Drama Digest
Hello, My Youth is a mini web series that follows the adventures of first-year high school students as they navigate through amusing and sometimes severe scenarios.
Zheng Dian meets Chang Yan on his first day at high school and immediately finds him annoying. Things worsen when Chang Yan occupies the former’s seat in class and starts living in the same dorm as Zheng Dian. The series unfolds around them, clashing and eventually becoming friends while maintaining a slice-of-life approach to the story.
The Feel-Good Part
Hello, My Youth is a mini-series that has an easygoing plotline that focuses on a light-hearted school experience with the two main characters constantly logging heads with each other. All the characters have distinctive personalities that add flavour to the show, and their dynamic with each other is entertaining to watch. The writers did an excellent job at making the show a lightly written comedy that is easy on the brain and leaves you feeling pleasant. The short length makes sure that the show is a quick mood-lifter, and overall, very heart-warming.
The Disappointing Factor
The series does not have a concrete plot, and even though the series is meant to be a quick watch that the viewer can skim through between the gruelling work hours, the wasted potential of what the creators could have explored in even an hour or two becomes evident. The actors are visibly newcomers and their performances can seem stiff at places. Some of the jokes feel like forcible insertions and make for poorly written gags.
In-Depth Analysis
Hello, My Youth is a light-hearted youth drama that highlights the lives of a few first-years at high school. Zheng Dian and Chang Yan’s camaraderie is infectious and leaves the viewers giggling every episode. There is no solid plot direction, and the 6-minute duration episodes work as an impediment to that. The lack of continuity can make the viewers disinterested.
Every episode focuses on one specific adventure to be showcased and the pacing is appropriate. The series’ easygoing nature and the sweet treatment of friendship make for an entertaining watch, though. The actors are newcomers, and we can excuse their slightly stiff performances due to their lack of experience.
Star Power
This is WayV and NCT’s Xiaojun’s (Xiao Dejun) first acting project, and his performance as the protagonist is very refreshing for a debutante’s. He is undisputedly the show’s star, and his developing bond with Xie Xinyang is adorable.
Overall Opinion
If you are having a hectic set of days and wish to let off some steam by watching something cheerful and not meandering into melancholic directions, this series is for you.
