Drama Digest
The Chinese drama is based on the events leading up to Beijing’s successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics in chevalier. Chen Mian, an ice skating girl, decides to pursue a career in short track speed skating. It’s a tale of passing the test, making the national team, competing in the Winter Olympics, and bringing the country honour.
The Feel Good Part
Chen Mian finally receives Chen Jingye’s blessing. Surprisingly, when they were on the national team, Chen Jingye and Zheng Kaixin were best friends. They gave their blood, sweat, and tears to bring honour to their country, but owing to the intense pressure to win the gold medal, they eventually split up. The plot is a little convoluted and slow at first, but after a few episodes, you’ll begin to see the connections between the past and present.
The Disappointing Factor
The story is well-crafted, but not particularly memorable. The main character’s journey is similarly clichéd and predictable. Conversations between characters carry the majority of the plot.
In-Depth Analysis
The film follows woman who has made short track speed skating her life’s ambition, set against the backdrop of Beijing’s successful bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in 2015. She progresses from a recreational athlete to a member of the national squad. Former member of China’s short track speed skating team, Zheng Kai Xin, formed the local squad in Qingdao to find newcomers with potential. Chen Mian joins without hesitation, fueled by her passion for the sport. She stumbles a lot on her way to becoming a national athlete, but she always gets back up again. Chen Mian finally receives Chen Jingye’s blessing. Chen Jingye and Zheng Kaixin were surprising good friends when they were both on the national team. They gave their blood, sweat, and tears to bring honour to their country, but owing to the intense pressure to win the gold medal, they eventually split up. As the older generation passes away, the younger generation takes up their sportsmanship. Chen Mian is all set to represent China at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Star Power
The performance is excellent, particularly among the cast from the older era. I really enjoyed several of the “side” characters; the character development is excellent; nevertheless, I wish we had seen more of the athletes’ backstories.
Overall Opinion
Great sports drama about the lives of professional sportsmen. The drama focuses a lot on the many facets of training, and the characters don’t do much outside of the skating rink (which is pretty realistic). Many people aspire to be professional sports, but success is ultimately determined by a combination of luck, skill, and timing.
