Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama A Love So Beautiful, which has captured hearts worldwide with its tender portrayal of growing up and first love.
A Love So Beautiful premiered on November 9, 2017, and aired until December 7, 2017, featuring 23 episodes with an average duration of 45 minutes each. Available on Netflix, this Chinese drama has become a global phenomenon for its authentic coming-of-age storytelling.
Based on the novel “To Our Pure Little Beauty” by Zhao Qianqian, the series follows the journey from adolescence to adulthood with remarkable sincerity. The drama masterfully balances comedy and heartfelt moments, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly honest about the complexities of young love.
What sets this drama apart is its patient approach to character development. Rather than rushing into dramatic plot twists, it focuses on the small, meaningful moments that define relationships and personal growth.
Nineteen Years of Growing Together
The story centers on seventeen-year-old Chen Xiaoxi (Shen Yue) and Jiang Chen (Hu Yi Tian), high school friends and neighbors who have grown up together since kindergarten. Xiaoxi is happy-go-lucky and doesn’t like to study much but has a talent for drawing, while Jiang Chen is popular for his good looks and high grades.
The narrative spans their journey from childhood sweethearts to holding hands again after having missed out on each other in the past. The drama beautifully captures how relationships evolve, showing that true love sometimes requires patience, growth, and the wisdom that comes with maturity.
The series doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness and uncertainty of teenage emotions, making every interaction feel genuine and relatable.
The Heart of Pure Love
Shen Yue delivers a spectacular performance, showcasing the different sides and attitudes of Chen Xiaoxi, from the happy, always positive high school youth to the independent grown woman she becomes later in the drama. Xiaoxi represents the courage to love openly and honestly, even when that love isn’t immediately reciprocated.
Her character arc is beautifully crafted, showing how someone can maintain their essential warmth and optimism while gaining maturity and independence. Xiaoxi’s artistic talents serve as a metaphor for her ability to see beauty in everyday moments, especially in her relationship with Jiang Chen.
The way she navigates rejection, friendship, and personal growth makes her one of the most relatable female protagonists in recent C-drama history.
The Gentle Genius
Hu Yi Tian portrays Jiang Chen as a genius doctor-to-be, but what makes his character compelling isn’t his academic excellence – it’s his emotional journey. Initially appearing cold and indifferent, Jiang Chen slowly reveals layers of vulnerability and deep affection.
His relationship with Xiaoxi showcases how love can be expressed differently. While she’s openly emotional, he shows care through subtle actions and protective gestures. The chemistry between the leads feels natural and unforced, developing at a realistic pace that mirrors real-life relationships.
Jiang Chen’s character challenges the typical “cold male lead” trope by showing genuine emotional growth and the courage to be vulnerable.
Second Chances and Mature Love
The series reaches its emotional peak when the characters reunite as adults, having lived separate lives and gained new perspectives. This reunion isn’t just about romantic reconciliation – it’s about two people who have grown into their best selves finally being ready for the love they’ve always shared.
The adult timeline provides satisfying closure while honoring the innocent love of their teenage years. The climax proves that some love stories are worth the wait, and that true compatibility grows stronger with maturity and understanding.
Success on Netflix
A Love So Beautiful surpassed more than 10.5 billion views on streaming services and received praise for its characterization and storyline. The episodic format allows viewers to savor each moment of the characters’ development, while the authentic portrayal of Chinese school life and family dynamics has resonated with international audiences. The series’ success on Netflix demonstrates the universal appeal of well-told coming-of-age stories, regardless of cultural boundaries.
If you love heartwarming stories about first love, friendship, and personal growth, A Love So Beautiful is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It’s a gentle reminder that the most beautiful love stories are often the ones that take time to unfold.
A tender masterpiece that proves true love is worth waiting for, capturing the essence of growing up with remarkable authenticity and heart.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 23
Platform: Netflix
Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Coming-of-Age Drama
Protagonists: Shen Yue (Chen Xiaoxi), Hu Yi Tian (Jiang Chen)
Supporting Cast: Gao Zhi Ting, Wang Zi Wei, Sun Ning