Le Chemin du retour (2023)

Take Me Home, Country Road. To the 1 I belong, 10 Years Later, My Wife & Child; I am Finally Home.

The title of this review I spoofed from John Denver's classic song as I felt it fit the overall narrative. Wasn't going to pick this up originally because it appeared too slow, but it was exactly what I found that I needed. A mature reconciliation of first love with two great actors. It wasn't perfect by any means but the love story was quite admirable.

Pros: Both JBR and ST or LC and GX respectively held their own and then some. He looked at her like she walked on water from the first glance in episode one. I was glad the break up happened before the series and we got an understanding of it in flashbacks. But the story was about two adults that had healed especially reconnecting with one another because we knew that once this happened, they would never let each other go again. Now 10 years later and more mature knowing what was needed and wanted, was a lot easier to attain. LC was like the perfect man with a dangerous profession. He cooked, cleaned, could fix anything and everything, was incredibly attentive; he treated GX like a goddess and above everyone else. She was his one and only treasure. Who wouldn't want a man like that? He looked very handsome in his uniform. Both resolved that if they didn't reconnect, they'd never marry anyone else. That's pretty intense love and a connection seldom seen. Though mostly all of the flashbacks were from GX's POV, the last episode belonged to LC and it showed he noticed her way before the official introduction. I do wish that was placed somewhere in the middle instead.

Her best friend and husband were wonderful people and friends. And the kid was literally the best wingman ever! I loved his maturity and helpfulness. The supporting cast were all awesome individuals and the bonds formed were very obvious. I also wish they had balanced his job more in the story; secret missions I understand but they really didn't go too much into much of it even if it was training. For me personally though not enough was shown, the wedding episode I considered the last one. It brought things full circle.

Cons: The second couple was an underdeveloped afterthought and they had no chemistry. They should have just been kept as friends and it would have made much more sense. It felt very forced. The last mission we saw of LC's which had him gravely injured but no explanation was ever given seemed like things were left out. When his captain died and he was grieving his loss in the beginning, we saw that sequence on repeat but why couldn't it be shown how LC got injured? For as much talk of propaganda, what was most unrealistic in the SWAT team that they portrayed was that each SWAT officer had to be a bomb technician, K9 trainer, sniper, hostage negotiator, etc. and that's just not how it works. You can't be an expert in each field, there are too many components and too high a probability of things going wrong.

The constant spotlight in the background of their kissing scenes was very annoying; there was never any lead into a love scene though she did get pregnant somehow. That's pretty strange for a modern drama. Sure, censorship and blur it out but have a lead in so people didn't think they were always sleeping separately or fully clothed. But probably the biggest whiplashes were the leads fathers and how they got ridiculous redemption arcs that came straight out of nowhere. One was an alcoholic, abusive bastard who essentially sold his own son for money he borrowed and lost that all of a sudden became a saint acknowledging all of his mistakes and the other who was a cheating deadbeat also without warning became a caring father and no one stopped to question what just happened? These were my issues with this series.

Would I recommend it? Yes. It's very slow burn but different than other dramas because they were reconciling and growing together as adults now as opposed to kids. Their moments together and there were many were just too stinking cute so don't miss the opportunity to watch this if nothing else for just a true love romance.

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Slow Road Home

I did enjoy this drama to a certain degree. I really like both the leads; Jing Boran is so expressive and definatly has the visuals in this one. Seven Tan I have enjoyed in a number of her other shows. The story was more mature, slice of life which I truly appreciated after all the nonsense shows we have been getting lately. The scenery was great and loved seeing that aspect of northern China. Nice to see a show out filming on location. That being said, there were a few things that I found lacking. I was disappointed in the pacing of the show. It just did not seem to flow very well and did get very draggy in parts. To much of the same stuff on repeat. I also had a problem with the secondary couple. Their story was not well developed and I found their chemistry to be nonexistant. Just could not get them as a couple. The little boy was adorable, his father, the second male lead, a blockhead. Found it hard to believe he was a SWAT Captain. The other couple, Seven Tan's best friend and her husband, were refreshingly normal. I like Seven Tan but honestly was not so invested in her character. I realize Lu Chen was her first love but after getting back together after 10 years I found her to still be acting like a teenager in her interactions with him. It was a little to cutesy cutesy for my taste. She was not acting like a mature 30 something woman. Lu Chen was the stereo typical SWAT team captain. A man of very!! few words. His communication skills were a tad bit lacking. All in all this was one of my favorites for the year.

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Recommended for Romance Slice-of-Life Lovers and Fans of the Leads (Amazing Chemistry)

Overall - 8.25
Subjective Romance-lover Rating - 8.5 (9.0 for first 10 episodes)
Objective Overall Rating - 8.0

“Road Home” is a true romance drama that focuses on the main leads’ romantic journey from when they were teenagers, separated for over 10 years and reunited again as adults. This is a slow-paced slice-of-life drama where nothing dramatic really happens. The side plots are all there to illustrate how Lu Chen (ML) and Gui Xiao (FL) manage their relationship. Although we see scenes of SWAT training, you will be disappointed if you are looking for a drama similar to “You Are My Hero”.

Recommended for:
1. Hopeless Romantics
2. Those who are in the mood to watch something romantic
3. Slice-of-Life romance lovers, who are fine with a slower pace and no dramatic plot twists.
4. Fans of Jin Bo Ran and Seven Tan


What I Like and Enjoy:

1. Acting (Jing Bo Ran and Seven Tan) - Without these two’s amazing acting, this drama would not be successful at all. There isn’t a lot of talking between the leads, because JBR’s character is very quiet and only answers in a word or two most of the time. But when you have experienced actors who can convey emotions with their eyes and subtle facial expressions, that makes the drama worth watching. It’s not a surprise to see Seven Tan play a high schooler and make it believable. I am more surprised to see the innocent look on JBR’s face as a teenager. Granted, he does look older than 18, but his expressions show a different side of him when he was younger. The white filter helps distinguish his younger and innocent days from the mature, battle-tested adult days.

2. Romance - This is the bread and butter of the drama. You have to love this genre to fully appreciate this drama. The chemistry is amazing and sizzling. To me, the best part of this drama is the first 8-10 episodes, before the leads officially got back together. The yearning, longing and hurt, the gazes of the desperate need to reconnect, sucked me right into their love story. Viewers need to watch the subtle facial expressions and read between the lines for all the indirect hidden meaning of what’s going on. Yes, the pace might be slow for some, but I love these initial meetings when they meet each other after 10 years. And to reward us for enduring the pain with the leads, viewers are rewarded with many romantic kisses, hand-holding, hugs and back hugs, and fluffiness in the second half of the drama.

3. Jin Bo Ran - I have never considered JBR as my type of handsome. However, there is nothing that prevents me from falling in love with him and his character. Who wouldn’t love a sexy man in uniform who cooks, cleans, pampers, and is considerate and thoughtful and never raises his voice at you? Jin Bo Ran has never been so sexy to me and I appreciate the drama showing us his nicely toned upper body, whether if he’s topless or wearing a wife beater and showing off his arms. I do wish he had a nicer wardrobe.

4. OST - Lovely songs in this original soundtrack. A few of the songs’ lyrics match the scenes perfectly. Seven Tan’s version of 《青春无恙》(Healthy Youth) puts me right in the mood in the first ⅓ of the drama. The upbeat song《恋爱在流行》(Love is Popular) made me happy and immediately brought back memories of the sweet and fluffy scenes between the leads.

5. Production Quality - Nice wintery sceneries, introduced me to the Chinese Grand Canyon (never knew it existed), making sandy/desert areas romantic (not pretty though). Lucky to see that the women have a nice wardrobe, which doesn’t always happen in a Chinese drama. All the men look good in uniform. Nothing seems cheap, with a few nice sets such as FL’s apartment and office.



What I don’t Like or have Mixed Feelings:

Most of my critiques are due to the fact this is a 30-episode drama. If there are only 24 episodes, I might not be as ‘harsh’. I feel that there’s so much time that the drama can afford to better develop some of the side plots. The side stories could have been more impactful, and not just a forgettable mess in the presence of the main romance.

1. ML’s dad/family - Without getting too spoilery, I just want to say that the redemption arc is not well done at all. It’s laughable that everything is swept under the carpet after the conversation and agreement between ML’s mother and father. The drama made a big deal initially, but in the end, nothing really happened. FL wasn’t really put in a particularly difficult position once she officially met the father.

2. Secondary Romance - I would have loved to see some phone conversations to make me believe that those two can fall for each other. Viewers were told that they have gotten a lot closer, but never really showed us any meaningful scenes. This seems like a convenient and quickly put-together side romance, and not well-thought out.

3. Poor Kid - We got such an adorable young actor, but he’s being wasted. This child got passed around like a ball to stay at different houses. I understand the reason behind that, but I wish we had seen more scenes with him in it. Most of the time, he just gets sent to a different room because the leads or the adults have things to talk about or need to have some alone time. I wish there are more meaningful conversations, like the one he had with Seven Tan about growing up with divorced parents. What a wasted potential.

4. Bright backlighting - I am very annoyed with the strong white light behind the leads every single time they are trying to kiss or have a romantic scene. I want to see the facial expression, not be blinded by the light. The chemistry is interrupted constantly because of this light.

5. Flashbacks - For the most part, I like the drama’s use of flashbacks to tell the story of the leads younger days. However, I wish they had incorporated the days when they first broke up and were having a tough time. We hear that ML was living like a zombie, but I want to see. I want to see how hurt and depressed they were, so that I can feel even more when they’re reunited at the gas station. The drama practically ended in ep 29. I am glad that we got to see the male lead’s perspectives during their younger days. I am conflicted whether they should have left those scenes in the last episode, or if they should be introduced throughout the drama. But I guess in a way, the story came back in full circle. The first time he fell in love with her was at the same place where he saw her before the wedding. It’s fate. They are meant to be together.

6. Too fluffy? - I can’t believe I am typing this in the critique section (maybe more of a mixed feeling). I feel that the last 10 episodes have too many cute and sweet scenes of the leads not doing much. Do I love how they gaze lovingly at each other with sweet kisses and hugs? Of course! But I also felt that it’s a little repetitive when the plot is not really moving.

I do recommend this drama for those who are in the mood for something romantic. However, it’s not an amazing all-around drama. If you are fans of Jin Bo Ran and Seven Tan, do not miss this! I haven’t read the book and if you did and watched the drama, do you mind leaving a comment and telling me if the drama follows novelty closely? Do my criticisms of the side plots also happen in the novel?


Other Random Observations:
1. I think a wheelchair should be used for Seven Tan a LOT sooner when she’s at the hospital.
2. Jin Bo Ran and Seven Tan look handsome/beautiful in ep. 29.
3. No real annoying character.



Completed: 4/2/2023

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A Beautiful Love Story

This amazing, well-executed drama has come to an end. What a journey we all had the privilege to enjoy.

Looking back over this drama it was one that grasp you from the very first episode and held you fast to every episode until the nicely wrapped up ending.

I can only say, myself as a woman, and maybe for other women out there, we all would love to have a Lu Chen in our lives. This man knew from the first moment he saw her that she was going to be his and his alone because it was love at first sight. To have that determination and decisiveness of mindset is rare indeed. He may have been silent but everything he did was well thought out of. In his own way, he had guided her, as well as her with him to be the couple that through anything could withstand time.

No matter what pressures they held both within their families, their own lives and their apparent separation, they held fast and firm to their beliefs. In their own way their love of each other healed their families and just made all that were around them see how much love can endure and it was never lost between them, but recaptured and reborn to a more exquisite love story.

This drama held us all in the palm of its hand giving us smiles, swooning, laughter, tears but most of all...love. A masterpiece of craftsmanship by a couple that made us enjoy what falling and being in love is all about.

As the saying goes, all paths lead home...we all have our own road home because that is where love is.

Until next time...love....

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"You are my way back home, at the dawn."

"Road Home" is a drama that gripped me from the beginning and kept me looking forward to it until the very last episode. I started it with a lot of expectations- because it's from a novel by Mo Bao Fei Bao, and I'm very pleased to say that the execution in fact did not let me down. From the eye-catching locations to the great casts and gorgeous cinematography- everything and everyone did the story justice.

Road Home is a romantic melodrama. And when I say romantic-melo, I mean a very romantic with a tiny bit of melo sprinkled in it. It's a drama that'll make you cry at times, but most of the time you'll be giggling at the screen and swooning over the leads. A drama that's properly heavy on romance- that's how I'd like to describe it. You'll get swoon worthy moments and many many hugs and kisses throughout the drama, and let me tell you one thing- our leads do not shy away from skinship. If you're looking for a drama with lots of romance, minimum angst, no problematic ex, HEA and a swoon-worthy ML- this is the one for you.

Let's talk about the locations and cinematography. Since I had seen the trailer last year, I have been waiting for this drama not only because of the amazing casts and creator, but also because of how gorgeous the locations were. But after watching my top drama for the year, "Meet Yourself", I admit that I had lessened my expectations a bit because it had the best locations and the most well-executed cinematography I had ever seen. But when I started Road Home, I realised that there was no need to expect anything less because the way this drama is shot is beyond beautiful. The moment the first episode started, my eyes were absolutely glued to the screen and stayed the same till the very end. As soon as I finished episode 1, my first question was "Where is this place, I want to go there."

Now, for the leads- Jing Boran as Lu Chen gets a 10000/10 from me. I don't think any other actor could play the character as well as he did. Having watched him in other works and variety shows, this drama again made me realise what a versatile actor he is. I got goosebumps everytime Lu Chen looked at Gui Xiao- he looked at her like she is his whole world. When he said, "I'll remember you even you turn into ashes," I didn't doubt it at all, his eyes portrayed it all. I don't think I've seen any other actor act so well with his eyes, the looks Lu Chen gave to Gui Xiao would be enough to make anyone weak on their knees.
Tan Song Yan is one of the best actresses of current time and there's no doubt in that- she proved it yet again with this drama. Gui Xiao as a high-school girl who is in love with Lu Chen. Gui Xiao as a college girl who is struggling with her relationship. Gui Xiao who is an accomplished career woman but can't forget her first love- she portrayed her so well. I cried everytime she cried, laughed when she laughed. Tan Song Yan is the perfect Gui Xiao and the casting Director gets an A+.

Road Home is a drama that will definitely stay in my mind for a very very long time.

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I love this drama

I was waiting this drama to start but how fast it was get over . Hope it keep on going. But.....
After watching 29th episode ,i was excited to see what would be the next because 29th episode was enough to show the happy ending . But it has 30th episode so I started imagine that it might have their friend's story male lead's friend confessed lead actress' friend to get married . So I thought drama would show their marriage or may be how lead's life move on after having child . Something like that but last episode reduced that excitement . Drama had shown their past ,how they met ,break up and finally met . So little upset with last part .
I love this drama . It was fabulous,
Really . Still I am watching it some scenes repeatedly in YouTube . Female lead is my favourite ,I hardly missed her any drama . In this drama both actors nailed it . Their chemistry was awesome and their friends's love story also cute.

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Doesn't get more natural/realistic than this

Whose filmography should I follow? Is it the actors? The writers? The directors? The intimacy coach? Because all of them did a phenomenal job. In cdrama land, we honestly don't get enough romance stories featuring MATURE, ADULT, REALISTIC characters that properly communicate and maintain a HEALTHY relationship. In addition, the level of intimacy is sometimes so awkward or forced or not how you'd imagine two lovers acting like in real life so it makes you less engrossed in their relationship. However, in Road Home that was not the case. No one could look at Gui Xiao and Lu Chen and say they weren't meant to be, that they weren't madly in love. There was not an iota of awkwardness to be found watching their chemistry on screen. Their relationship was so freaking beautiful to witness, it gave me all the feels and I was swooning left and right and smiling everytime they were on screen.

For the most part, this drama makes you feel good all the time. The side characters were all positively written and it was so nice seeing the various friendships the leads had and how everyone was so loyal and helpful towards each other.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this for the amazing romance, the natural dialogues, realistically written characters and plot lines and beautiful scenery.

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Worth a re-watch for the two leads and the child stars

The two main leads carried this drama on their shoulders alone. The script was draggy and poor, the endless recaps were dumb, none of the other storylines were followed through properly, the two kids were fantastic but only used as props.

If it wasn't for the main leads acting chops and charisma, this drama would have tanked.

I watched it solely for TSY, Jing Boran and the 2 kids. Luckily, the main leads are present in almost all the scenes.

The original story was great, but the script/edits/direction of this drama, not so great at all. I read the English translation of the original and it was a fast-paced very interesting read.

Thanks to TSY and Jing Boran the drama has a very high watch and re-watch value.

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Pure Unconditional Love Story

I love that the story is about everyday people portrayed realistically. Some other romantic dramas I've seen this one is different. Especially when it comes to divorce and separation from your family. Once you become an independent mature adult you will relate. Having a controlling parent or two parents is just sad experience. But in this series, it tells you that you can cope with it just like Lu Chen and Gui Xiao. I kind of relate to them. Thís touched me the most. In addition to my admiration that they foster a child of a divorced friend. This really is a series that I will admire the most like touching my heart and is about public servants and real-life heroes like police SWAT officers giving their lives for the sake of their duty and what they are signed up for. Kudos to script writers. Soundtrack is the only thing that I did not like but will re-watch in the future.
Highly recommended!

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Home is a Person.

Lu Chen and Gui Xiao's love story is beautiful; as beautiful as the drama's setting.

You will feel the same love they are portraying. The story is about first love story, clingy type FL, with nice kiss scenes, long distance relationship, and swoon worthy.

I can feel the love, longing and heartbreak. I love the excitement they feel when they see each other. Since the ML and FL are in a long distance relationship, every time they see each other is always exciting and full of clinginess.

Not every person can handle this kind of relationship.

I love all the cast. I love the SWAT Squad.

The ML is everything you need in a man. His only flaw is his complicated family which is not his fault. The FL is strong, independent woman which makes her a perfect partner.

It is a slow burn drama and there are a bit boring scenes, but overall the drama is amazing.

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Tan Song Yun never disappoints

I don't usually write reviews, but when I do, its cause i feel so strongly about something and this drama falls in this case. To start off, I've always been a fan of Tan Songyun. I first watched her in The Fox's Summer but didn't really fall in love with her until I saw her again in Under the Power. Ever since then, I have followed all her dramas and I have to say her acting is getting better and better by the day. As for Jing Boran, I saw him in Love 020 the movie and I thought he was so charming and good looking. He is someone who usually acts in only movies so didn't get as much exposure for him.
This drama was amazing. The storyline might not be for everyone because it is a slow burning romance that doesn't necessarily have a strong plot line. Just the leads getting back together and their journey back to happiness. What made this drama as good as it is definitely had huge contributions to Jing Boran and Tan Songyun amazing chemistry and acting skills. The characters, Lu Yanchen and Gui Xiao, they played seemed as if it was really their personality in really life. They played it so naturally that it made me feel like it was a real life couple and I was in the drama observing their lives. Jing Boran's microexpression was amazing. His character was a person who didn't like to talk much but showed his love through actions. The way he always cared for her and showed his love through the way he looks at her and his eyes. Amazing. Completely nailed it. Their kiss scenes were so cute! You could really see all the love just overfilling through each scene. They even nailed that longing and missing feeling they had for each other when they first met again after 8 and ten 10 years. Amazing. All the side characters did an amazing good too. Their contribution to the story was great. Pacing of the drama was good. Every episode was not wasted. Every episode had something cute to add to the mix of cuteness overload. Safe to say, after this drama, everyone will want their own Lu Yanchen. The OST really helped with the emotional and cute scenes, bringing them to life. Its been a while since i have been dying while waiting for each episode to come out. This drama has officially been added to my Top 5 Drama List.

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Love love love this drama

Let me start by saying I love both Jing Bo Ran and Tang Song Yun. Their acting and chemistry in this drama is top notch. I got hooked after watching the first episode.

I like how this is not like those typical cliche drama but more like a slice of life sort of story. The love story between Lu (Yan) Cheng and Gui Xiao is relatable. What I meant by this is that some of the problems they faced are probably problems that some people have experienced in real life. Some of us probably still love someone we have broken up with ages ago but how many of us get a second chance with that person. So personally this story really warms my heart and makes me smile watching it. Of course having two good looking people as the main characters of the drama also helps :)

I could not finish writing this review without mentioning the beautiful snowy locations they shoot the drama at. It must be really cold for them but it looks really pretty on the screen.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this drama and recommend anyone looking for a new drama to check out this production. Although I am sad that this drama is over, I am looking forward to future works by Jing Bo Ran and Tang Song Yun. I will definitely rewatch this drama in the future :)

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