Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Our Generation, which just wrapped up its emotional journey and has left viewers completely captivated by its heartwarming portrayal of childhood friendship blooming into love.
Our Generation premiered on July 14, 2025, and concluded on July 26, 2025, with 24 episodes aired daily on Youku. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, creating the perfect binge-watching experience for viewers who love nostalgic coming-of-age stories. Originally titled “Cherry Amber” in Chinese, this drama is based on Yun Zhu’s novel and brings us back to the early 1990s with a story that feels both timeless and deeply relatable.
Set in a small mountain town, this Chinese drama follows the journey of Lin Qile (nicknamed Cherry) and Jiang Qiaoxi as they navigate the complexities of growing up together. Available on Netflix for international audiences, the series has captured hearts with its authentic portrayal of friendship, family bonds, and the tender transition from childhood companionship to adult romance. The drama excels in showing how shared experiences and unconditional support can create the foundation for lasting love.
What makes Our Generation truly special is how it doesn’t rush the romantic development, instead taking time to build the emotional foundation that makes viewers truly invested in these characters’ happiness. The 1990s setting adds a layer of nostalgia that resonates with audiences who appreciate slower-paced storytelling and genuine character development.
The Heart of Small-Town Dreams
The story centers around Lin Qile, a cheerful village girl who grows up surrounded by the loving care of her parents, both electrical construction workers, in a tight-knit mountain community. When nine-year-old Qile meets Jiang Qiaoxi, a transfer student from the provincial capital, their worlds collide in the most beautiful way. Despite Qiaoxi’s initially gloomy demeanor and upper-class background that sets him apart from the townspeople, Qile’s warmth and genuine friendship gradually break down his emotional barriers.
The narrative beautifully captures how childhood friendships can shape us, following these characters as they navigate school life, family expectations, and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. What’s particularly compelling is how the drama shows the impact of different family dynamics on both characters, with Qile’s loving, working-class family providing the emotional warmth that Qiaoxi desperately needs in his life.
Lin Qile: The Sunshine That Never Fades
Zhao Jin Mai delivers a radiant performance as Lin Qile, bringing infectious energy and genuine warmth to every scene. Qile represents the kind of person who sees the best in everyone and refuses to give up on the people she cares about. Her character development throughout the series shows someone who maintains her optimistic outlook while learning to navigate more complex emotional territories as she grows up.
What makes Qile so compelling is how Zhao Jin Mai portrays her unwavering loyalty and emotional intelligence. She’s not naive about the challenges Qiaoxi faces, but rather chooses to be the steady source of support he needs. Her evolution from a carefree child to a young woman who understands the complexities of love and sacrifice creates some of the most touching moments in the series.
Jiang Qiaoxi: From Shadows to Light
Zhang Ling He brings remarkable depth to Jiang Qiaoxi, a character who begins as a lonely, academically gifted boy carrying the weight of family expectations and emotional neglect. Qiaoxi’s journey from a withdrawn child to someone who learns to open his heart is portrayed with subtle brilliance. His mathematical abilities and intellectual prowess serve as both his shield and his prison, until Qile’s family shows him what unconditional love actually looks like.
The chemistry between Zhang Ling He and Zhao Jin Mai is absolutely electric, built on years of shared history that viewers can feel in every interaction. Qiaoxi’s gradual transformation as he learns to trust and love creates a character arc that feels both realistic and deeply satisfying to watch unfold.
When Childhood Friends Become Everything
The most emotionally powerful aspect of Our Generation lies in how it handles the transition from childhood friendship to adult love. The drama doesn’t shy away from the complexity of this evolution, showing how shared memories and deep understanding can create a foundation for romantic love that feels both inevitable and surprising. The moment when both characters realize their feelings have changed creates some of the most beautifully crafted scenes in recent drama history.
The series excels in depicting how true love often grows from friendship, respect, and genuine care for each other’s happiness. The reunion and recognition scenes are filled with unspoken understanding, tender moments, and the kind of emotional honesty that makes viewers believe in the power of destined connections.
Success on Netflix and Youku
Our Generation has earned an impressive 8.1 rating on MyDramaList from over 1,600 users, with viewers particularly praising the authentic chemistry between the leads and the nostalgic 1990s setting that brings back memories of simpler times. The series successfully captures the essence of coming-of-age stories while delivering a romance that feels both fresh and timeless. Available on Netflix for international streaming and originally aired on Youku, Our Generation has found success across different platforms, with fans especially loving how it showcases the beauty of small-town life and the power of chosen family bonds.
The Perfect Nostalgia Trip for Romance Lovers
If you love stories about childhood friends turned lovers, nostalgic coming-of-age tales, and the kind of romance that grows from deep friendship and understanding, Our Generation is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This drama proves that the best love stories are often the ones that take time to bloom, rooted in genuine connection and mutual support.
Why This Drama Will Capture Your Heart
Our Generation reminds us that the most beautiful love stories often begin with friendship, making it an essential watch for anyone who believes in the power of growing up together and finding love in the most unexpected places.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 24 (completed)
Platform: Youku, Netflix, Viki
Release Year: July 14, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Current IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Romance, Coming of Age, Youth, Drama
Status: Completed series
Main Cast: Zhao Jin Mai (Lin Qile), Zhang Ling He (Jiang Qiaoxi)
Supporting Cast: Dong Jie, Bao Jianfeng, and ensemble cast