Rock Sugar Summer

Synopsis

Rock Sugar Summer (冰糖一夏) is a 2022 Chinese TV drama that blends youthful romance with heartfelt life lessons, starring Zhu Rongjun. The series follows a group of vibrant young adults navigating the complexities of friendship, love, and personal growth during a transformative summer. Set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes and infused with a nostalgic soundtrack, the show captures the bittersweet essence of youth and the pursuit of dreams. With its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, Rock Sugar Summer offers viewers an emotional journey filled with warmth, laughter, and moments of introspection.

Cast

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  Zhu Rongjun

  Lai Duidui

• 

  Zhu Minxin

  Jiang Zuo

• 

  Yang Fuyu

  Jiang Xiaoxiao

• 

  Zhu Jian

  Dong De

• 

  Zong Fengyan

  Li Yuan

• Yang Qianyao

  Ling Fei

Reviews

Rock Sugar Summer received a mixed to positive reception from both critics and audiences. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 7.1/10 based on user reviews, with many praising its heartfelt portrayal of youth and the chemistry between the leads, especially Zhu Rongjun. Reviewers from the South China Morning Post highlighted the show's "refreshing take on young love" and commended its ability to evoke nostalgia without falling into clichés. Conversely, some critics pointed out pacing issues and a predictable plot arc. Metacritic does not have an aggregated score available for this series, reflecting its niche appeal. On Douban, China’s popular review platform, it scored approximately 6.8/10, with users appreciating the visual aesthetics and musical score but noting that the storyline occasionally felt melodramatic. Overall, Rock Sugar Summer is celebrated for its emotional sincerity and charming performances, even if it doesn't break new ground in the coming-of-age genre.