Although not flawless, the series succeeded in depicting a convincing and enthralling coming of age story set in 2002.
Memory of Encaustic Tile is a series that brings nostalgia. In particular, Gen Z babies get to relive and reminisce the moments from their childhood.
Not only does the series bring back memories from the period that drastically changed the way we live in the present, but this series also highlights that 2002 is already 20 years from the past.
Before, 2000’s babies are used to watching something set in the late or early ’90s. But now, the events from two decades ago are already used as a premise for a coming-of-age film.
Directed by Tian Yu, this 34-episode series wonderfully adapted Bei Feng San Bai Li’s novel, “Glazed Tiles of the Past”.
- Main Casts: Lin Yi | Chen Yu Qi | Yan Zi Dong
- Supporting Casts: Zhang Tian Ai | Sun Kai
- Romance/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Dramas of Similar Vibes: Plot Love | A Love So Beautiful | My Little Happiness | Put Your Head On My Shoulder | Reply 1988 |
Nathan Llantos watched Memory of Encaustic Tile on YoYo English Channel
Memory of Encaustic Tile Plot Recap (Spoilers Alert!)
The story is set in Liuli Hutong. Hutong is a short street or alley typically associated with northern Chinese towns, particularly Beijing. Shao Xue, Zheng Su Nian, Zhang Qi, Lin Shi Yin, and Wu Huan grew up in Liuli Hutong.
Moreover, their parents are all employed in the antique and museum trades, devoting their careers to preserving rare cultural treasures. As their parents bonded and formed close relations outside of work, these five kids became the best of friends themselves.
Memory of Encaustic Tile Quick Character Sketch
Shao Xue (Chen Yu Qi) is a lively high school student. She has a strong and outspoken attitude. She is also the main troublemaker in their group. Additionally, she is either Zhang Qi’s partner in crime or they are cats and dogs.
She also tends to be naughty at home, which frequently causes her to clash with her mother. Mainly, Shao Xue is a mediocre student. Nonetheless, she is outstanding at studying languages. In fact, her love for Harry Potter helped her become a good English speaker.
What is more, among their friend group of five, Su Nian, Zhang Qi, and Shi Yin are her closest friends. Not to mention, Su Nian is her first love.
Meanwhile, Zheng Su Nian (Lin Yi) is two years older than the rest of their group. Furthermore, he constantly makes an effort to look after Shao Xue and their friends. Additionally, Su Nian is one of the smartest students in school and has been adored by many female fans.
However, he is uninterested in any of them and is indifferent to people outside of their friend group. Not only does he have eyes for Shao Xue, but he is also busy taking care of all the troubles their youthful group creates.
More importantly, he is a responsible and diligent son who does not cause any problems for his parents.
The Teens of LiuLi Hu Tong
On the other hand, Zhang Qi (Yan Zi Dong) is as rebellious and rowdy as Shao Xue, which is why they tend to be partners in crime. Moreover, he is also Shao Xue’s classmate and close friend. He grew up in a single-parent family because his father passed away when he was a kid.
Additionally, Zhang Qi frequently bickers with his mother, who has no time for him because of her job. Although he is a lazy student, he is a Math genius.
Shao Xue’s best friend and classmate is Lin Shi Yin (Zhang Tian Ai). She is a young lady who enjoys pampering herself.
However, she seems arrogant at times and dislikes being linked with Wu Huan, whom she regards as beneath her. Nevertheless, she is set to have character development and remains Shao Xue’s reliable friend until the end.
Last but not least, Wu Huan (Sun Kai) is a responsible and friendly guy. Like Zhang Qi, he was raised alone by only his mother. His mother is bed-ridden and juggles his time in school. Not just that but, he even works part-time after school to support his and her mother’s needs.
Adulting is Afoot
The series will take viewers on a rollercoaster ride of friendships, romance, career and family matters. However, as they get older, their lives begin to diverge and their feelings for one another shift.
Shao Xue is set to go abroad to discover the world as an interpreter and Zhang Qi discovers and utilizes his Mathematical skills and applies for a doctorate degree after college.
Meanwhile, Lin Shi Yin strives to enter the broadcasting field, Zheng Su Nian stayed in the Hu Tong and suddenly took a career change to honor her mother. On the other hand, Wu Huan worked hard to become a manager of a logistics company.
Memory of Encaustic Tile Peak Points
Depiction of Family Dynamics
Family is one of the primary contributors to relationship security, stress, or both. Since family members rely on each other for emotional, physical, and financial support, this small unit of society very much shapes how an individual becomes.
This holds true in the family dynamics concept of the series. Throughout the episodes, the viewers will get to know more about the lives of the five characters and how their parents are.
In particular, Shao Xue’s parents, Shao Hua and Dong Ge are known to be loud and expressive. Shao Hua (Shao Xue’s father) adores his daughter and frequently indulges her. Dong He,(Shao Xue’s mother) on the other hand, is portrayed as a much more stringent parent who frequently nags and scolds Shao Xue.
In contrast to this, the Zheng family (Su Nian’s family) right next to their house is very prim and proper. They are admired for being sophisticated yet kind and generous. What is more, single mothers are also represented as well.
Splendind Cast Ensemble
Memory Of Encaustic Tile transports viewers to a nostalgic and delightful world of friendship and adulthood. Not only is the camaraderie between the younger generation and their parents something to look forward to, but some of the events and situations in the story will almost certainly make viewers relate.
As the characters go through life, viewers will witness their triumphs, misfortunes, and misadventures. With that said, the cast ensemble was superb and befitting for the respective roles they portrayed.
Noteworthy Cinematography
The cinematography is one of the series’ best features. For example, the production design truly brought the local feelings of a Hu Tong to life.
They also incorporated notable and iconic elements from the early 2000s, such as the expanding popularity of Naruto, Harry Potter, and other anime characters.
(Similarly, the commercial placements for Pizza Hut appeared natural and not forced.) Furthermore, the color grading of the episodes made the series seem to have been shot in 2002.
Memory of Encaustic Tile Series Musings
Admirable Character Developments
On a personal note, it is a relief that Wu Huan did not end up with Lin Shi Yin. Additional cookie points to the series for not romanticizing a toxic relationship.
Likewise, it is great to see how his character represented those who found their place in their career despite struggling financially and academically. It was great to see how his character eventually became successful through hard work and how he ended up with their former classmate Tang Ya, who truly sees his value.
Besides that, it was great how Wu Huan finally recognized his self-worth and gained more stable self-esteem.
Not to mention, the character developments of the characters truly enriched the trajectory of the storyline. (Well, despite the few bothering overstretched arcs and some rushed ones.) To enumerate, the character development awards go to Lin Shi Yin, Wu Huan’s mom and Zhang Qi.
Lin Yi’s Growth as an Actor
Fans have seen Lin Yi in typical boyfriend roles. In fact, he seems to be unable to escape being cast as a genius boyfriend. H
owever, in his role as Su Nian, compared to his roles in Put Your Head On My Shoulder and Love Scenery, is that his role Zheng Su Nian demands more emotions than his usual cold, genius characters. In fact, he showcased more emotions and expressions in this series than fans typically see him do.
It is refreshing to see him cry more, laugh more, and have a more vulnerable character to play. For instance, unlike his former roles wherein he is usually the new person in the group/the nerd who is new to having friends, in this series, he is the leader and protector of the gang.
More importantly, Lin Yi seems more natural and convincing. Hence, this truly makes fans and non-fans alike appreciate the acting prowess that he has exhibited in Memory of Encaustic Tile.
A Penny For Some Thoughts
Although the series is uplifting and nostalgic, there are some apparent flaws that may have been avoided. Because there are so many coming-of-age films and series, the inadequacies of this drama will undoubtedly be evaluated and compared by viewers to other more engaging and exhilarating conceptions of coming-of-age series.
For example, the restrained romance of Shao Xue and Su Nian feels at odds with the slower tempo that dominates a large portion of the narrative. And most certainly, the few noticeable times they failed the continuity of using stuff from the early 2000’s such as certain outfits and the laptop used by Su Nian’s dormmate.
Redeeming Factors
Nevertheless, on a personal note, the focus on the interactions in the friend group and the focus on their careers are appreciated despite the lack of swooning romance.
At least the series was convincing if not realistic, about how college life can be after high school. And, while the qualities of Shao Xue resonate with Chen Yu Qi’s portrayal of the character, some may believe that the actress’ characterization is overdone and overblown as if she is trying too hard to be adorable.
Although this may be evident in some moments, she is convincing as a high schooler despite her true age in real life.
And since the premise of the series involves the careers of the parents (And even the side characters too) the importance of the cultural restoration department is greatly emphasized.
Moreover, the celebration of important Chinese Holidays and festivities are highlighted as well. On top of that, there are not many series lately that can successfully stir emotions, and this one proved to be able to do so to some extent. On that note, kudos to the cast and the production crew!
Relive the experiences and moments of the early 2000’s with Memory of Encaustic Tile’s tale of neighborhood, careers and romance. The series is available for streaming on YoYo English’ Youtube channel and on YOUKU.
In case you are looking for more C-dramas starred by Lin Yi, check out these recommendations:
C-Drama Review: Music Breaks Barriers and Connect Fates In “Love Scenery”
6 C-Dramas Top-billed by Well-loved Leading Men To Forward This 2022
Photos: YOUKU & YoYo Channel
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