The phrase "first love" evokes faint flutters and fresh memories for everyone. Regardless of its outcome, it marks a page of the purest emotions in one's life, which is why content about first love always receives steady adoration from the public. The Chinese romance film 'First Love Ending' is a work that captures the essence of that very first love. At first glance, the poster's refreshing atmosphere suggested it might be a Taiwanese youth film like 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' or 'Our Times,' but this movie proved to be a masterpiece showcasing the potential of the rapidly advancing Chinese romance film industry.
In the past, it's true that there were prejudices against Chinese films, especially in the romance genre, due to somewhat exaggerated settings or awkward directing. However, in recent years, Chinese romance movies and dramas have achieved remarkable growth. They have established themselves as a powerful genre with sophisticated cinematography, stable storytelling, and charming actors who capture the hearts of viewers. 'First Love Ending' is a prime example of this trend. It cleverly utilizes clichés that could feel a bit juvenile to successfully recreate the unique, pure, and heartfelt emotions reminiscent of classic Korean romance movies.
One of the film's greatest charms is undoubtedly the stunning visuals of the main actors. Song Weilong, who plays the male lead 'Yang Sihuo,' lives up to his nickname 'China's Face Genius,' drawing admiration in every scene. The title of being considered the top handsome man in Asia might sound like an exaggeration, but his rebellious gaze and tall physique lend perfect credibility to the 'handsome male student' archetype, a hallmark of first love stories. His presence alone skyrockets immersion in the movie, making it clear why so many viewers praised the protagonists' looks.
In contrast, some reviews expressed slight disappointment with Liu Haocun, who plays the female lead 'Xu Niannian.' This is likely a relative sentiment stemming from her co-star Song Weilong's unparalleled visuals, rather than an issue with her acting or charm. However, the character Xu Niannian is not just another pretty face. She is an 'overpowered' character, equipped with a brilliant mind that makes her the top student right after transferring, and outstanding athletic abilities that overwhelm her male peers. Liu Haocun, who also delivered an impressive performance in 'Ride On,' delicately portrays the image of a strong yet pure-hearted girl in the face of love, adding depth to her character.
The beginning of the movie kicks off with an intense rivalry between the two protagonists. The meeting of Yang Sihuo, a genius in physics and math with a deep passion for space, and the transfer student Xu Niannian, who surpasses him in every way, creates a fiery, competitive dynamic. The scenes where Yang Sihuo cheats to win a 10km race for a coveted telescope, and then misunderstands and plays pranks on Xu Niannian who seems to know the truth, set the stage for a classic 'bickering rivals' relationship. This initial conflict serves as an effective device to make the upcoming romance more dramatic.
Their rivalry is most interestingly revealed during the basketball game. The sight of the 165cm Xu Niannian playing an equal match against the 186cm tall Yang Sihuo is, realistically, a bit of a stretch. While it's clearly a moment of cinematic exaggeration, this sequence powerfully demonstrates Xu Niannian's versatility and competitive spirit. It marks a crucial turning point where Yang Sihuo begins to see her not just as a competitor, but as an opponent he must acknowledge. It's unrealistic, but it's also a lovely moment that is perfectly permissible within the youth romance genre.
The relationship, which began with misunderstanding and conflict, enters a new phase when Yang Sihuo realizes his mistake and Xu Niannian helps him with his English studies. The process of these two rivals gradually developing feelings for each other as they complement their weaknesses and nurture a fresh love is heart-fluttering to watch. The scenes of them becoming deskmates, competing in sports games while still stealing glances at each other, and promising to attend the same university while on dates, beautifully capture the most brilliant moments of a first love.
This film is based on the short story 'Forgetting Even the Longing' from the novel 'Please Complete My Novel' by author Zhang Haochen. The original author's direct participation in the production enhanced the story's completeness. It was released in China as 'Thinking of Each Other (念念相忘)' and in English-speaking countries as 'Forget Me Not,' both titles evoking a sense of fondness and longing for a past love. The Korean title, 'First Love Ending,' however, is an excellent choice as it directly reveals the movie's theme while simultaneously sparking curiosity about the first love's outcome and conveying a refreshing sensibility.
It's no exaggeration to say that the success of a romance film hinges on the lasting impression it leaves at the end. Especially in movies about first love, a sad ending can leave the audience with a bitter taste. In that respect, 'First Love Ending' succeeds by fulfilling the audience's fantasy with a happy ending, while also creating a deep emotional resonance through the realistic hardships and conflicts they face. It portrays the fluttery feelings of high school continuing into university and beyond, pleasantly overturning the common notion that 'first love never lasts.'
In conclusion, 'First Love Ending' is a well-made youth romance film that is a feast for the eyes with its beautiful protagonists. While following the typical enemies-to-lovers narrative, it enhances immersion by delicately depicting the details of that process. First love is beautiful whether it lasts or not; it becomes a precious memory in itself. This film reminds everyone of the first love they hold in their hearts and warmly comforts the pure emotions of that time. It will be a satisfying choice for any viewer seeking fresh excitement and heartwarming emotion.
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