Checking out the Chinese drama Only Side by Side with You

 I have been watching lots of Chinese dramas recently, but mostly the fantasy/historical genres. Only Side by Side with You is a modern day story with an interesting setting. I have never watched a drama with a leading lady who is running a drone company, and I was intrigued by the idea of such a geeky revenge plot. Read on to hear why I keep watching despite some cheesiness.


I love well-choreographed action scenes, and this drama definitely delivers. The kicks, punches, twirls and feints could be set to music and it would feel like watching a music video. So, it was kind of unrealistic when the girl and guy who had just met for the first time in the parking garage turn to each other and nod, as if in perfect agreement they will simultaneously jump on top of that car together while holding hands, but the quirkiness of this drama is part of its charm.




Unique Setting


When I read that the leading lady owned a high tech drone company, I was kind of expecting them to be like military-style drones. I almost laughed when they revealed the drone she carries around with her everywhere. I swear I just bought a very similar model for one of my kids last Christmas. Still, they manage to make it feel like they have proprietary technology, and the many ways they use the drones and drone footage feels fresh and fun.


William Chan


I am familiar with William Chan , and I am always finding him kind of adorable. He is supposed to be a bad guy seeking revenge by seducing the woman his rival (played by Li Xian) loves. Sadly, the woman keeps friend-zoning him and he appears to be falling into his own trap. He has a boyish grin that is really captivating, and since in one scene he is listening to his real life self on the radio, we also get to appreciate his singing voice. I read he was the winner of singing/talent competition and that is how he got his start. I have not watched any other shows he has been in, but I look forward to seeing more of him!

Bromance

There are a couple of different bromances that are brewing. The main one is with the love rival, Chang Jian Xiong, but there is also a younger brother-type (played by Zhang You Hao–remember the Fox Aunt’s housekeeper in Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms? That’s this guy). They are really quite fun to watch.


Chemistry



William Chan and Bai Bai He have crazy good chemistry. I am twenty episodes in and all we have are a few longing looks, some drunken antics, and a hug, but they are sizzling. Actually, William Chan seems to have chemistry with all of the male leads too.

Fun Surprise

I am just a sucker for smart shows that wink and nod to the audience. First, there are a number of puns based on misunderstanding words that don’t make sense in English, but are very funny in Chinese. My elementary level Chinese is probably only catching a few of them, but some of them would seem so nonsensical, so in these cases they are explained by the subbers. In addition, there is a reference to a famous actor (William Chan) and a shoe-tying scene while in military garb that many Kdrama viewers will likely take note of if they watch. One of my favorite scenes is of Shi Yue (William Chan’s character) exercising in front of Kung Fu Panda.

So, I have been watching on Viki, and I think the reason I am enjoying this so much is because of the comments. Just when I think I am the only one annoyed with the second lead, someone will comment using salty language and few choice phrases I could never think up on my own. Sometimes I laugh at the comments about some of the questionable fashion choices. This is not a drama to take too seriously, so I highly recommend watching it with the comments on!

Overall:


I am really enjoying this drama. There are a few scenes that will make you shake your head. I am not sure why she pulled her drone out in the middle of the fight scene and the bad guys went after the drone instead of the lady with the controller, but…despite some of the cheese, there are some very entertaining moments. I love that it has some hidden layers and depth. Although it has a fairly trope-like premise (wronged man seduces the girl his rival loves) it somehow feels fresh and different. If you are intrigued by corporations that celebrate by having a military-style laser tag contest, girls who seem to have no time for boys playing silly games, and a leading man who woos his girl by taking her in a flight simulator, then this show is for you.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Courage to be Disliked

Image
 This book makes you think about life from a completely different perspective. Written in a Socratic dialogues, it is easy to understand and feels like you are listening to an insightful conversation.                                            The Courage to be Disliked made me ponder about life and what it means. I wanted to share with you my The Courage to be Disliked Book Review. Perhaps this book will resonate with you! Timing is Everything I was going to the bookstore to get my friend a birthday present. As I was making my way to the check out line, I saw a bookshelf of ‘top 5 books to read this month’ and The Courage to be Disliked was sitting there. I picked it up, turned it around, and read the back of it. ’hmm…’ I thought. ‘Perhaps I should give it shot.’ 2 days later, on a Saturday, I picked up the book and began to read it. I was about 30 pages in when I realized that this might be the greatest book I have ever read. I continued to sit in the same spot on the couch for the n
Read more

Perfect Marriage Revenge

Image
 Lately I've been liking a Korean drama entitled Perfect Marriage Revenge. This drama is adapted from a webtoon with the same title. If previously I reviewed films or dramas that I had finished watching, this time I want to review drama series that are still ongoing. At first, I watched this drama because the male lead was one of my favorite Korean actors, namely Sung Hoon                                     This drama tells the story of an orphan girl named Han Yi Joo who was adopted by a family, but was never considered by the family. Even the husband she had been married to for a year, apparently didn't really love her. The woman knew the facts before the accident and was finally declared dead. However, before she died he prayed to be given another chance to live. The woman woke up exactly one year before the unfortunate incident that happened to her occurred. This means she time traveled to the past. She is determined to take revenge by canceling her engagement and marrying
Read more

Always

Image
 I always get so defensive when people find out that Severus Snape is my favourite character in the Harry Potter series and they give me that look. You know, that look.                    I of course have reasons for liking him so much. Okay fine, let me honest, I love him. We’ll leave it there. It’s no secret that I have read The Deathly Hallows before all the other books . I see this as my version of I open at the close. Literally. So in DH when Harry heard Voldemort’s speech on why he couldn’t possibly allow Severus to live because of the elder wand and then listened to him die, this was the point when my heart started breaking. I hated Severus as much as the other person- movie knowledge here- and there was no love lost there, but I wouldn’t wish that kind of death on my worst enemy. And then Harry friggin’ Potter that he is had to go in there and Severus’ tears are streaming down his face and he’s all like: ‘take them’ and I was bawling because why this? The wrong person was dying
Read more