A Little Thing Called First Love

A Little Thing Called First Love, from Hunan TV, is a light-hearted Chinese drama series from 2019 that captivates the audience with its reality-based script and exceptional performances. The series' global appeal comes from its fundamental story – the universal saga of first love and the journey of self-discovery intertwined with it. With a good mix of youth-centric emotions, high school nostalgia, contemporary humor, and life lessons, this show emerges as a narrative wonder in the domain of coming-of-age dramas.

The story revolves around a quiet, introverted high school student, Liang You Nian, portrayed by Lai Guanlin, and the bubbly, optimistic girl-next-door Xia Miao Miao, played by Angel Zhao. This youthful drama unfolds the life of Xia Miao Miao, who initially lacks self-confidence but gradually becomes self-aware and persevering through her interactions with Liang You Nian, whom she admires a lot, and his group of friends.

Liang You Nian, an extraordinarily talented and good-looking young man, excels at every skill he sets his heart on, whether that's drawing, designing, or playing the piano. Despite his long list of talents, and having no shortage of admirers, Liang is reserved and keeps to himself, till he crosses paths with Xia Miao Miao.

Xia Miao Miao is an ordinary, slightly clumsy student who views You Nian as an ideal figure, admiring him from afar. Encouraged to come out of her shell, she joins the Architecture Club at their school where Liang You Nian is the club leader. Consequently, she is drawn into You Nian's world of artistic enthusiasm and architectural elegance.

This prompts Miao Miao to strive to improve herself acadically and broadens her horizon beyond the regular schoolgirl's life. As the chemistry between the central characters unfolds, they inevitably traverse through the treacherous trail of adolescence, where friendship, self-doubt, rivalry, and ambition all jostle for space.

The unique factor in A Little Thing Called First Love lies in the way it beautifully portrays the journey of self-growth and confidence-building which underway simultaneously with the development of pure, young love. As Miao Miao and You Nian grew knowing each other, audiences too grow along with them, experiencing the jubilations and worries inherent to the age.

The secondary characters in the series also contribute immensely to the overall narrative. This includes Kai Tuo, You Nian's best friend and He Xin, You Nian's admirer, who all make the story delightful and heartwarming while treating viewers to a slice of adolescent life punctuated by wholesome friendships and bittersweet rivalries.

With 36 episodes, the show takes you on a light-hearted trip down memory lane to those school days of study stress, intense friendships, rivalries, college applications, tender love, and everything in between. While the plot largely deals with the everyday life of teenagers, it does not shy away from addressing more serious themes such as parental pressure, the struggles of adulthood, and the existential crises that often come with growing up.

The viewer-friendly narrative is performed by a charismatic and talented ensemble cast, each member effortlessly playing their part to perfection. The likes of Angel Zhao and Lai Guanlin have been highly acclaimed for their performances, bringing charm, depth, and authenticity to their characters.

As a part of the production's charms, A Little Thing Called First Love gives us a pleasing visual experience with its beautiful cinematography and aesthetic settings. The drama's original soundtrack further amplifies its appeal, with lovely soul-stirring tracks playing in the right scenes, making you nostalgic and teary-eyed in the right moments.

The series is a definite winner for those who are looking for a wholesome viewing experience, filled with a plethora of emotions and a narrative that sings praises of youth and first love. It not only takes you through emotions of love and friendship but also leaves you pondering about life, choices, maturity, and the importance of self-worth.

Packed with a fine balance of laughter, romance, and life lessons, A Little Thing Called First Love is truly a spectacle. It's a comfortable journey for anyone who is, or once was, young and in love. Equally, it's a journey that resonates with anyone who is learning, or once learned, to find their place in the world. The simplicity of the story, combined with the flawless execution, makes A Little Thing Called First Love a joy to watch. Why? Because love, in its many forms, is a story everyone has lived.