Like a Flowing River Season 3 Reviews

Seeing these characters again feels so familiar. The four storylines are full of highlights. The rise of Song Yun Hui in Pengyang Factory, Lei Dong Bao leading Little Lei Family to expand, the development of Yang Xun's business path, and how Liang Si Shen will win back his position in the workplace.
And what changes will foreign investment bring to the market... I'm filled with anticipation for the fate of all these characters.

There are still significant issues that cannot be ignored on the path of progress and reform. The lackadaisical attitude of the investigation team reflects the loopholes in the system. The psychological shadows caused by the special events are evident in Cao Gong and Director Qi.
The subtle societal metaphors hidden within the plot are quite well done.

Every event in the series carries significant historical implications. Yang Xun obtaining a foreign investment license indirectly indicates the recognition of the Chinese market by foreign companies. Opening up not only broadens our horizons but also enhances our competitiveness in the international market.

From the first installment to the third, the life experiences of the three main characters have had their ups and downs. However, none of them have given up on pursuing their dreams. They always carry a longing for a better life in their hearts.
This resilient and optimistic spirit never fails to move me.

Looking at Song Yun Hui's turbulent but determined past from the perspective of a society that is currently benefiting from the fruits of reform and opening up, every step he and the group he represents have taken is worthy of recognition.
Whether it's in heavy industry state-owned enterprises or in fine chemicals, the significant role played by intellectuals in the era of reform and opening up should not be underestimated.

Witnessing Song Yun Hui's perseverance, confusion, and melancholy moments as he overcomes one challenge after another, it is in this drama that I once again see his composed demeanor when dealing with matters at the Pengyang Pesticide Factory.
It is at this moment that I deeply realize my appreciation for his character stems from the precious qualities of being a pioneer of the era: never giving up and remaining steadfast.

I really like Secretary Gong's character! In the beginning, I couldn't figure out his stance and attitude, and I thought he was a bad guy. But the moment he pulled out a brick from his briefcase, ready to fight for Lei Dong Bao, it made me laugh.
I feel like this is also one of the charms of this drama—no one is entirely good or bad throughout. The multifaceted nature of their personalities is fully showcased.

In the third installment, we witness the growth of the characters. Song Yun Hui has toned down his sharpness and become more low-key in his interactions with others. Lei Dong Bao no longer charges forward without considering the consequences, as he now recognizes the importance of following rules.
Despite the unchanging roots, there is still growth and progression. Watching their growth is truly satisfying.

I can really resonate with the character Lei Dong Bao because his fate is closer to that of ordinary people at that time. He didn't have a solid knowledge base, so everything he achieved was through his own hard-earned experience, including going through hardships and setbacks.
After being in trouble and suffering losses, he gained much more than he lost! The present Lei Dong Bao is even more admirable.

As I watched Lei Dong Bao handle the lost qualification certificate with such thoroughness, I noticed that the recklessness in his eyes had long disappeared. In its place, there was a sense of composure and maturity.
It suddenly struck me with a sense of nostalgia. It felt as though during the days when the drama wasn't airing, these characters in the show were also growing and maturing synchronously.

I'm growing to like the character Liang Si Shen more and more. The image of a confident and independent career woman is a powerful force in that era and should not be overlooked.
When she expressed her career struggles to Song Yun Hui, deep down she already had the answers. She doesn't cling to the past and bravely confronts the hardships of work.
Her attitude is remarkably free-spirited!

This series delves into the themes of love, pain, and societal changes. It goes beyond that as well, depicting the intricate relationships, workplace suppression, and the stark reality of illegal activities during that era.
The series dares to showcase this authenticity, serving as a true testament to the historical record and acknowledging the efforts of those who strive and struggle.

The reform process is constantly filled with conflicts between interests and human nature. The people of Xiao Lei's village are each playing their own game, while the other factory managers involved in the merger are reluctant to accept Lei Dong Bao's leadership.
How to deal with the dual pressure from within and outside is indeed a significant challenge for Lei Dong Bao.

Regardless of whether it's at the national level, where foreign investment is being brought in, or at the individual level, where individuals like Yang Xun are striving for foreign investment licenses, it all indicates that openness is the trend of the times.
Only by being in line with the international currents can one have more choices and opportunities for development.

Lei Dong Bao may appear rough and unrefined, but after experiencing numerous setbacks and detours throughout the years in Xiao Lei Family, he has become much more cautious. He holds high standards for product quality and readily replaces anyone who prioritizes personal gain over public interests.
Despite his rough exterior, he is actually meticulous and detail-oriented.

Cao Gong's attempt to seek help from friends to intercede for the factory truly reflects the limitations of the people themselves in this era. The deeply rooted concept of personal relationships in this land deeply influences a grassroots worker.
It is through these limitations that the characters' depth and complexity are further revealed.

During the first installment, I was still naive. By the time the third part came around, I had developed a feminist consciousness. It's not about using feminism to judge this drama; it's just that I can no longer fully enjoy it when the plot completely disregards female participation within the confines of male heroism.

Lei Dong Bao's gradual progress with Little Leijia resonates with me deeply because I see the shadow of my elders in him. They were often quiet, with stern faces that could be intimidating, but inside, they carried the well-being of everyone.

The significance of career paths goes without saying. The intertwining of emotions within multiple character relationships is also deeply moving. The familial ties driven by blood, friendships that stand the test of distance, and the tender and ordinary love—all of them authentically showcase real-life experiences.

The characters portrayed in the drama feel very realistic. No one is perfect, like Sibao and Hongwei. They have their own ulterior motives and weaknesses, but when it comes to brotherhood, they are truly loyal.
The imperfect character development makes them feel more vibrant.

Lost its meaning. The written content is not bad, but Yang Xun's and Song Yun Hui's acting has declined. After two seasons of baptism, Song Yun Hui's performance is still like when he was preparing for the college entrance exam while herding sheep.
Has the director not coached at all? Did the noon sunshine disappear? The third season turned into a soap opera.

Lei Dong Bao, who came out of prison, is no longer as emotional as before. He showed off in front of the people at Dongjiang Cable Company, giving them face. In the end, when he smashed the bottle, he still knew how to leave a way out for others.
This more mature way of interpersonal communication is a sign of his growth. The character development in this drama is more well-rounded.

The portrayal of the ensemble cast is impressive, driving the plot while deepening the character development. Song Yun Hui's fairness and meticulousness, Lei Dong Bao's strong leadership, Yang Xun's attentiveness and enthusiasm, Liang Si Shen's resolute confidence—each storyline of the four characters contributes to a rich and realistic depiction of economic system reform.
It's engaging and powerful.

The content of the factory reforms in parts 2 and 3 is not particularly appealing in terms of subject matter. The "The Great River" series is becoming more and more like a well-written essay, where you know it's good and even excellent, but it lacks that special spark to truly captivate the audience.
In comparison, "Shan Hai Qing" is much more exciting.

Fortunately, those of us who came before, like Song Yun Hui, chose to be such "fools." Fortunately, even to this day, we still remember Song Yun Hui and aspire to become the next Song Yun Hui.

You see, we are all capable individuals, and we will undoubtedly become the center of the world.

It truly reflects the impact of policy changes and the evolution of the times. Whether it's Song Yun Hui's wholehearted efforts to revitalize Pengyang Farm or Yang Xun's pursuit of loans to establish a factory, we can see the influence of the era on individuals and their efforts to adapt to and catch up with the times.

Every person in Xiaolei Village is a real character seeking their own welfare in the tide of reform and opening up. They help each other but also have their own selfish motives. The complex and multifaceted nature of human beings is evident in their interactions within a factory.
It's clear that a lot of effort has been put into the character development by the scriptwriters.

The viewing experience of the pilot program for rural enterprise reform is quite distressing. It is indeed the case in reality as well. In order to achieve profitability, one also has to maintain a good reputation. Each individual is considering their own interests, gradually forgetting the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.
In this fast-paced era, the waves of time can erode the hearts of hardworking individuals. Reform requires the persistence of the brave.

In the blink of an eye, seven years have passed, witnessing the struggles of a generation and my own transformation from someone who knew nothing about the world to a brave dream chaser.
It allows me to have a deeper understanding of the protagonists' arduous journey in the drama. Time flies like a song, reminiscing about the vibrant era and the person I used to be.

The conversation between County Chief Sun and Lei Dong Bao implies the impact of the shareholding system reform on the collective economy. Although the shareholding system reform is beneficial for economic development, it can also harm the interests of certain individuals.
Obstacles and challenges to the reform have always existed.

A brand represents the intangible value of a product. Liu Yongqiang and his group's behavior of repackaging old wine in a new bottle undoubtedly tarnishes the reputation of Xiao Leijia.
Once the brand image collapses, it will be a fatal blow to Xiao Leijia. It's no wonder that Lei Laohu is furious.

The river of time rushes forward, and each person is but a small tributary within it. Perhaps you can't see the name of every single drop of water, but you can witness the splashes created by the surging river.
That is the significance of the name "The Great River," and it is also the meaning that this drama has brought to me.

The overall tone of the drama is not just about excitement and passion, but rather it showcases the life changes of each character through subtle details. All three characters experience their own ups and downs. I can see the clarion call of the era and the protagonists' determination to overcome difficulties.
In the midst of ever-changing circumstances, it is only the efforts of those who strive that shine brightly. This is the kind of period drama I want to watch!

Misses the mark a bit. The story isn't captivating, lacking the momentum of the first and second parts. Song's storyline seems to be stuck at the pesticide factory. Each character feels like they're going in circles.
The actors' performances are not a major issue, but the story could have been adapted better. The director could have added more conflicting angles to the storytelling. Overall, it feels bland, with too much emphasis on moral lessons.
It tries to be grounded, but it ends up feeling too official. Out of nostalgia, I'll give it four stars.

Song Yun Hui, who works diligently at the Pengyang Pesticide Factory, not only adapts and integrates into society on a survival level but also retains his spiritual questioning and resistance to the secular world.
As I see him journey further along the path of seeking unity in personal conflicts, it feels as if I am witnessing the countless intellectuals of that era immersing themselves in the construction of society.

Having read the novel and watched the first two installments, my initial impression of this third part is that many plot points have been cut, resulting in an unreasonably fast-paced and severely incoherent viewing experience.
If someone hasn't read the novel and watches this third part, they will definitely feel confused and lost.

The quality remains consistently excellent, and after watching a few episodes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as if I were an old mother. The final chapter lives up to the grandeur of the previous two parts.
It skillfully incorporates multiple historical backgrounds, such as the 1990s state-owned enterprise reform, changes in industrial clusters, and foreign investment. The struggles of ordinary individuals within this broader context are particularly inspiring and authentic.

Although Ren Xia Er is just a minor character, she truly embodies the unique "spirit" of that era. Because of Yang Xun's remark, she decides to take the accounting exam and learns whatever job is needed.
She is truly a role model for the working class.

The way each character focuses on their career is incredibly satisfying. Yang Xun's hustle and bustle in the retail industry is quite intriguing. He's observant, quick-witted, and balances his emotional aspirations with ambitious career goals.
He embodies the liveliness of an ordinary person to the fullest extent.

The labor of human intelligence is the driving force behind the progress of history, and this core theme continues in the third part. Song Yun Hui's meticulous personality and years of accumulation provide the confidence to support the pesticide factory.
Lei Dong Bao also uses his wit for the collective's interests. The negotiations between Yang Xun and Liang Si Shen progress rapidly, with clear delineation of interests. Under the wave of reform and opening up, no one is standing still.
Therefore, I feel that the plot is quite substantial.

The first tag for this drama on Douban, I believe, should be "reform and opening up." It is currently the most comprehensive TV series that showcases the early and middle stages of China's reform and opening up.
It has a strong foundation, a sense of the era, and portrays the characters' sense of mission in striving for success during a transformative period. It also evokes a sense of reflection on the vicissitudes of life.
In summary, it is highly recommended for post-2000 viewers who are unfamiliar with this period of history.

Although it is of much higher quality compared to other domestic dramas, there doesn't seem to be any significant improvement when compared to the first and second installments. Instead, there are too many repetitive elements, and it lacks surprises.
Hopefully, the latter half will be more exciting. This third installment is supposed to be the final one, or else they would have to continue the story into the 21st century.

In real life, there are too many frustrations and regrets, but there are always people who persist in their inner ideals and "strive for this country." In the ups and downs of Song Yun Hui's life, I gradually understand his beliefs and ideals.

In the second part, Lao Xu tells Song Yun Hui to unite comrades and, as a leader, bring together various forces to accomplish great things. While dealing with the crisis at Pengyang Factory, he doesn't forget to handle the relationships between the factory workers.
Song Yun Hui indeed takes Lao Xu's advice to heart.

In the second season, Liang Si Shen stated that the reason she was determined to invest in China was because she saw the hope of China's rise. This hope was supported by numerous predecessors like Song Yun Hui, Lei Dong Bao, and Yang Xun, who worked hard and dared to be pioneers.
They created astonishing development miracles in challenging times. I genuinely feel proud of our era's pioneers and our homeland.

During the period of imperfect policies, Yang Xun's market experienced a lot of turbulence. After the 1990s, as the scale of the market economy further expanded and policies and institutions continued to improve, Yang Xun's industries went through a period of rapid development.
The fate of ordinary people is closely intertwined with the development of the times.

In June 1993, the multinational cooperation between Donghai Chemical and Loda Company was progressing rapidly. Meanwhile, Song Yun Hui (played by Wang Kai), the key figure in facilitating Donghai's joint venture, was carrying out technological reforms with the workers at Pengyang Pesticide Factory, which couldn't compare to Donghai in many aspects.
Despite experiencing a significant gap from Donghai to Pengyang, Song Yun Hui still adhered to his original aspiration of striving for progress.