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In the realm of TV shows, some fly under the radar despite their charm, wit, and ability to capture the essence of human emotion. “What and What a Cool Summer,” a 2017 Chinese drama, is one such gem. This show, also known as “Hei Bai Pei” in Chinese, intertwines the lives of its characters in a narrative that’s both engaging and heartwarming. Let’s get into why this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
The Premise
At its core, “What and What a Cool Summer” is a story about relationships, growth, and the complexities of human emotions. The plot revolves around the life of An Sheng, a woman who helps her best friend Qi Yue navigate the choppy waters of love, only to find herself entangled in a love triangle that tests the bounds of friendship and loyalty. What makes this narrative stand out is not just its plot but how it’s delivered. The storytelling is straightforward, avoiding unnecessary twists for the sake of drama, making it refreshingly easy to follow.
Characters and Performances
An Sheng
An Sheng, the protagonist, is a character that resonates with many. Her strength, selflessness, and complexity are portrayed with such nuance that it’s hard not to empathize with her. The performance by the actress brings An Sheng to life, making her struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal.
Qi Yue
Qi Yue, An Sheng’s best friend, is another character that adds depth to the story. Her journey, intertwined with An Sheng’s, showcases the highs and lows of friendship. The portrayal of Qi Yue is balanced, showing her flaws and virtues in equal measure, which adds a layer of realism to her character.
Supporting Cast
The supporting characters are not just fillers; they have their arcs, contributing to the main storyline’s richness. Each performance, no matter how small the role, adds a layer to the narrative, making the world of “What and What a Cool Summer” feel fully realized.
Themes and Messages
One of the show’s strengths is its exploration of themes such as friendship, love, sacrifice, and personal growth. It doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, complicated side of relationships, which is a breath of fresh air. The message that people can change, grow, and learn from their mistakes is woven throughout the narrative, offering a hopeful perspective on life’s challenges.
Friendship
The friendship between An Sheng and Qi Yue is the backbone of the series. It explores the idea that friendship is not just about the good times but also about standing by each other during the worst. Their relationship, with its ups and downs, feels genuine and is a testament to the show’s ability to portray human connections realistically.
Love
Love, in “What and What a Cool Summer,” is shown in its many forms – romantic love, love between friends, and love for oneself. The show does a commendable job of depicting how love can be both beautiful and painful, and how it’s often intertwined with personal growth.
Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a recurring theme, especially in the context of An Sheng’s character. The show delves into what it means to put someone else’s happiness above your own and the consequences that come with such decisions. It’s a theme that’s handled with care, avoiding the trap of glorifying self-sacrifice, instead presenting it as a complex choice with no easy answers.
Why It Stands Out
What sets “What and What a Cool Summer” apart from other dramas is its commitment to realism. The characters feel like real people, with strengths, weaknesses, and contradictions. The storytelling is straightforward, focusing on the characters’ growth and relationships rather than relying on over-the-top drama. It’s a show that respects its audience’s intelligence, offering a narrative that’s both engaging and thought-provoking.
Relatable Characters
The characters in “What and What a Cool Summer” are its strongest asset. They are well-developed, with motivations and backstories that make their actions understandable, if not always agreeable. This level of character development makes it easy for viewers to see parts of themselves in the characters, adding an emotional depth to the viewing experience.
Strong Narrative
The narrative of “What and What a Cool Summer” is compelling because it’s grounded in reality. It doesn’t rely on improbable coincidences or melodrama to move the story forward. Instead, it focuses on the characters’ decisions and how those decisions affect their relationships. This approach to storytelling makes the narrative more impactful and memorable.
Final Thoughts
“What and What a Cool Summer” is a show that deserves more attention. It’s a beautifully crafted narrative about the complexities of human relationships, with relatable characters and a strong message. It’s a series that will make you laugh, cry, and, most importantly, think. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese dramas or looking for something new to watch, this show is worth your time.
In a world where TV shows often rely on cliches and sensationalism to draw in viewers, “What and What a Cool Summer” stands out for its authenticity and heartfelt storytelling. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful. So, if you’re in the mood for a show that offers a genuine look at friendship, love, and personal growth, give “What and What a Cool Summer” a chance. It might just be the refreshing change of pace you’re looking for.