7.1 / 10 (based on 11 reviews)
“If you accidentally returned to ten years ago, would you try to locate the future him? 31-year-old Jane accidentally returned to ten years ago in her dream. After a moment of loss and frustration, Jane decided to treat her mother, solve her best friend’s problem and meet and fall in love with Ye Jiacheng at a much earlier stage. During those ten years, Jane witnessed Jiacheng’s life and stories before he actually met her in real life. In the current time, Jane needs to fight with her past. The wheel of fate gives Jane a series of tests. Everything that Jane did was to reunite with her lover.”
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Yan Tang, Shawn Dou, Shuo Yang
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45-minute runtime
Shows Most Like See You Again (2019)
A Love So Beautiful (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 1255 reviews)
Love is as tough as it is sweet for a lovestruck teenager, whose relationship with her next-door neighbor transforms as they grow into adulthood.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Joo-yeon So, Kim Yo-han, Hoi-Hyeon Yeo, Hye-Jo Cho
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1 season, 24 episodes
Yan Yun Tai (2020)
8.8 / 10 (based on 38 reviews)
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Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Hao Chen, Shawn Dou, Yan Tang, Charmaine Sheh
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1 season, 1 episode
Before We Get Married (2019)
7.4 / 10 (based on 293 reviews)
Wrong encountering, ignites the fatal spark. If they should be neither lovers, nor friends, how should they be?
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Jasper Liu, Hsueh-Fu Kuo, Steven Sun, Nita Lei
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1 season, 13 episodes, 75.0-minute runtime
Coffee And Vanilla (2019)
5.6 / 10 (based on 688 reviews)
Country bumpkin Risa is a virgin who dreams of romance in the big city now that she has moved to Tokyo to attend a university. She has the looks and men are interested in her, but it is Hiroto who grabs her first with his cocky mannerisms and spiffy attire. A romance blossoms, but someone has a hidden history.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Dôri Sakurada, Haruka Fukuhara, Yûki Ogoe, Shôgo Hama
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1 season, 10 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
My Sunshine (2015)
6.6 / 10 (based on 230 reviews)
While studying at university, Zhao Mosheng fell in love at first sight with law student He Yichen. Through various incidents where Mosheng “stalked” Yichen on campus, Mosheng’s cheerful personality charmed Yichen, and they slowly became college sweethearts. When Yichen’s foster sister Yimei challenged Mosheng for Yichen’s attention, Mosheng turned directly to Yichen for clarification, but did not expect to receive a cold response from him. Mistaking that Yichen and Yimei are a couple, Mosheng followed her father’s arrangements and moved to the United States to continue her studies. Seven years later, Mosheng – who is now a professional photographer – returns to China, and coincidentally bumps into the unforgettable Yichen. Since the seven years they broke up, many people stand in the way of these star-crossed lovers: Foster-sister Yimei; Mosheng’s marriage in United States; the unrelentingly infatuated ex-husband Ying Hui; as well as the financial grudges between the couple’s fathers. All these situations continue to affect the two former lovers, but instead, these misunderstandings and challenges give them a better comprehension of the love they have missed over the past seven years
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Yan Tang, Wallace Chung, Yunxi Luo, Qian Wu
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1 season, 15 episodes
Un-myeong-cheol-eom neol sa-rang-hae (2014)
7.9 / 10 (based on 2670 reviews)
A touching Korean drama filled with comedy about a girl who finds happiness, friendship and love in the most unexpected way!
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Jang Hyuk, Jang Na-ra, Choi Jin-Hyuk, Woo-sik Choi
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1 season, 20 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Jin Xiu Wei Yang (2016)
7.8 / 10 (based on 913 reviews)
After managing to escape from death, Northern Liang’s princess takes on the identity of her saviour, Li Wei Young, in order to seek revenge against her enemies who destroyed her kingdom.
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Yan Tang, Jin Luo, Hsin Ai Lee, Vanness Wu
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1 season, 54 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Huo se sheng xiang (2015)
7.2 / 10 (based on 17 reviews)
During the Republican era, a family empire famous for making the best fragrances and incense must guard against those who are out to steal their secret recipes.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Yifeng Li, Xu Chen, William Wai-Ting Chan, Yan Tang
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1 season, 44 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
The Way We Were (2018)
8 / 10 (based on 34 reviews)
This teleplay tells a story about a group of Chinese post-90s who study abroad. In this materialistic society, they have been lost in desire and have once lost their pure youth, then there have been career choices for them to make. Luckily, they finally awake and return.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yan Tang, Jin Luo, Lingyue Xu, TianChen Wang
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1 season, 12 episodes
Perfect Couple (2014)
7.3 / 10 (based on 84 reviews)
Jin Yuan Bao, a handsome and rich young master is forced to get married to a girl he doesn’t even know. The bride runs away before the night of the wedding, instead, the witty Yu Qi Ling becomes the fake bride because of a hidden reason.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Wallace Huo, Yan Tang, Mi Gong, Youming Huang
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Chu Qiao zhuan (2017)
7.5 / 10 (based on 971 reviews)
The growing process of an ancient Chinese female warrior.
Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, War
Main Cast: Zanilia Zhao, Kenny Lin, Shawn Dou, Xiaojie Tian
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1 season, 67 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
In the world of TV shows, where genres blend and stories often tread familiar paths, “See You Again” (2019) stands out as a refreshing narrative that delves into the realms of romance, time travel, and the complexities of human emotions. This Chinese drama, not to be confused with any other show of a similar name, takes its audience on a journey that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Let’s break down what makes “See You Again” a must-watch, without resorting to the usual fluff.
The Premise: Simple Yet Compelling
At its core, “See You Again” is a story about second chances. The show introduces us to Shi Jian, played by the talented Hu Yi Tian, who finds herself transported back in time to her university days after a tragic accident. This unexpected journey gives her the opportunity to reshape her destiny, especially her relationship with her future husband, Ye Jiacheng, portrayed by Chen Youwei. The premise might sound like your standard time-travel fare, but the execution is anything but.
What sets “See You Again” apart is its focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of time travel, rather than just the fantastical element. It’s about the choices we make, the consequences of our actions, and the possibility of healing and redemption. The show doesn’t just use time travel as a plot device but as a means to explore deeper themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships.
Characters: More Than Meets the Eye
The characters in “See You Again” are meticulously crafted, each with their own backstory, motivations, and growth arcs. Shi Jian, for instance, is not your typical damsel in distress. She’s intelligent, resourceful, and, most importantly, driven by a desire to fix her past mistakes. This makes her relatable and her journey compelling. On the other hand, Ye Jiacheng is not just the love interest; he’s a complex character grappling with his own demons and dilemmas. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their love story all the more believable and engaging.
Supporting characters are not left by the wayside either. Each plays a crucial role in advancing the plot and adding depth to the main narrative. From Shi Jian’s friends to Ye Jiacheng’s family, they contribute to the show’s exploration of themes like friendship, loyalty, and the impact of our actions on those around us.
Storytelling: A Cut Above
“See You Again” excels in its storytelling. The narrative is tightly woven, with each episode building on the last in a way that’s both satisfying and suspenseful. The time-travel aspect is handled with care, avoiding common pitfalls like confusing timelines or paradoxes that often plague stories of this genre. Instead, the focus is on the emotional journey of the characters, making the time-travel element feel both natural and necessary.
The show also does a remarkable job of balancing the light-hearted moments with the more dramatic ones. It understands the importance of levity in a story that deals with heavy themes, providing the audience with much-needed breaks without detracting from the overall narrative.
Visuals and Soundtrack: Enhancing the Experience
The production values of “See You Again” are top-notch. The cinematography is beautiful, with a keen eye for detail that brings both the past and present settings to life. The use of color and lighting adds an extra layer of emotion to the scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The soundtrack deserves special mention. It’s thoughtfully curated, with each track complementing the scene it accompanies. The music not only heightens the emotional impact of the story but also lingers with you long after the episode ends.
Why “See You Again” Stands Out
In a landscape crowded with time-travel dramas, “See You Again” distinguishes itself through its emphasis on emotional depth, character development, and a well-crafted narrative. It’s a show that doesn’t just entertain but also invites its audience to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make.
One of the most compelling aspects of “See You Again” is its exploration of the idea that while we cannot change the past, we have the power to influence our future. It’s a message of hope and empowerment that resonates deeply, especially in times of uncertainty.
The Verdict
“See You Again” is more than just a TV show; it’s an experience. It’s a journey through time that explores the beauty and pain of love, the significance of choices, and the possibility of redemption. With its compelling narrative, complex characters, and beautiful production, it’s a standout in its genre and a testament to the power of storytelling.
Whether you’re a fan of romance, time-travel, or just looking for a show that offers something more than the usual fare, “See You Again” is definitely worth your time. It’s a reminder that sometimes, looking back can be the best way to move forward.