Two couples. Two opportunities to fall in love amidst the need to find oneself and the passions that motivate one to move forward.

In the new Taiwanese drama Impression of Youth, art graduate student Yu Xing (Muji Hsu) finds himself at a crossroads when his professor assigns him to a rural high school for a month-long substitute teaching stint. The change of scenery is intended to rekindle his inspiration and help salvage his rejected graduation project. There, Yu Xing meets Xu Lu Hui (Andrew Chien), a spirited high school student whose love for painting shines despite the limited resources and opportunities in his small-town.

The first two episodes are well-paced, moving quickly to accommodate the drama’s nine-episode length without sacrificing the emotional depth or tension needed to build meaningful relationships. As a fan of stories that delve into human emotion and the complexities of personal growth, I’m drawn to the thread of development Impression of Youth weaves—not just in the art Yu Xing needs to create but also in the tender love story blooming between him and Xu Lu Hui.

While these opening episodes primarily focus on laying the groundwork for what’s to come, they manage to balance depth and humor in a way that keeps the story engaging.

Which brings me to the secondary couple. The drama takes a refreshing approach by dedicating ample screen time to them, providing a compelling contrast to the main pair. While the central romance highlights the beauty of art and love emerging from shared inspiration, the secondary couple’s relationship is grounded in themes of renewal and second chances. Ye Bing Chen’s (Wish Chu) efforts to renovate a space next to a homestay owned by his potential love interest, Xu Lu Xi (Will Wen), ignite a heartfelt connection. Their story mirrors the physical transformation of their surroundings and beautifully underscores the idea of rebuilding both spaces and hearts.

Overall, Impression of Youth is a much more captivating watch than I initially anticipated. It has the potential to be a heartfelt and moving production, balanced by moments of humor that keep it light and relatable.

For a drama that explores love through the lenses of artistic passion and the grueling process of renovation, check out Impression of Youth, now streaming on iQiyi and Viki.

Rating- 4 out of 5