The modern romance Chinese drama Begin Again unfolds in the vibrant city of Macau, where modern luxury seamlessly blends with old-world charm. The story follows two fateful encounters that spark unforgettable connections. Chen Jia Hui (Zhong Chu Xi), an elegant art curator, crosses paths with Han Jun Hao (Elvis Han), a professional race car driver competing in the Macau Grand Prix, igniting a passionate and adrenaline-fueled romance. Meanwhile, career-driven and ambitious Mai You Ge (Chen Hao Yu) arrives in Macau for an urgent work project, only to meet the Xu Jun Le (Sunny Sun), the Macau know-it-all whose free-spirited personality is the exact opposite of hers.
Begin Again is a heartwarming slice-of-life drama that explores the beauty of relationships, self-discovery, and the value of shared moments. With its sweet and slow-paced romance, the drama invites audiences on a relaxing journey filled with beautiful cinematography, a perfectly curated soundtrack, and captivating cityscapes of Macau. There are no major twists or shocking revelations, just a narrative that feels like chicken soup for the soul. Through its charming characters and themes of family, love, and individual aspirations, Begin Again reminds us that life is not just about results or the journey itself, but it's about the people we share it with. Check out these four reasons why you need to add Begin Again to your watch-list below!
Diverse characters and romance
Begin Again introduces four compelling main characters whose chance encounters in Macau blossom into life-changing connections. Each brings a unique story, blending personal growth, career challenges, and the pursuit of happiness against the vibrant backdrop of the city.
Chen Jia Hui, an art curator who has lived in Macau for years, embodies elegance, freedom, with a touch of mystery. Surrounded by the city's rich culture and stunning scenery, she navigates her role as an art practitioner while experiencing changes in her understanding of life, art, and interpersonal relationships. Her story intertwines with Han Jun Hao, a professional race car driver whose passion for the sport runs deep, regarding it as one of the most important aspects of his life. Despite his poised demeanor, Han Jun Hao grapples with insecurities and uncertainties, particularly when facing the difficult balance between his racing career and personal life. Their first encounter is an adrenaline-fueled motorcycle race, igniting a dynamic relationship filled with passion and speed.
Mai You Ge, a dedicated and resilient advertising professional, arrives in Macau to manage an urgent promotional film project for an international hotel. Her unwavering work ethic faces its ultimate test in this unfamiliar city where she doesn't speak Cantonese. When unexpected setbacks arise, she encounters the charismatic local Xu Jun Lu, known as the go-to guy in Macau and ends up being her informal guide. Despite his carefree and humorous personality, Jun Le grapples with uncertainty about whether to inherit the family business or carve out his own path. Their growing friendship encourages them both to reflect on their choices and rediscover what truly matters in life. Through these interwoven stories, Begin Again celebrates connection, transformation, and the pursuit of fulfillment in both love and career.
Supporting cast and relationships
Another standout of Begin Again is its incredible supporting cast and guest appearances, which will surely delight fans of Hong Kong films and TVB dramas. Hong Kong veteran actors like Alex Fong and Carman Lee are Xu Jun Le's loving parents, while Aarif Rahman shines as Xu Jun Hao, the fiercely independent older brother. Selena Lee portrays Casey, a PR manager who embarks on a journey of self-healing through her work with child piano prodigy Frank. Yumiko Cheng also makes a memorable guest appearance as Chen Jia Hui's boss. From Mainland China, veteran actors Ni Hong Jie and Geng Le play a long-time divorced couple Xu Jian Ming and Tang Wei, who just so happen to be Xu Jun Hao's future in-laws. There is also a fun guest appearance by Gao Han Yu as Mai You Ge's blind date. All these familiar faces add so much to the story, showcasing various relationships and life lessons. The show emphasizes the warmth of family, free from toxic dynamics, and highlights the charm of a close-knit community where everyone knows each other.
The drama goes beyond the surface, delivering meaningful reflections on modern life. It reminds viewers of the importance of self-love, cherishing the small moments in life that we often overlook, and learning to mend relationships with those we care about. The characters' journeys teach how not to take loved ones for granted and how to have the courage to pursue even the smallest chance of achieving our dreams. Begin Again offers a subtle yet compelling exploration of how we can love, grow, and trust ourselves in the face of life's pressures.
Macau
In Begin Again, the city of Macau emerges as the drama's true star, captivating viewers with its breathtaking blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Celebrated as a love letter to this unique cultural crossroads, the drama aired during the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to China, symbolizing both its rich heritage and evolving identity. Against a backdrop of scenic landscapes and architectural wonders, the drama captures Macau's peaceful pace of life, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling nearby cities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The cinematography is a visual feast, capturing Macau's striking fusion of East and West with beautifully framed shots of cobblestone streets, colonial-era churches, and gleaming contemporary attractions like the Ruins of St. Paul's, Guia Fortress, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, and Macau Fisherman's Wharf. The Grand Prix racing scenes add a thrilling burst of energy, perfectly highlighting the city's dynamic spirit.
Begin Again also explores Macau's culinary and linguistic diversity, with local delicacies such as Portuguese-style clams and pork knuckle with ginger serving as a cultural and emotional touchpoint. Through the wide-eyed exploration of characters like Mai You Ge, viewers are immersed in the flavors and traditions that define Macau's distinct identity. Language also plays a vital role in the storytelling, as the nuanced exchange between Cantonese and Mandarin adds moments of humor and authenticity, showcasing the region's rich linguistic culture. The drama masterfully uses lighthearted character interactions and youthful themes to paint a vibrant portrait of a city where tradition meets modernity, making Macau not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character in its own right.
Sunny Sun as Xu Jun Le
Xu Jun Le is the ultimate green-flag in Begin Again making him a true standout character. His soft-spoken, laid-back, and effortlessly gentle vibe makes him impossible not to love. His relationship with Mai You Ge is a slow-burn romance that hits all the right notes. Jun Le is patient, kind, and always there to help Mai see that life isn't just about work and stress, it's about finding the small joys in everyday life. One of the cutest parts of their dynamic is how he translates Cantonese for her when she struggles with the dialect, showing how thoughtful he is without making a big deal out of it. Their love story is one of the healthiest and most heartwarming, filled with those picture-perfect moments that will surely make viewers root for them.
Sunny Sun totally nails the role, bringing a natural charm to Xue Jun Le that feels refreshingly real. His expressions and mannerisms are so genuine that you can't help but get pulled into his scenes. There's something about the way he looks at Mai You Ge that just melts your heart. He plays Jun Le with this soft, steady energy that makes him stand out from typical drama male leads but also sets a new standard for male characters in Chinese dramas. Sunny's portrayal is effortlessly charismatic and captivating, leaving audiences eager to see more of his work.
Start watching Begin Again:
[viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40820c-begin-again]
blacksesame88 is a long-time Asian drama and entertainment addict. She enjoys discussing her favorite dramas and sharing her knowledge of Asian entertainment. When she's not watching dramas, she's busy snapping aesthetic photos of delicious food on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter and join her for recaps of the current dramas she's watching, also feel free to say Hi and have a chat!
Currently watching: Flourished Peony and Under the Moonlight.
All-time favorite dramas: Go Ahead, Nirvana In Fire, Queen In Hyun's Man, A Witch's Romance, Love O2O, Skate Into Love, and My Mr. Mermaid.
Looking forward to: Ski Into Love, The Prisoner of Beauty, and A Dream Within a Dream.
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