A Girl Like Me (2021): A Sassy Historical Rom-Com with a Kickass Heroine
A Girl Like Me (2021), also known as I Am Just This Type of Girl, is a 40-episode Chinese historical romantic comedy that aired on Tencent Video from January 18 to February 15, 2021. Adapted from Yuexia Dieying’s novel of the same name, this drama stars Guan Xiaotong as the fiery Ban Hua and Hou Minghao as the enigmatic Rong Xia. Directed by Chen Weixiang and Yang Xiaobo, it blends romance, comedy, and mystery with a touch of supernatural flair, earning an 8.1/10 on MyDramaList from 5,458 users. With its bold female lead and vibrant costumes, A Girl Like Me is a delightful watch, though it stumbles in its second half. Here’s why this drama is a standout—and where it falters.
The Plot: A Feisty Heroine with a Prophetic Gift
Set in the fictional Da Ye Kingdom, A Girl Like Me follows Ban Hua (Guan Xiaotong), a noblewoman from a powerful family with royal ties—her grandmother is the Princess Royal, aunt to the Emperor. Known for her stunning beauty and martial arts skills, Ban Hua is a legend for all the wrong reasons: her brash, outspoken nature has led to three broken engagements, earning her a “bad luck” reputation. When she discovers she can foresee the future through dreams, she uses this gift to protect her family from scheming nobles and political plots.
Enter Rong Xia (Hou Minghao), a scholarly count with a gentle demeanor and a hidden agenda. He’s on a mission to uncover the truth behind his family’s extermination, tied to a mysterious Tiger Tally that holds military power. Fate brings Ban Hua and Rong Xia together, and their partnership evolves into a romance as they navigate palace intrigues, family secrets, and their own clashing personalities. The drama weaves comedy, romance, and investigative subplots, with Ban Hua’s unconventional charm at its heart.
What Works: Ban Hua’s Swagger, Comedy, and Costumes
A Fierce and Unforgettable Female Lead
Ban Hua is the drama’s shining star. She’s a refreshing departure from typical historical heroines—confident, sassy, and unapologetically herself. Whether she’s beating up rude suitors, designing bold outfits, or standing up to the Emperor, her “I do what I want” attitude is empowering. Guan Xiaotong brings Ban Hua to life with charisma, balancing her imperiousness with vulnerability, as noted by MyDramaList reviewer PeachBlossomGoddess. Fans on Reddit praise her as a “consistently strong” lead who never waits to be saved, making her a role model for viewers who love independent heroines.
Hilarious Comedy and Family Dynamics
The drama excels in its lighthearted humor, driven by Ban Hua’s antics and her quirky family. The Ban household—loving parents, a roguish brother (Ban Heng), and loyal maids—feels like a modern family in historical garb, delivering laugh-out-loud moments. MyDramaList users call them “one of the most uproarious” drama families, with Ban Heng stealing scenes as Ban Hua’s biggest fan. The rivalry between Ban Hua’s father and the scheming Marquis Xie adds comedic gold, while Ban Hua’s spats with the second prince are delightfully hostile.
Stunning Visuals and Costumes
A Girl Like Me is a visual feast, particularly Ban Hua’s wardrobe. With nearly 80 custom-designed outfits, her vivid dresses, intricate headpieces, and bold accessories scream personality, blending classical Chinese elements with modern flair. The costume team’s half-year effort, as noted on Wikipedia, pays off, making Ban Hua a fashion icon. Reviewers on fromkimchitokdrama hail the stylist’s “phenomenal” work, and X posts gush over her “gorgeous” looks. The sets, from opulent palaces to bustling markets, enhance the drama’s immersive feel.
What Falls Short: Pacing, Chemistry, and a Weak Second Half
Uneven Pacing and Plot Decline
The drama’s first half is a breeze, with tight pacing and engaging mysteries. However, after resolving a major villain arc around episode 20, the story loses steam. The second half introduces contrived palace coups, unnecessary misunderstandings, and repetitive subplots, dragging the 40 episodes. MyDramaList’s PeachBlossomGoddess notes that the plot feels “forced” post-midpoint, undoing the couple’s progress with “boring” tropes. Some viewers, like Joyce Chan, dropped the drama at episode 25, calling it “soooo boring.”
Lackluster Chemistry
While Ban Hua and Rong Xia’s banter is fun, their romance lacks the spark needed to elevate the drama. Hou Minghao’s Rong Xia is handsome and measured, but his reserved nature doesn’t fully match Guan Xiaotong’s fiery energy, leading to “good but not electric” chemistry, per dramaslot.com. MyDramaList’s Joyce Chan found their relationship “not very believable,” and some fans on X felt Hou Minghao had better chemistry elsewhere. The romance, though sweet, doesn’t reach the heights of iconic C-drama pairs.
Underdeveloped Supporting Characters
Beyond the Ban family, other characters lack depth. Female supporting roles, like love rivals or noblewomen, are often scheming or one-dimensional, reinforcing Ban Hua’s “not-like-other-girls” trope, as critiqued on fromkimchitokdrama. Rong Xia’s arc also suffers, with his actions in the second half—described as “inexcusable” by PeachBlossomGoddess—undermining his likability. The drama’s focus on Ban Hua overshadows potential for richer ensemble storytelling.
The Cast: A Mixed Bag of Performances
Guan Xiaotong as Ban Hua is a revelation, nailing her kickass demeanor and emotional layers. While some, like Cnewsdevotee, question her acting range, her portrayal here is widely praised.
Hou Minghao as Rong Xia is charming and fits the scholarly role, but his reserved performance limits emotional impact, per MyDramaList reviews.
Zhao Shunran as Ban Heng is a scene-stealer, bringing humor and heart to the lovable brother.
Supporting cast, including Yang Mingna (Madam Yue) and Wang Jianxin (Ban Huai), deliver solid performances, with the Ban family earning universal love.
Why Watch A Girl Like Me?
A Girl Like Me is a vibrant, female-led historical rom-com that shines with Ban Hua’s bold personality, hilarious family moments, and jaw-dropping costumes. Its first half is addictive, blending comedy, romance, and mystery, making it a great pick for fans of strong heroines and lighthearted dramas. However, the sluggish second half, uneven chemistry, and trope-heavy plotting keep it from greatness. Available on iQIYI, Viki, and Apple TV, it’s best for viewers who prioritize fun over flawless storytelling.
My Rating: 7.8/10
For Ban Hua’s swagger and the Ban family’s charm, A Girl Like Me is a treat, even if it doesn’t stick the landing. Have you watched it? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Sources: MyDramaList, Global Granary, dramaslot.com, fromkimchitokdrama, Cnewsdevotee, iQIYI, Wikipedia, Reddit, and posts on X.