybe even a toned down version of the ml. obviously guys like ml are very rare, thats why this is a drama not a documentary.
we often come across someone who is in love with their best friend but never confesses and thinks they are oblivious to their love, but in fact they choose to stay oblivious to keep a precious friendship because of their own strictly platonic feelings. so many people really cant see the good things right in front of them because their heart blinds them to only see what it wants, and its not until late that they finally realize the true worth of things. how often do we see couples breaking up because of their ex coming back? there are also couples really in love but that love isnt enough to sustain their relationship and end up in a push and pull situation, thus breaking up and patching up again and again only to have an ugly separation, and possibly leaves one of them in lifelong regret. some people find everlasting love again after a messy breakup, some people don't move on even after a long time after breakup, some people give in to their regrets but never move on from that one love, some get back with their ex partners to ultimately breakup again with them and finally find their soulmate in someone else, some fall in love and get blind to others and after a long time subconsciously grow to love someone else that they have always relied on, some only just love one person forever and silently stay by their side doing everything for them selflessly just for their happiness. some of them get their happily ever after, some don't. some get their first love as their life partner, some don't get their beloved ever. this is real youth. this is what real people go through. this is what arrti portrayed through 6 characters who grow up and mature over time. growing up means separation, people go their own ways to build their lives, down the line we reconnect with some, while some are lost permanently. also lets not forget that the premise is set in pre 2000s which progresses to early 2000s during which most of the plot happens., so communication through internet wasn't exactly the best. another important part is that, i couldn't bring myself to hate any of the characters, be it lin you or huang jun.
acting: the acting was great actually. my first time watching wang ruichang as ml and this proved that he very well deserves more ml roles. 2nd time watched hu yixuan as fl and she honestly delivered her part well.
production: i wonder where they managed to find such rural looking settings that are actually fitting of pre 2000s society. they also found some pretty scenic locations too. also that song that xiaoju sang for cheng lang was my favourite ost. overall pretty decent production.
one complain is the ending. an ending like that? awful. i get that it was a happy ending but we deserved some more scenes of that.
i am not really into youth dramas, because of mostly the airheaded fls who speak in a baby voice, rich vs poor, love triangle cliches. and i most definitely never watched a slice of life before. so i am impressed by this one as it is my first time. i regret not watching this sooner. but maybe if i had watched it before, i wouldn't have appreciated it as much as i do now, since now i understand the story on a personal level. meaningful friendships, mature characters, and a realistic storyline. overall a good watch for sure.

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A Good Drama About Life and Youth

Keeping the love plot line aside this drama did justise to other aspects of a youth. From school life to being an actual adult, it showed a glimpse of all the important elements a young adult faces in their life at least once.

The story line covered a lot of characters and each character had their own story to tell. There was a lot of heartbreaking things but a beautiful endto complete their own stories. This drama is actually a slice of life kind of drama which actually portrays real life things and not fairytale love.

To me the love triangle between the main leads wasn't the best part and when the third person finally went from their lives (love angle way) their own misunderstandings came in way, THIS WAS THE ONLY THING which did not satisfy me. Also the screen time for the two leads being in love was also very less. I wish we had more of them dating and something but anyways.

The drama is a worth a watch if you have nothing to binge, the sweet moments of these friends and the cute bikering of the main leads will keep you going. Overall it was a fun watch.

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This is a story of monkey love and/or crush and friendship. I enjoyed watching coming of age stories like this. I love watching the character grows and move on in their life. This drama feels more realistic, as we all have that monkey love when we were in school and some grow out of it, some keep it until graduation. Who we ended up with is usually not the one we have the crush with. I like the relationship and chemistry between Xia Xiao Ju and Lu Shi Yi. I think the best kind of romantic relationship is being with your best friend, since you don't have to pretend to be someone else when you're with him. Shi Yi started off like a jerk, but he grew on me and he really cared about Xiao Ju. He just has his own way of showing it. I was rooting for Xiao Ju to be with Shi Yi and not Cheng Lang. The supporting characters are also interesting. It breaks my heart when Huang Jun sang that last song to Le Tao. I can feel their pain and sadness. Lin You is my least favorite character. She is annoying with that annoying voice. I can't stand it whenever she appears on my screen. Unfortunately I was not one that skips scene. Her voice seemed fake and dubbed. Overall, I really like this drama. It is light, heartwarming, and there are many funny moments.

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Amor tem que ser recíproco, não uma obrigação

Geralmente quando um drama tem potencial para ser bom eu gosto de pontuar o que pra mim podia melhorar pra que ele seja bom ou ótimo. A River Runs Throught It, assim como muitos dramas chineses escolares tem aquela atmosfera antiga que realmente te envolve, contando com celulares sem muitas funções, roupas coloridas, complicações escolares e me fez chorar ao retratar a preferência da mãe de Xia Xiao ao seu irmão mais novo, bem como me fez ansiar por cada episódio para saber quando Lu Shiyi finalmente se declararia deixando Xia Xiao saber seus sentimentos verdadeiros. E sim, Xia Xiao não está totalmente cega por Cheng Lang, no fundo percebemos que ela está admirando as qualidades de Lu Shiyi ao ponto de suspeitar que talvez ele goste dela. Mas qual o problema? Porque ela insistentemente volta a pensar em Cheng Lang que só a vê como amiga? Sim, por incrível que pareça é por causa de Lu Shyi. Esse personagem consegue se aproximar dela, mas infelizmente quando estão na mesma vibe, ele nunca avança, a deixando sem compreender seu comportamento, que nestes momentos o torna desinteressado e até agressivo. Ou seja, sempre quando ele está perto o suficiente para fazê- la esquecer Cheng Lang ele retorna ao mesmo Lu Shiyi imaturo. Quando finalmente chega o momento, ele acaba fazendo isso de forma desajeitada, violenta e, lógico que para ela que já havia se acostumado ou não com seu lado imaturo briguento, uma confissão é um baque, ao ponto de ela achar que é uma brincadeira sem graça. E ele forçando a barra depois disso, a obrigando a ser sua namorada, tornou o drama ainda mais tóxico e digno de ser abandonado. Acho que a única história interessante, de fato era a de Qiu Le tao, essa garota foi muito forte e decidida quando deu uma chance para Huang Jun e quando pôs fim a eles também. Amei o final deles, ela conseguiu se livrar daquele relacionamento tóxico, afinal a verdadeira infidelidade é quando não somos fiéis a nós mesmos e ela não podia suportar mais aquilo,ela não seria fiel ela a mesma se continuasse a suportar. Então esse drama teria sido melhor se Lu Shiyi não tivesse sido uma pessoa bipolar, ora sou bom para Xia Xiao, ora sou o cara mau que a confunde e a deixa. Isto não é romance, obrigar alguém a ver que você é a pessoa certa, isso só diminuía o Q.I dela a torna vulnerável, e esse comportamento a fazia esquecer rapidamente os poucos gestos cavalheirescos que ele teve com ela um dia. E sim Xia Xiao era cega por Cheng Lang, essa personagem sofria sem motivo por alguém que nem sequer soube de seu sofrimento, sim em certo momento sim, mas será que Cheng Lang valia tudo isso? Mesmo que Lu Shiyi não existisse, acredito que até agora ela estaria admirando Cheng Lang. Percebo que ela se apaixonou por quem Cheng Lang era, um garoto que a tratava bem, gentil, atencioso mas que era assim no geral, ela devia ter separado as qualidades de Cheng Lang de seu lado amoroso e ela saberia a resposta, ele nunca foi além disso, querendo estar ao lado dela sempre, esse era Lu Shiyi, mas infelizmente esse também pisou na bola, então dá pra entender a pontuação desse drama agora. Espero não encarar um dorama assim de novo, mas se for pelo menos que o amor não seja correspondido nos créditos finais do dorama, por favor!

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This entire drama was a misunderstanding

I rarely write reviews, and when I do it's for an insanely good drama or actual hell. I guess this drama wasn't really hell, but it was definitely the purgatory. If you like the misunderstanding trope, you will like this drama, because every single "dramatic" thing that happened was a misunderstanding.
The actors definitely did a great job, I applaud to them all, some are new for me, but some I've seen in previous dramas.
The main characters ( including Letao and Cheng Lang and their "significant others) had a relatively developed story. There were definitely some specific problems, like Letao choosing not to tell XiaoJu who she was marrying until the day before??? Shiyi never being seen studying despite majoring in MEDICINE. And then choosing to propose at LeTao's wedding, without ever actually being with XiaoJu. Although being in love with her for nearly ten years might account for that. Everyone in the drama switched their partner at least once, but Shiyi tied himself to Xiaoju and never let go. I swear the writers ex boyfriend must have been called Shiyi or something similar, which is why they chose to torture him until quite literally THE LAST EPISODE.
I might have enjoyed it more if the sole focus wasn't just on their love lives, but on what it actually feels like to be a student, because if you are or if you ever were one, you would know that it's not as bright and free as they were.
I have to admit, I did finish it quickly, and it isn't a necessarily bad drama, it just wasn't really executed correctly, so it tires you out and makes itself very predictable.

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Perfect drama until episode 27

This is my first review ever.
I loved the first part and if it continued like that, I could have said it would be my favorite drama ever.
Good characters, I liked the family relationships, the friendship, but the thing I loved the most in the whole drama was... Lu shi yi.
He was just perfect. Excellent acting, handsome, funny, chill, caring.
I really enjoyed their interactions and the little gestures he did for xiaoju. They were too funny and seemed so happy, perfect.
Many complain about Xiaoju's one-sided love that lasted so long but I didn't find it excessive. It's difficult to go move on. For me it was fine, but then... starting from episode 28 things went not so well...
Xiaoju and dadou were always joking and loved each other in their own way, but after the confession xiaoju starts to be really cruel with him.
It didn't seem like her behavior to me. She has completely changed and their friendship has completely fallen apart and been forgotten... Their story could have been better. He leave for so many year and they should have clarified first, talked about the past, developed their relationship... but no... why not get married...

Speaking of other things... why did chenglan have to go through all that? Why break his heart? Such a pure soul deserved better.
Tao tao... we were all happy for baobao but it didn't make much sense. He was just there to make us happy.

it would be great RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT SEASON 2. They could start with luShiyi's departure and delve into the long years spent away. What did he do. What happened. maybe he thinks about her. opens the jar of stars. I think he will continue to talk to Chenglan. maybe they're talking about her. I think he came back a few times to say hello to his parents, but maybe they never saw each other And the panic she felt. Every little thing reminded her of him. How they start their working careers. and then the return. their journey and wedding. they clarify the misunderstandings of the past. them talking and reflecting on past and present feelings. and their life as a couple accompanied by their usual moments. he keeps teasing her. would be great. Taotao e baobao love story. it could also be seen as a separate drama even by the people who haven't watch ARRTI1, but we would love it. even if the actors are now of a certain age it would be fantastic. if only there was a way to contact them

In conclusion, It's still a good drama. It made me happy, laugh and cry, would I watch it again? Probably yes, but I really want that xiaojun and lushiyi can have the ending they deserved.

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Perfect drama in friendship aspect and worst in romantic aspect

The first 10 to 15 eps were the best part of this drama where we see the characters going through different challenges in life somewhat realistic. Like the characters were actually shown studying before their exams and training before their sports meet. Their friendship also grew naturally while they hung out together and spent a lot of time together. The friendship aspect of this drama is very well written and well portrayed, whenever 1 person goes through difficult times, everyone would do their part to help him/her not just their romantic interest which was a new thing to witness.
The drama started to fall apart and become unrealistic when it became romance focused. It seemed like the characters were more mature in high school than in college. I loved Xiaoju in the beginning of this drama but when her crush for Cheng Lang lasted for 27 episodes, it became nnoying ngl. While Shiyi was always there for her, helped her and supported her in every possible way she still was stuck on Cheng Lang even after he started dating Lin You which was so upsetting. Their love triangle didn't work in any way for me. Also even after the time skip of 2 years she still felt uncomfortable around Lin You, like why??? Even after 2 years she still failed to recognize Shiyi's love for her. At first it was understandable that she couldn't see Shiyi in romantic sight as he was always fought with her, called her ugly, etc. But even when he changed his behaviour (carrying her bag, always saying encouragung words, always following her in her trips to support her) she still never saw him as mire than friend? Are you serious? Until the end it felt like only Shiyi was the one who actually loved her. They quarelled with each other throughout their life but 1 day when he said she doesn't dance well she suddenly became the most offended person in the entire world and also called him crazy for confessing. Ep 30 to 36 were so hard to watch. Shiyi was always the one who apologised first for even the smallest things and always approached her first whenever there was a misunderstanding. They were literally friends for 5 - 6 years but even the slightest misunderstanding would separate them. What was the point of having the friendship for so long if you can't communicate when needed. Shiyi definitely deserved a better girl than Xiaoju. Whenever he went to confess she always brought up her own feelings and didn't even give him soace to confess not to mention her change of behavior after Shiyi confessed. She was always mean to him and push him away and never talked after the misunderstandings even though Shiyi tried his best to sort them out. Shiyi literally chased her throughout the series but when it was her turn to chase him (after he went abroad) she just gave up without even confirming whether he was with someone or not.
I didn't get the point of Tao hiding her relationship with Bao from Xiaoju for so long. Also why did Shiyi visit so many spots in the name of proposing if he was going to do it in his friend's wedding?? Also it was a bummer that we didn't even get a glimpse of Xiaoju and Shiyi as couple after putting Shiyi through so many heartbreaks and suffering.

Overall this drama is great for you if you like the youth based and friendship focused dramas. Friendship was the only good thing in the drama. If you're looking for romance then you should probably find another drama.

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Still one of my favourite dramas after so many

I can really relate to this story being around the same age as them. Parent's pressure. being the oldest and always having to give in. unsure of what I want to study and do. Family problems to deal with at home. The joy friends bring you. The support you get from the most unexpected people. The process of growing and exploring.

To be honest the love plot of this drama reminds me of True beauty except Shiyi, who I thought was the 2nd lead at first, gets a happy ending with the FML.

And I just realised how many love plots there were.
- Unrequited love
- Love at first sight
- Bickering couple (Kind of enemies to lovers)
- Cheating, heart break
- letting go of each other for the better
- Perusing
- Childhood friends to Strangers to Lovers

This drama is just almost perfect. I just wished there was maybe 2 or 3 more episodes since the ending seemed quite rushed. This dramas is still one of the best out there pulling me out of my c drama slump.

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Story like a river

This story is like a river, with all of these flows, ups and downs. It's a great modern drama, and I'm not a huge fan of modern dramas. I cried watching every episode, and I found myself binge watching this series. I loved how all of the characters grew throughout the story, it was logical in a sense. The romance between QLT and Huang Jun was unnecessary. His character was irrelevant, you could've changed him for BXX. Lin You's ending was, not what I hoped for. I loved of LSY and XXJ helped each other grow and find their true passion. It was really heartwarming, this drama. From how close all the moms were to the past of LSY's dad, it can be relatable yet so out of reach at the same time. I really have nothing I really didn't like. The ending was not my favorite, how XXJ had her emotional outburst, but I understand why. I really didn't like Shen Duo, for obvious reasons, the whole arc. Overall, this drama was like a river, flowing up and down. It's forever one of my favorite dramas, being a modern drama as well.

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OMG THIS IS THE BEST DRAMA EVER

I've watched soo many dramas before! but this one deserves 10\10. I usually don't write reviews but this one deserves this ;). This drama shows strong relationships between school, family, love and FRIENDSHIP! I really love the cast and storyline!
I love the way how everything is simple and cute...nothing complicated! and it's so natural :)
I really love lu shiyi's eternal and unconditional love for xiaoju.
This drama doesn't discriminate between male and female! The plot twist was amazing!!
The way they also showed the relationship between child and parents was awemazingg! this is mostly ignored in other dramas...I'm really looking forwards for season 2! i mean I really do BEG FOR SEASON 2

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River runs through eyes

This drama started off really really well. From highschool to the time they have their own careers

Liked the highschool phase more than the university one. That made me cry, laugh and feel nostalgia.

College part was a bit draggy. I wish they introduced them their working part a bit earlier than in the last two episodes.

XY had crush or liked CL for a very long long time from school to even just like before graduating.. the story kept going in circles like she wants to confess but won't coz he isn't brave enough. Then once ML realises his feelings for FL, he keeps delaying his proposal (well it's understandable since they all are good/ best friends). Wished they ended FL liking SL a bit earlier and develop something between two leads.
ML always teased and be mean to FL in high school but he starts behaving better towards her once he realises his feelings for her.

Character growth in this drama are for only two roles SY( a little less) and LT (from being always with her bf she ended her relationship in a mature way)
Liked all the characters. Grown attached to them but wishes they just planned it well.

Writers should have planned the story well.

Overall, it's a nice story except they added some cliché parts like fake dating and stuff. And parts feel realistic like you won't always end up whom you want with. There are few lines which will make you understand the life, in the drama.

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