Drama Digest
Fighting Youth is an office drama focusing on the divergent lives of corporate ladies. Zhang Xiao Yu is new to the corporate world. She joins as the assistant to Lin Rui, the sales director of SW cosmetics, China. SW cosmetics is a leading global company with headquarters in France. Lin Rui is under consideration to succeed the current manager of the China branch, Shu Wan Ting. Fang Jing gets appointed to head the second sales department by Wan Ting, as she doesn’t want to step down. The pivot of the drama is the following office politics.
The Feel-Good Part
The drama has strong-headed female characters. It showcases the competitive and intense working culture in the corporate world. It also focuses on how each character tries to find their balance in all aspects of their life. People working in sales can find great words of wisdom in the show and get motivation. The first half of the drama is excellent.
The Disappointing Factor
The script is repetitive and half-witted. The show is painfully long and feels unnecessarily dragged towards the latter episodes. Weak writing and characterization are evident as the viewer faces questions even after the finale. They could have deleted a few needless romance lines.
In-Depth Analysis
In an unexpected turn of events, Zhang Xiao Yu joins SW cosmetics, a global leader in cosmetics, as the assistant of Lin Rui. Though amateur, she is fearless and ready for challenges. Training under Lin Rui, an elite in the field, Xiao Yu also finds herself on the path of self-realization. Lin Rui radiates style, courage, and capability in her work. She has profited the company in numerous ways. The staffs believe that she will be the brand new head. Shu Wan Ting is the current head of SW Cosmetics, China. She is under constant fear of being replaced by Lin Rui. Wan Ting is not ready to leave her post and decides to make life hard for Lin Rui. She brings in Fang Jing, an enemy of Lin Rui, and appoints her as the head of the second sales department. The two departments are now officially in fierce competition, and there’s a lot of politics and backstabbing going on. Office romance makes its way amidst all this.
Star Power
The chemistry between Wu Jin Yan and Dan Ding is fire. Yin Tao, as Lin Rui, inspires to live like the character. She is fantastic throughout the show. The character development for Jin Yan’s role is disappointing in the latter half. The excellent acting of the cast remains the backbone of the show.
Overall Opinion
The entire show is not in itself rewarding but also not pointless. The women-centric plot is a good choice. It is uncommon in the Chinese drama world to find a drama like this. Women break stereotypes in bold ways and realize their self-worth. It is a good drama to watch and get motivated.
