Don't Leave After School (2021)

A RARE GEM

I 'm a long time c-drama watcher and I've never written a review for any drama before.

But after watching this show, I KNEW THAT I HAD TO WRITE A REVIEW!!!!

STORY: 10/10
This isn’t your typical high school romance drama. Yes, the FL and ML meet and become friends which turns into something more like in all school dramas. And yes, there are other typical high school tropes/cliches. Honestly, I was fully expecting this to be just another regular high school romance. But, this drama was so much more than that. This drama is really about a bunch of high school students that due to different reasons, weren’t able to pass/take the college entrance exam to get into university. These students ended up having to sign up and join a class together to repeat a year of high school in order to prepare for the next college entrance exam.

The story was realistic and the acting was so natural. It really captured the life of a high school student and the pressures and struggles of studying well to get into a good university. But it also really showed the support that the students got from their peers, families, and teachers as well! Being a university student myself, the story and characters really resonated with me!

There was romance in this drama, but it definitely played a smaller part. However, overall it was pretty cute! :)

There were 24 episodes which was a great length! I usually skip a lot of episodes in c-dramas as they get long and draggy. BUT I DIDN’T SKIP A SINGLE MINUTE OF THIS DRAMA. I had to binge watch all the episodes until I finished it. It was truly a refreshing show.

CHARACTERS: 10/10
All the characters had great chemistry! Especially the FL and ML!

This drama also did a great job dedicating episodes to focus on various side characters. It didn’t take away the story from the main leads at all! I seriously loved every single character and their addition to the story. Mostly every important side character had a great backstory and displayed their own high school experience. Lots of important topics were showcased through these characters including mental health, bullying, family issues, different passions/dreams, etc.


PRODUCTION: 10/10
Loved the unique style of this drama. Every episode began differently with different montages, comedy scenes, etc. While the ending credits included videos of characters or real life high school students sharing their thoughts.

It felt like the director and the writers really put in the effort and thought to make this show really meaningful!


OVERALL A 10/10 AND A MUST WATCH!

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A SLICE OF LIFE!!

To begin with, this drama has an unique concept, re- entrolled students. Let me promise you, this is not your typical high school drama with usual love triangles or leads chasing eachother or childhood sweethearts. This drama is quite different and portraits about the real student crisis and how they deals with it. They are scorned by their peers and even teachers because they're repeaters.
The main leads are Fang xue and Wei lei. I really liked their chemistry. Their subtle romance is endearing.They are very comfortable with eachother. This drama focused on each student and not just the main leads.The story of all students are perfectly blended together without poisoning the whole atmosphere. You can feel their friendship and you may feel like you are one among them.
Since, they are repeaters they had more pressures than a regular student. But, they got the best class teacher who supported them endlessly.

SPOILER ALERT!!!
Now talking about the main leads, they have a different bond. The romance here is mild but is strong enough.I love how much wei lei has changed for his fang xue. One of my favourite moment is when he was not ready to sing for her in ep13 v/s how he himself danced and sang for her later in ep22 . He did that only for her, even though it was quite embarrassing for him. We can see how their relationship grows. It is slow, but kinda cute.
I have to say, everything about this drama is top notch. Much much much better and more realistic than any other high school dramas.( I found it similar to 'when we were young' . Both are highschool dramas and realistic ones.) Right from the intro to the very end of this drama is stellar and well made. The intro is really creative. Also, there is a small interview at the very end of each episodes. They are either real students or characters in this drama.

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER!!!
Ending is an open ending. I had a hunch it would end somewhat like that. Just because this drama is so real, a slice of life!! Even though i'm not a fan of these type of ending, in this case i think i can understand them. I understand why they decided to separate. A long 10 years had passed. But, their love towards eachother remained the same. They seperated not because they don't love eachother. They really love and care eachother. That's why when fang xue suggested to separate, wei lei agreed. Not because he don't love her, but because he loves her and respects her decision. He believes whatever she decides is the best and good for both of them. Even at the end wei lei assured that he loves her, no matter where.
Moreover it's an open ending not a sad ending. There is hope, a hope that they will meet again. Because ,a separation is a new beginning. They both hopes that they will meet again for their NEW BEGINNING!!

FUTURE VIEWERS TRUST ME, THIS IS WORTH WATCHING.
Pls don't mind the ratings here. Okay, i guess, I'll no more believe in these ratings. This drama deserves a better rating.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, why??
-Absolutely amazing cinematography, direction and natural acting. Ofcourse 10/10.
-A high quality drama with well written script.
-Realistic approach of the drama.
-No unwanted misunderstandings
-No usual cliches
-No love triangles (i hate that)
-OSTs are excellent and soothing
-Their friendship is pure and strong
-And definitely our main leads, their chemistry and their sweet moments are adorable. We can see how much they feel for eachother even without no skin ships and kiss scenes.
-Overall this drama is sweet and refreshing.

PS If you are expecting a typical highschool romance drama. Then, this is not for you. And because of that it may not be everyone's pick. But, if you're looking for some realistic good dramas then, this will never disappoint you.

YOU WILL DEFINITELY LOVE IT, DON'T MISS THIS !!

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