Drama Digest
Shi Guang, a primary school student, discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s house to hunt for treasure and cash. He gets possessed and taken over by the spirit of a Go master Chu Ying. Chu Ying belonged to the Southern dynasty when Emperor Song had reined. He had dedicated his life to Go. Chu Ying starts residing within Shi Guang. Being influenced, Shi Guang also developed passion for Go.
The Feel-Good Part
The show showcases the love and confidence between two friends. The relationships are competitive but healthy. Both of them love each other, trust each other and bring out the best in each other. Their interactions are wholesome to watch and feel light on the heart. The rivalry between Shi Guang and Yu Liang starts as an accidental match which is traumatizing for them. Pressurized by his father, a master in Go, Yu Liang does not interact with Shi Guang until they are once again united by a bullying incident at their school. Them reuniting is a treat to watch, with a combination of emotions and drama. The creators have also managed to incorporate the game of Go very realistically in a Chinese setting and culture.
The Disappointing Factor
The show revolves around two friends who get immersed in the game called Go. The focus of the show revolves around their lives rather than the actual intricacies and complexities of the game. It would’ve felt even more impressive, had there been scenes to show the process of gaming and how the game works, along with the rules and strategies to win.
In-Depth Analysis
The relationship between Shi Guang and his mother has been delicately dealt with. We were shown the depth of their relationship and the problems that arise between them. We were also shown Shi Guang’s relationship with Yu Liang, and his friends, their memories and different experiences. And most amusingly, we are shown Shi Guang’s relationship with his teacher Chu Ying. We see them helping each other and growing together. We also see the transition in Shi Guang’s life after he has to take responsibility for games and his life. He is allowed to leave school to focus entirely on playing Go as his career choice. But this decision puts a tremendous amount of pressure on him to take responsibility for his actions and be serious about playing Go. He is forced to become serious and find a reason to love the game while also trying to help Chu Ying find the perfect Go move and help him be free. Shi Guang and Chu Ying start with a forced relationship, with their souls binding them together. But as the story moves forward, we see them willingly trying to stick together, and understand each other. We witness them sharing their feelings, spending time together and helping each other out through dark times. When both of them are separated, we are shown their longing for each other. They need each other, not just for Go but to complete themselves. Both of them have missing pieces and they complete that emptiness for each other. Before we were shown how Shi Guang was afraid to commit to playing Go, but he willingly accepts and resolves to spend his life, playing Go and staying with Chu Ying. We see his new resolve and willingness to commit to helping Chu Ying his entire life, because he believes Chu Ying will always be there by his side. The wholesome relationship between the members of the High school Go club is also interesting to watch. All of them desire different things, but they are united while playing Go. All of them share a connection with Go, and we witness how important playing Go is for them.
Star Power
We see the funny interactions between the characters which are amusing yet meaningful. We grow with them and get inspired to chase our dreams. The cast has performed spectacularly, despite being young. The characters are well-rounded and interesting. The plot keeps you entertained and happy.
Overall Opinion
If you want to watch a drama with characters that feel like friends and inspire you to grow along with them, this show is for you.
