I Want To Go Against the Wind (2023)

Let's rise with the wind, Jiang Hu & Xu Si

I have finally caught up with all episodes of Rising With the Wind, and I must say that appreciate the way it concluded. I admit that I was skeptical at first while reading the synopsis, thinking it might be a typical idol drama where the business plot serves as mere filler. However, this wasn't the case; it played a crucial role in the story's development, character growth, and relationships among all involved, not just the main leads.

The story revolves around a domestic enterprise facing challenges in the low-end manufacturing industry, highlighting the relationship between financial capital and the industrial economy. It also briefly touched on live-streaming and e-commerce, as mentioned in the synopsis.

The cinematography was aesthetically pleasing and while there are some aspects I wish were written differently, I still think that the story is more than decent with pacing that feels just right (though I wish the last two episodes could've been explored more). It may not be a stand out compared to other dramas I've watched and like, but it left me feeling satisfied after finishing as opposed to making me feel like I've wasted my time.

The two leads: Xu Si, an investment professional (and definitely not your run-of-the-mill domineering CEO), and Jiang Hu, the 'fallen' heiress who turned into one heck of a fighter, are both inherently strong characters, and I appreciate that about them. Their initial encounter sparked interest, and the dynamic between them continued to be engaging. Jiang Hu is not a damsel in distress, and Xu Si is not a prince on a white horse. She had to earn his assistance, and Xu Si didn't offer it for free – this dynamic added depth to their characters and the drama itself.

Jiang Hu has become one of my favorite female leads in contemporary drama, though with her idealism and resilience, she manages to overcome challenges and work hard to get back on her feet. The romantic storyline between the main characters was amusing to watch. Xu Si may not have fallen in love at first sight, but he was definitely intrigued by Jiang Hu's antics from first sight; and as they got to know each other, that amusement sure must have turned into affection.

Honestly, the second female lead and the second couple weren't exactly my favorite; and I also wish there were scenes where the main characters communicated openly rather than discreetly handling things behind each other's backs (proper communication would make more sense, especially considering Xu Si's professionalism and all).

Overall, I'll give this drama an 8/10, though initially 7.5, but I have to elevate it higher for Jiang Hu and because this drama gave me a newfound appreciation for Gongjun and Zhong Chuxi. (And if you think that this rating is low, I just want to tell you that this is already rated high in my personal rating)

I just found out they have to cut the episodes due to the 40-episodes limitation and that answered why the last few episodes felt a tad too rushed for me.

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This, folks, is an attempt at a feel good underdogs story and it was…well an attempt!

this is something that you put on in the background and spare a glance or two at it hoping for things to get interesting while you do something less useless. Since, I sat through 40 episodes of this I feel the urge to write a review ( or just rant ).

The good parts:
- the production. some of the frames were absolutely beautiful and I loved the colours on the screen
- the main character and her acting……partly. She neither underperformed it nor did she go over the top, her performance was just right barring the scenes with our male lead. I fell in love with jiang hu at the start of the drama- it was refreshing to see a fl like her! fell out of love somewhere along the way too.
- the show had a rather strong start and the last episode was nice

Now onto what went wrong.

-I get that the writer wanted to go for the slice of life feels and something that seems more realistic when it comes to the story, the characters and the main relationship. Romance takes more of a backseat here and I don’t have an issue with that. the issue is that it was bland, the story was awfully bland. I am supposed to be invested in the company and the people and root for them but I couldn’t get myself to really care about anything….perhaps 40 episodes were a bit too much.

- the male lead. The character was poorly written with nothing likeable about him and was incredibly one dimensional. He is supposed to be charming but neither the acting nor the writing helps the case. There is mention of past trauma but it isn’t touched upon at all, just mentioned in the passing. The actor was terrible man.
I happened to watch dream garden recently and he was so much better in that. Gong Jun still isn’t out of his wen kexing era! he tries to be cheeky ( A LOT ) but it just doesn’t work like why are you smiling all the time? and he fails at being stoic, doesn’t have much of a screen presence AND those awful, ill-fitted suits. Gao Yi looked and felt more like a lead character.

- the chemistry. through out the run of the show there were grand total of 2 moments where I felt like they had something. My girl doesn’t even try oh my god for the majority of the scenes the character looks pained to be with the ml and there is NOTHING on her face that might suggest something akin to love or hell even just physical attraction.The character clearly has different priorities so I get the unwillingness but still at least put in some effort.

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If you don't watch this, you will regret it.

The story is good, there are no boring episodes. I'm currently following Gong Jun's drama, I think it's one of his best dramas. His character shows maturity. In other dramas Gong Jun is usually a sweet boy, and a bit weak, but in this drama his character becomes a dominant and manly man.

I think this drama is different from his previous character.
The chemistry with FL is also very good. I really like the kiss scene, they seem to love each other...

The ending was good, although I was expecting a scene of them getting married, but overall it was very good.

The character development is also good, I really like the warm color of the drama.

If you don't watch this, you will regret it.

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It's good, not great....

Short and sweet review....

Gong Jun - Ok to Good performance....
Elaine Zhong - Very Very good performance....
Gao ZhiTing - Good to Very Good....
Wu Xuanyi - Good performance....
Miles Wei - Very good performance....
Story - Ok, Just ok....

Nothing exceptional about this drama, solid.... I would of dedicated more air time to Gao Zhiting and Wu Xuanyi story, felt they only had about 25% screentime, when you have these two needs to be at least 45%.... Maybe if that had happened good of been excellent drama....

I say give it a viewing it you like any of the 5 cast, If not give a miss.... I did enjoy it but again, not a great drama, just ok, won't be rewatching....

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INSANELY HOOKED

If I hadn't seen the thumbnail on YouTube I'd have missed this gem.
There hasn't been much noise about this so I'll be saying all the well done and a few things that could've been better abt this drama.

GOOD THINGS
1) Story has the ability to get you hooked. You keep wanting to see what going to happen next
2) The actors did very well. Every emotion is conveyed very well.
3) If you like a strong-minded, powerful female lead this drama is for you.
4)Amazing chemistry between the leads.
5)Cinematography and music are well done

THINGS THAT CAN BE IMPROVED
1) Even if the story is good it can't be stretched too long, I feel this could've been shortened to 36 episodes.
2)Character development for 2nd FL would've been more appreciable.

That's it for now, I hope you watch and enjoy it!

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Best modern day Chinese Drama

Rising with the Wind is a realistic business-romance type of drama for viewers who are tired of usual Chinese Drama tropes and looking for good cinematography, wonderful acting, realistic and well written script, fabulous costumes and good make up and nice music accompanying the scenes.

The romance is slow burn and for adults, since it portrays flawed people who learn, change and grow and become better versions of themselves. The business scenes are very realistic and portrays the challenges and problems any one starting a business will face. The chemistry between the leads is electric and it does not involve any love triangles or annoying characters that try to get between couples, usual character of Chinese dramas the intervening mother does not exist in this drama, there is one problematic mother but even she is not as bad in other C dramas. Even this pesky mother changes and improves up to degree. The story has many twists and turns and some anxiety inducing scenes, but they do not come out of nowhere and has a basis in the realities of business and life.

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Long time heard about this drama. Finally finished watched this...

This drama followed the journey of Jiang Hu (JH), who fall from riches after her dad's died. She has to endure hardship & humiliation from her rich friends. But that's didn't make her desperate for long, since she had to save her father company from falling to the ground. With dignity, endurance, hardwork & help from all friend (new & old) / family she finally manage to raise the company again. When everything seems great, suddenly JH feel betrayed again & she need to raise again from the ground. How will she manage everything in the end...?

Now what i like from this drama:
+ The strong JH. Oh she one strong woman. She never let her feeling get the best of her. Even though she's feeling down from all the betrayal, it not consume her for long time, she's quick to raise & move forward with her life.
+ The cute Gong Jun. Haha... I really like Gong Jun as Xu Si (XS) here. Even though he's so selfish regarding his decison for Tang Yue. But i still really like XS & JH together. And I really like he in the end learn something from his plan regarding Tang Yue.
+ The loyal Yang Jian. He's one friend that JH always can rely on. And their feeling never mix with romance, it just mutual trust & support as friend. Once more proof that woman & man can actually be friend without having romantic feeling toward each other.
+ Everyone have evil side. I mean like JH's dad, usually FL's or ML's family is so good, even when did business it's always on the good side. But here we finally can see on man that we think good at first turn out he had evil side of him that he hide from his daughter.
+ Gao Yi. This man is a mysterious man from the beginning. We don't know he is bad or actually good man. But I like how everything unrevealed in the end.

Overall this one good drama.

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Prefer them as Business partners than Lovers

This drama is all about Mind vs heart , if you are looking for strong FL and female entrepreneurs this drama for you , she is sassy , strong , emotional and smart 🤗 . Strongest point of this show is its music and FL arc story and her growth . ML is morally grey person , he makes mistakes , but he also tried to rectify it .

But love story from my POV is somehow toxic one , drunk kisses , ML hiding things from FL, Slapping ML.

So BEWARE , I would have prefer if they stayed better as Business partners but this is Cdrama land we need our own HAPPILY EVER AFTER .

Chemistry between actors was good and acting of all actors was A+ .

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Engaging and interesting

Loved:

I started to watch it without any expectations when 26 episodes were aired, usually i try not to start an ongoing as if is full of nonsense, clichés and cringe i will drop. This one i waited excitingly for other episodes. Was very interesting, work related involvement, passion towards tradition, continuity, effort and progression. Many things close to reality and how the business is done with hard development. Filmed very well, adult behaviours and nice locations. The actors are well suited for their roles and good chemistry. I love Elaine Zhong and i believed her character completely. The music is beautiful and placed where was needed to convert it into strong emotions. Chemistry between leads is very delightful, they are both strong personalities and giving in is a big issue.

Disliked:
Some characters i couldn't see their proper fit in the story. Some characters disappeared without explanation. Some of the things happen and than contradictory situations to previous ones. Not too much romance. The ending was rushed with the fillers that didn't bring it up, but paced it down unfortunately.

My wish:
Main leads to have more time together and the ending to be more fluffy and sweet, more of candy cotton was needed here, but overall i liked it and probably at some point i can re-watch some parts of it.

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This drama kept me hooked

When I saw the trailer a few months back, I thought it was a romcom with a typical C-Drama story, but it proved me wrong. I loved the story a lot. I need more of this kind of story in C-Dramas. Romance is not the main plot of the story. I don't mind if there is a little romance, the story is well executed & pretty engaging. If you are a romance drama fan, then this is not for you.

Xu Si is a cunning, scheming, smart & always thinking about profit kind of character. Gong Jun acting was good. Looks handsome as always.

Jiang Hu is not our typical C-Drama FL, she is strong, smart, calculative, arrogant, not a damsel in distress or a crybaby. But she is also kind-hearted, and thinks about others. Elaine Zhong acting was good. Before this series, I watched her series The Furthest Distance, there is no similarity between the two characters. Both are so different. Even Elaine Zhong's looks are also different. From dressing to style, everything is different. Red Lipstick suits her a lot.

Xu Si & Jiang Hu sexual tension in their 1st meeting. Loved Xu S pursing Jiang Hu phase. Gong Jun & Elaine Zhong have good chemistry together.

One of the great things about this drama is that there is no cringy or creepy Male or Female antagonist who is after our leads.

Xiang Zhao Yang is the opposite of FL. She is quiet, reserved, does everything according to her principles. She can't tolerate wrong doing. I hated her mother, she is a selfish, money-minded women. Always using her daughter as an earning tool.

1st I didn't like Yang Jian at all for what he did to the FL in episode 1. But after that, he became Jiang Hu's biggest support & best friend. He was always there for her. Standing by her side, still the end. Their friendship is something I enjoy a lot. Yang Jian is a kind-hearted person who will go out of his way to help others.

The thing I didn't like was the way they wasted Wei Zhe Ming talent. He has more of a guest role than a supporting role. I feel like they used him. They would've given Gao Yi more importance in the story, then it would have been interesting. The interesting part is that both the FL have a crush on Gao Yi.

Why all C-dramas have a rush ending? They should've made the whole last episode about Male Leads relationship.

Loved the Ost.

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