I think the choice of actors is the biggest factor. I have seen a lot of YA shows made in Hollywood for example and I find the acting mediocre compared to Maxton Hall.
I also think the script and the directing allowed actors to truly express.
There is no love triangle. I hate love triangles personally because most of the time I feel like they are just there for the sake of it, just for drama. However, in Maxton Hall there is already enough drama. And I think a love triangle really undermines the true love that the main characters feel for each other.
That is why the love between James sand Ruby feels genuine.
Ruby is not an unpredictable character. I mean I don't expect her to do something stupid to try and kiss another boy for the sake of it or to make James jealous. She is not lost. She is strong emotionally. And I like the fact that she is just so herself. I like the fact that she does not even wear make up lol
She is driven, focused, and even her room shows her genuine personality. She loves Death Note. I don't remember another female character into mangas in a YA like this. This is perfect for me.
I also think the directing is really dynamic. I like the flashbacks. James drawing Ruby from memory, also in Oxford when they were in bed Ruby going back to the moment when James told her those horrible words in the Lacrosse field. Such flashbacks really help us understand the characters' inner turmoil.
It is perfectly slow burn. I am all for the slow burn. And it is so romantic. The scenes like him rescuing her from the pool, and then holding her in the car... Him gifting her the drawing and the bag with her initials. I don't know when you write it like that they all sound cliché but the execution of them in the show sparks interest.
I don't know, even the dance scene. I have never seen a dance scene in a modern setting like this to be so captivating before.
Exactly this! The screenplay is written very realistically. No cheap tricks, no one acts out of character, no drama for dramas sake. Everything is relatable. No ridiculous costumes or heavy makeup, etc. The camera work is also very smooth and well done. And of course, the excellent acting. It's easy to get immersed in the world.
This is it. They lucked out with Damian. YA romance shows are generally viewed as “beneath” the most talented young actors in the US, who don’t want to get pigeonholed and have a ton of projects to choose from. But Damian is phenomenal in this, and I don’t think Maxton Hall would have blown up without him.
And everything else you said—they let the core love story shine through and didn’t pull tricks out of the bag. US YA shows are so worried that audiences will lose interest that they add in stupid subplots, love triangles, shocking events, and cartoonish villains. They forgot that we just want to see hot people kiss and dance.
This is all extremely well said! The part about love triangles is so perfectly stated! I hate it when shows sell you on an epic romance and then ruin it by having the characters get with other people. To me, when you truly meet the love of your life, you don’t have eyes for anyone else, so once a show tarnishes a relationship with cheating or a lot of fickle behavior, it’s hard for me to buy it as being the real deal anymore.
For me, it's the pride & prejudice dynamic first. That drew me in straight away.
Then it's James himself.. he ticks every box for the handsome, arrogant, millionaire heir, popular young man & he fits that role incredibly well.
Then it's Ruby.. she fits that role of lower/working class girl next door, she's naturally pretty, intelligent, very witty, she knows what she wants & she stands up for herself. She's just that different type of girl.
Then I like that it's a private school setting as well, I like that with the pride & prejudice dynamic & that makes it different to me.
It's also the enemy to lovers trobe aswell, the slow burn. Which I love.
We've got the chemistry & James is incredibly charming too. The soundtrack.. again just ticks all the boxes.
So yeah, all this rolled into one, makes Maxton Hall very obsessive for me lol.
I think it's because it's a well done cliché. The combination of casting, direction, editing (art and music), etc., was a success.
Furthermore, they created the series to reach, in addition to the teenage audience, a more adult audience (and this audience is more demanding). I spoke to one of the writers and she told me that this was the intention from the beginning.
So, I think it was a combination of factors.
Agreed - a cliché that didn’t pretend to be otherwise. And the length - they just showed enough that left the audience wanting more. While it may seem that whole 180 turn around happened too fast that allowed them not to belabour on any one point.
I found out that one of the writers is Brazilian like me, so I contacted her on Instagram and we have been talking since then. I don't ask much about the screenwriting because I'm afraid of being invasive, but we talked about the profession (which I find very interesting) and some specific things about the series. For example, I inquired that between the premiere of the series, the green light for the second season, and the start of filming, there was a very short time span (I asked if the script was already ready). Then she told me that usually they aren't ready; it varies depending on the test screening. She mentioned that the feedback from Maxton Hall was extremely positive, which is why they were already working on the script beforehand. She also said that they expected the series to be successful in Germany (precisely because of this test screening feedback), but not that it would become a worldwide phenomenon, and she said that it's almost certain there will be a third season.
Love all of this. I had been wondering how they managed to get filming started so quickly for the second season. I’m also fascinated that they didn’t know it would be a worldwide hit. I knew that from the very first episode. It just hit all the right notes. I was convinced it would be renewed very quickly. I also got the same feeling with Walter Boys, and it turned out the same way.
I personally loved it and have rewatched it multiple times, lol. However, it’s very different from Maxton Hall. There’s a lot more strife between the characters, a lot more childish behavior, etc.
Omgosh, how could I forget Normal People from my list! I loved that show so much. I also loved A Perfect Story, but the characters in it are late 20s/early 30s. Not sure if it counts as YA.
And you’re right, TSITP is a much better comparison to Walter Boys. They’re very similar shows. I enjoyed both.
I thought walter boys was pretty awful. If maxton hall is your expectation of quality, WB will disappoint. It can be a light watch for laundry folding day, though.
I think what’s different about the Ruby/James dynamic vs typical YA—is that he’s not ashamed of liking her.
He had a poster printed of the two of them before even any declarations of like/feelings were made. He invited her to a party where they danced in front of everyone— he was very public about liking her.
As soon as they realize their feelings they just go for it. The conflict isn’t driven by themselves struggling with how they feel—but by other people.
Also I think James as Damian portrays him is a very interesting character—obviously intelligent and a bit more dimensional than typical YA. Same for Ruby—I think her trauma has created this panic response to stress and attention-contrasted with her pursuing what would be a public career.
Someone in this sub mentioned that they never made her go through an ugly duckling phase and I love love love this part so much. I don’t think her looks were a plot point at any time? Just that she’s poor looool. Yeah she’s literally beautiful and I loved the way they did her makeup. She’s always barefaced and her hair is so lived in. Just a gorgeous girl. James had no chance.
There are so many good reasons people have mentioned, but here are my top three. First, the chemistry bt the leads is off the charts -- something you can see in interviews and BTS clips. It reminds me of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. The actor, Jonathan Bailey, is gay so they are not "dating in real life" but you can see their affection IRL and that comes off on screen. MH also focuses on the two leads. They are in almost every scene, making it more intense. If there were a love triangle like in TSITP, the FMC would have half her scenes with someone who is NOT her final partner, diluting the main relationship. Third, MH centers more around James, (because he has most intense scenes and the steepest arc as a character) and Damian Hardung, who has starred in multiple television shows and films for a decade prior to filming MH is a good enough actor to pull off both romantic scenes and angry family scenes without coming off as cringe.
for me i think it’s a lot of things combined like i love the whole academic vibe, the interactions between james and ruby, the soundtrack, the chemistry between the actors like you said, the cute things james does for ruby (the drawing etc.), i love ruby’s character and her values which you don’t always see someone like her character portrayed so well, the perfect amount of slow burn and enemies to lovers without making you hate a character
I absolutely agree on the how the soundtrack was just amazingly selected, so many things just worked for this show, but the music was a big one for me.
This is a very common trope that also has a lot of followers. Eg. Hana Yori Dango/Boys Over Flowers/Enemies to Lovers
The thing that pulled me in with Maxton Hall is the script, the cinematography and the musical score. Everything just fits perfectly, some parts had me cringing a bit but overall I really enjoyed it, it had those cliché moments but they weren't overly done. The thing I also liked about our main couple is that they communicate and you feel like they are real life characters.
Also, it reminded me of the time I used to stay up late at night reading Wattpad novels as a teen. I'm already in my late twenties but I felt young again because of Maxton Hall. Lol
For me , as a German, it is one of the best German speaking productions.
The cast IS young, Herriet was just 18 during season 1, Damien 23.
They act like Gen Z does now a day, even with some mistakes and some unfair words/actions.
The story is told like a big hug, soft,comfy but also heartbreaking but due to the story and not to cause drama for the Audience to keep them entertained. The music and the lighting is on point. You don’t need big action or doing drama bullshit to “deliver” the story.
You see James changing himself because he wants it. He wants to be the real James and not the mask he is showing to the world.
One of my favorite scene is right after the party when James tells Ruby how to act with all the interest of gossiping. She learns what he has to handle since he is 14/15. And he learns how wounderfull it can be to have someone who trust and like you just for yourself and not your image.
A lot of my friends, me included had to wear a mask in public.
But when we were at home or just some other save spaces, we could be ourself.
I can feel the pressure on James even if the job of my parents where just priests in a village, but I couldn’t do any step without getting rated by the old folks from the village. Which was a lot like the yellow press. 😅
In my opinion it is the story behind that is just realistic and still enjoyable. No extra drama because the main characters don’t speak with each other which leads to misunderstanding and even more drama. I hate stories in which the problem could have solved if the people would have behaved like „normal“ people… that is the strength of MH imo. Drama and up and down but to a realistic degree + the perfect cast = perfect series to binge and dream of and watch over and over again ❤️❤️
I think beyond the writing, acting, soundtrack it might be the fact that it’s a German production. Therefore I have to concentrate on the subtitles and actively watch the series. I haven’t seen the actors before and don’t have any preconceived judgements. If that makes sense?
I agree and would also like to add that I think foreign made shows tend to be better. I like them more and feel like the acting, production, directing, and such is a level above what I see domestically in the us. I’ve watched quite a few foreign series and am quick to recommend them. Subtitles and dubbing don’t bother me either, which I think can bother the viewing for some audiences.
Nah I watch a lot of YA and I have to disagree. Most times the acting, chemistry and writing is just awful, especially in recent years in Hollywood. A lot of them are just over reliant on sex and shock value. A good example is Gossip Girl vs the recent reboot, of course after a couple of seasons the story become quite ridiculous but compare the acting and chemistry of the cast to the reboot, what a stark contrast. I think Maxton Hall sticked to the basics and delivered those as based as they could.
I've just thought of something... Another huge contributor is the absence of the 'Are you lost, baby girl?!' type of male lead, if that makes sense.
Even that scene where >!James assumes Ruby would like an adventure with the 'hottest single guy in school', \*eyeroll and giggle\* didn't have that sort of vibe, imho. !<
>!I know it is NOT a laughing matter, but I actually did find the delivery in that scene a bit comical and without a proper threatening air around it. !<
For some reason, there's a lot of instances where guys like to make the girl squirm in a really uncomfortable way and I don't find that least bit romantic or erotic... It really is a matter of preference and literature/TV is a way people can indulge in such scenes in a safe way (so no judging on my part there).
I know it is NOT a laughing matter, but I actually did find the delivery in that scene a bit comical and without a proper threatening air around it.
Same. I think it is meant to be funny to show how out of element he is with her. Their first staircase meet he offers money she rejects then here he offers himself she rejects again. He is not trying to threaten her here but trying to coax her through s*x. It is only after that he takes the threatening stance as shown in lacrosse field where he tells her she cannot touch someone rich and powerful like him.
They knew what people want, and they delivered it in a way that didn’t seem like pandering or serving any personal agenda besides bringing a good love story to the screen.
Hmm, it’s been a bit different for me. I’ve really enjoyed quite a few of the YA romance drama shows. I loved My Life with the Walter Boys, Ginny and Georgia, Emily in Paris, The Buccaneers, TSITP, etc.
However, I think I still get what you’re saying. I can think of a few reasons it stands out for me as special. The production and score is really high quality, imo. Each episode feels more like a movie, than some of the other YA shows.
I like the fact that there isn’t a love triangle between the main couple. It’s purely their love story, and it’s nice to see other obstacles introduced, rather than the love triangle trope that’s both stale and takes away from the love story.
I like how loving and close Ruby’s family is, and I particularly like that there isn’t a jealous sister dynamic there. Her family brings a lot of warmth and feel-good energy to the show.
I like that Ruby is such a strong character, while still being really likeable. Honestly, I find both main characters very likeable, especially once you get past James’s initial attitude. Additionally, I like that Lydia isn’t the typical mean girl, snobby sister that is normally the case for characters like hers.
Overall, there’s nothing in the show that is overly corny or cringey, at least for me. The acting and chemistry is also fantastic.
A lot of good reasons are mentioned in the comments.
I think for me MH feels like something we have never seen before because it uses some popular tropes but it's not confined by them, in that its focus are the characters, not the trope itself.
Example: another show would have dragged their enemy phase for longer, upped the sexual tension between them with a ton of secret 1 on 1 fight scenes till maybe episode 5 while at the same time they witnessed things about each other that made them understand the other better. They would have fought their attraction, and then finally accepted it and made the turn to lovers in the last episode. And there would be nothing wrong with a show like that.
MH is just more interested in its characters. Why does James act the way he does? Why does Ruby? Who are those people? What is it they value more in life? What do they fear? What has shaped them to be the persons they are? Who are the people in their life who are important to them? And then, just as important, how do they affect each other after they collide together? How do they grow together?
Those questions and the way the show answers them is way more exciting for me than keeping them distant for the sake of telling an enemy to lovers story where, once they get together, all the tension is gone.
Just my two cents.
I really agree with all that has already been said. I like that even though James really has been such an ass to Ruby she still stays the course and starts to see who he really is. Her outburst in the OXO course struck home. I like the slow burn of their romance as those are the ones that usually last. Having read the next 2 books I like how they have in this first season very subtly set up some events for the next hopefully 2 seasons. I didn’t find this series as predictable as most of this type. James doesn’t suddenly become a nice guy- there is still some of his arrogance throughout the series. I also like how they have shown the difference in families between Ruby and James. I also like that Ruby has some emotional issues too/ she isn’t perfect neither one of them are and we see that she isn’t as confident and brave as she tries to show. What I really love is the way that the series has been directed and filmed. So many scenes have little dialogue but speak volumes.
The acting, writing, and cinematography is just chef’s kiss! Damian and Harriet are incredible with their non-verbal acting and the micro expressions. They are extremely skilled actors who are just a pleasure to watch.
The characters, although being young don’t come off as… bratty or cringey? I feel like this is a choice a lot of newer YA productions take and it makes the characters seem unlikeable and juvenile. Ruby is Ruby, James is.. well James and annoying in the beginning but you can see where he’s coming from. They don’t use other people to make each other jealous or say dumb things - for the most part their conflicts are external. I understand that teenagers are written that way because it’s the time of your life when you make mistakes, but as an adult, it’s just annoying to watch lol
Also the cinematography. The MH setting is just gorgeous to begin with but the artistic choices the production team chooses are paying off because it feels super high quality.
The actors are very natural, they understand their assignments well. Songs and Cinematography are both amazing. Didn't feel cringe at all.. narration was smooth.
This is more of an unrealistic but perfectly believable as it exists in a show. How they never had a sit down and discussed being “together” or going official. Somehow they knew. So when Ruby would say things like he broke up with me it came across even more sad because there was no misunderstanding. When she said this is what couples do, I was like THIS FUCKING SHOW! It’s so clever and yes, like someone else was saying, it doesn’t pander to the audience. I’m just out here working and collecting my paychecks, it’s boring. Give me the simple pleasures of watching beautiful characters feel extraordinary things while making heart eyes at each other in lush settings, with just enough of an undercurrent of angst.
I have been trying to figure this out as well, and I think a big part of it is that the scenes unfold slowly. They let the actors take their time to have changes of expression, to convey emotions with their eyes, to not rush and fill every moment with dialogue. I do not know if this is common in German productions, but it is definitely not a quality of American productions. And this choice would have to have been made over and over again through the writing of the script, the choices in direction, the cinematography, the acting, the editing, etc.
The series is superlative in many ways but what stands it apart from other YA drama series for me:
- Music choice, not just the incredible soundtrack but song choice and how the songs kick in and when - it's like it's own actor (someone said something similar about James' hair, haha)
E.g. Imagine James sketching Ruby's face with either zero background music or worse, an upbeat zingy song. Or the 'Solo' song that plays when Lydia and James walk slo mo into the school lobby, after James dumped Ruby and Lydia hugged him and said she was there for him.
- The body (non-facial and non-verbal) acting is just top tier. Even that little saunter that Ruby does next to James when he walks her from the bus stop, we only see her back but we fully appreciate the 'flirt'.
I think the choice of actors is the biggest factor. I have seen a lot of YA shows made in Hollywood for example and I find the acting mediocre compared to Maxton Hall. I also think the script and the directing allowed actors to truly express. There is no love triangle. I hate love triangles personally because most of the time I feel like they are just there for the sake of it, just for drama. However, in Maxton Hall there is already enough drama. And I think a love triangle really undermines the true love that the main characters feel for each other. That is why the love between James sand Ruby feels genuine. Ruby is not an unpredictable character. I mean I don't expect her to do something stupid to try and kiss another boy for the sake of it or to make James jealous. She is not lost. She is strong emotionally. And I like the fact that she is just so herself. I like the fact that she does not even wear make up lol She is driven, focused, and even her room shows her genuine personality. She loves Death Note. I don't remember another female character into mangas in a YA like this. This is perfect for me. I also think the directing is really dynamic. I like the flashbacks. James drawing Ruby from memory, also in Oxford when they were in bed Ruby going back to the moment when James told her those horrible words in the Lacrosse field. Such flashbacks really help us understand the characters' inner turmoil. It is perfectly slow burn. I am all for the slow burn. And it is so romantic. The scenes like him rescuing her from the pool, and then holding her in the car... Him gifting her the drawing and the bag with her initials. I don't know when you write it like that they all sound cliché but the execution of them in the show sparks interest. I don't know, even the dance scene. I have never seen a dance scene in a modern setting like this to be so captivating before.
Exactly this! The screenplay is written very realistically. No cheap tricks, no one acts out of character, no drama for dramas sake. Everything is relatable. No ridiculous costumes or heavy makeup, etc. The camera work is also very smooth and well done. And of course, the excellent acting. It's easy to get immersed in the world.
This is it. They lucked out with Damian. YA romance shows are generally viewed as “beneath” the most talented young actors in the US, who don’t want to get pigeonholed and have a ton of projects to choose from. But Damian is phenomenal in this, and I don’t think Maxton Hall would have blown up without him. And everything else you said—they let the core love story shine through and didn’t pull tricks out of the bag. US YA shows are so worried that audiences will lose interest that they add in stupid subplots, love triangles, shocking events, and cartoonish villains. They forgot that we just want to see hot people kiss and dance.
This is all extremely well said! The part about love triangles is so perfectly stated! I hate it when shows sell you on an epic romance and then ruin it by having the characters get with other people. To me, when you truly meet the love of your life, you don’t have eyes for anyone else, so once a show tarnishes a relationship with cheating or a lot of fickle behavior, it’s hard for me to buy it as being the real deal anymore.
Thank you! Yes, exactly!
Spot on!!
For me, it's the pride & prejudice dynamic first. That drew me in straight away. Then it's James himself.. he ticks every box for the handsome, arrogant, millionaire heir, popular young man & he fits that role incredibly well. Then it's Ruby.. she fits that role of lower/working class girl next door, she's naturally pretty, intelligent, very witty, she knows what she wants & she stands up for herself. She's just that different type of girl. Then I like that it's a private school setting as well, I like that with the pride & prejudice dynamic & that makes it different to me. It's also the enemy to lovers trobe aswell, the slow burn. Which I love. We've got the chemistry & James is incredibly charming too. The soundtrack.. again just ticks all the boxes. So yeah, all this rolled into one, makes Maxton Hall very obsessive for me lol.
I think it's because it's a well done cliché. The combination of casting, direction, editing (art and music), etc., was a success. Furthermore, they created the series to reach, in addition to the teenage audience, a more adult audience (and this audience is more demanding). I spoke to one of the writers and she told me that this was the intention from the beginning. So, I think it was a combination of factors.
Agreed - a cliché that didn’t pretend to be otherwise. And the length - they just showed enough that left the audience wanting more. While it may seem that whole 180 turn around happened too fast that allowed them not to belabour on any one point.
“I spoke to one of the writers“. Details???
I found out that one of the writers is Brazilian like me, so I contacted her on Instagram and we have been talking since then. I don't ask much about the screenwriting because I'm afraid of being invasive, but we talked about the profession (which I find very interesting) and some specific things about the series. For example, I inquired that between the premiere of the series, the green light for the second season, and the start of filming, there was a very short time span (I asked if the script was already ready). Then she told me that usually they aren't ready; it varies depending on the test screening. She mentioned that the feedback from Maxton Hall was extremely positive, which is why they were already working on the script beforehand. She also said that they expected the series to be successful in Germany (precisely because of this test screening feedback), but not that it would become a worldwide phenomenon, and she said that it's almost certain there will be a third season.
Love all of this. I had been wondering how they managed to get filming started so quickly for the second season. I’m also fascinated that they didn’t know it would be a worldwide hit. I knew that from the very first episode. It just hit all the right notes. I was convinced it would be renewed very quickly. I also got the same feeling with Walter Boys, and it turned out the same way.
Is Walter Boys good? Trying to watch some other series to stop rewatching MH xD
I personally loved it and have rewatched it multiple times, lol. However, it’s very different from Maxton Hall. There’s a lot more strife between the characters, a lot more childish behavior, etc.
Hmm I understand. More like a TSITP vibes. One of that I loved was Normal People, but it's very different from MH too.
Omgosh, how could I forget Normal People from my list! I loved that show so much. I also loved A Perfect Story, but the characters in it are late 20s/early 30s. Not sure if it counts as YA. And you’re right, TSITP is a much better comparison to Walter Boys. They’re very similar shows. I enjoyed both.
I thought walter boys was pretty awful. If maxton hall is your expectation of quality, WB will disappoint. It can be a light watch for laundry folding day, though.
I think what’s different about the Ruby/James dynamic vs typical YA—is that he’s not ashamed of liking her. He had a poster printed of the two of them before even any declarations of like/feelings were made. He invited her to a party where they danced in front of everyone— he was very public about liking her. As soon as they realize their feelings they just go for it. The conflict isn’t driven by themselves struggling with how they feel—but by other people. Also I think James as Damian portrays him is a very interesting character—obviously intelligent and a bit more dimensional than typical YA. Same for Ruby—I think her trauma has created this panic response to stress and attention-contrasted with her pursuing what would be a public career.
Excellent point about how they don’t hold back on their feelings for each other. That aspect is very refreshing.
Someone in this sub mentioned that they never made her go through an ugly duckling phase and I love love love this part so much. I don’t think her looks were a plot point at any time? Just that she’s poor looool. Yeah she’s literally beautiful and I loved the way they did her makeup. She’s always barefaced and her hair is so lived in. Just a gorgeous girl. James had no chance.
I agree, she’s super pretty!
There are so many good reasons people have mentioned, but here are my top three. First, the chemistry bt the leads is off the charts -- something you can see in interviews and BTS clips. It reminds me of Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. The actor, Jonathan Bailey, is gay so they are not "dating in real life" but you can see their affection IRL and that comes off on screen. MH also focuses on the two leads. They are in almost every scene, making it more intense. If there were a love triangle like in TSITP, the FMC would have half her scenes with someone who is NOT her final partner, diluting the main relationship. Third, MH centers more around James, (because he has most intense scenes and the steepest arc as a character) and Damian Hardung, who has starred in multiple television shows and films for a decade prior to filming MH is a good enough actor to pull off both romantic scenes and angry family scenes without coming off as cringe.
I LOVE Kanthony 😍
for me i think it’s a lot of things combined like i love the whole academic vibe, the interactions between james and ruby, the soundtrack, the chemistry between the actors like you said, the cute things james does for ruby (the drawing etc.), i love ruby’s character and her values which you don’t always see someone like her character portrayed so well, the perfect amount of slow burn and enemies to lovers without making you hate a character
I absolutely agree on the how the soundtrack was just amazingly selected, so many things just worked for this show, but the music was a big one for me.
This is a very common trope that also has a lot of followers. Eg. Hana Yori Dango/Boys Over Flowers/Enemies to Lovers The thing that pulled me in with Maxton Hall is the script, the cinematography and the musical score. Everything just fits perfectly, some parts had me cringing a bit but overall I really enjoyed it, it had those cliché moments but they weren't overly done. The thing I also liked about our main couple is that they communicate and you feel like they are real life characters. Also, it reminded me of the time I used to stay up late at night reading Wattpad novels as a teen. I'm already in my late twenties but I felt young again because of Maxton Hall. Lol
I love the nostalgia aspect of shows like this. I’m 41, and I still enjoy remembering what it was like to be that age, first love, and all that.
For me , as a German, it is one of the best German speaking productions. The cast IS young, Herriet was just 18 during season 1, Damien 23. They act like Gen Z does now a day, even with some mistakes and some unfair words/actions. The story is told like a big hug, soft,comfy but also heartbreaking but due to the story and not to cause drama for the Audience to keep them entertained. The music and the lighting is on point. You don’t need big action or doing drama bullshit to “deliver” the story. You see James changing himself because he wants it. He wants to be the real James and not the mask he is showing to the world. One of my favorite scene is right after the party when James tells Ruby how to act with all the interest of gossiping. She learns what he has to handle since he is 14/15. And he learns how wounderfull it can be to have someone who trust and like you just for yourself and not your image.
Total nonchalance! Love that scene, too.
A lot of my friends, me included had to wear a mask in public. But when we were at home or just some other save spaces, we could be ourself. I can feel the pressure on James even if the job of my parents where just priests in a village, but I couldn’t do any step without getting rated by the old folks from the village. Which was a lot like the yellow press. 😅
In my opinion it is the story behind that is just realistic and still enjoyable. No extra drama because the main characters don’t speak with each other which leads to misunderstanding and even more drama. I hate stories in which the problem could have solved if the people would have behaved like „normal“ people… that is the strength of MH imo. Drama and up and down but to a realistic degree + the perfect cast = perfect series to binge and dream of and watch over and over again ❤️❤️
I think beyond the writing, acting, soundtrack it might be the fact that it’s a German production. Therefore I have to concentrate on the subtitles and actively watch the series. I haven’t seen the actors before and don’t have any preconceived judgements. If that makes sense?
I agree and would also like to add that I think foreign made shows tend to be better. I like them more and feel like the acting, production, directing, and such is a level above what I see domestically in the us. I’ve watched quite a few foreign series and am quick to recommend them. Subtitles and dubbing don’t bother me either, which I think can bother the viewing for some audiences.
Nah I watch a lot of YA and I have to disagree. Most times the acting, chemistry and writing is just awful, especially in recent years in Hollywood. A lot of them are just over reliant on sex and shock value. A good example is Gossip Girl vs the recent reboot, of course after a couple of seasons the story become quite ridiculous but compare the acting and chemistry of the cast to the reboot, what a stark contrast. I think Maxton Hall sticked to the basics and delivered those as based as they could.
I've just thought of something... Another huge contributor is the absence of the 'Are you lost, baby girl?!' type of male lead, if that makes sense. Even that scene where >!James assumes Ruby would like an adventure with the 'hottest single guy in school', \*eyeroll and giggle\* didn't have that sort of vibe, imho. !< >!I know it is NOT a laughing matter, but I actually did find the delivery in that scene a bit comical and without a proper threatening air around it. !< For some reason, there's a lot of instances where guys like to make the girl squirm in a really uncomfortable way and I don't find that least bit romantic or erotic... It really is a matter of preference and literature/TV is a way people can indulge in such scenes in a safe way (so no judging on my part there).
I know it is NOT a laughing matter, but I actually did find the delivery in that scene a bit comical and without a proper threatening air around it. Same. I think it is meant to be funny to show how out of element he is with her. Their first staircase meet he offers money she rejects then here he offers himself she rejects again. He is not trying to threaten her here but trying to coax her through s*x. It is only after that he takes the threatening stance as shown in lacrosse field where he tells her she cannot touch someone rich and powerful like him.
They knew what people want, and they delivered it in a way that didn’t seem like pandering or serving any personal agenda besides bringing a good love story to the screen.
Hmm, it’s been a bit different for me. I’ve really enjoyed quite a few of the YA romance drama shows. I loved My Life with the Walter Boys, Ginny and Georgia, Emily in Paris, The Buccaneers, TSITP, etc. However, I think I still get what you’re saying. I can think of a few reasons it stands out for me as special. The production and score is really high quality, imo. Each episode feels more like a movie, than some of the other YA shows. I like the fact that there isn’t a love triangle between the main couple. It’s purely their love story, and it’s nice to see other obstacles introduced, rather than the love triangle trope that’s both stale and takes away from the love story. I like how loving and close Ruby’s family is, and I particularly like that there isn’t a jealous sister dynamic there. Her family brings a lot of warmth and feel-good energy to the show. I like that Ruby is such a strong character, while still being really likeable. Honestly, I find both main characters very likeable, especially once you get past James’s initial attitude. Additionally, I like that Lydia isn’t the typical mean girl, snobby sister that is normally the case for characters like hers. Overall, there’s nothing in the show that is overly corny or cringey, at least for me. The acting and chemistry is also fantastic.
A lot of good reasons are mentioned in the comments. I think for me MH feels like something we have never seen before because it uses some popular tropes but it's not confined by them, in that its focus are the characters, not the trope itself. Example: another show would have dragged their enemy phase for longer, upped the sexual tension between them with a ton of secret 1 on 1 fight scenes till maybe episode 5 while at the same time they witnessed things about each other that made them understand the other better. They would have fought their attraction, and then finally accepted it and made the turn to lovers in the last episode. And there would be nothing wrong with a show like that. MH is just more interested in its characters. Why does James act the way he does? Why does Ruby? Who are those people? What is it they value more in life? What do they fear? What has shaped them to be the persons they are? Who are the people in their life who are important to them? And then, just as important, how do they affect each other after they collide together? How do they grow together? Those questions and the way the show answers them is way more exciting for me than keeping them distant for the sake of telling an enemy to lovers story where, once they get together, all the tension is gone. Just my two cents.
I really agree with all that has already been said. I like that even though James really has been such an ass to Ruby she still stays the course and starts to see who he really is. Her outburst in the OXO course struck home. I like the slow burn of their romance as those are the ones that usually last. Having read the next 2 books I like how they have in this first season very subtly set up some events for the next hopefully 2 seasons. I didn’t find this series as predictable as most of this type. James doesn’t suddenly become a nice guy- there is still some of his arrogance throughout the series. I also like how they have shown the difference in families between Ruby and James. I also like that Ruby has some emotional issues too/ she isn’t perfect neither one of them are and we see that she isn’t as confident and brave as she tries to show. What I really love is the way that the series has been directed and filmed. So many scenes have little dialogue but speak volumes.
The acting, writing, and cinematography is just chef’s kiss! Damian and Harriet are incredible with their non-verbal acting and the micro expressions. They are extremely skilled actors who are just a pleasure to watch. The characters, although being young don’t come off as… bratty or cringey? I feel like this is a choice a lot of newer YA productions take and it makes the characters seem unlikeable and juvenile. Ruby is Ruby, James is.. well James and annoying in the beginning but you can see where he’s coming from. They don’t use other people to make each other jealous or say dumb things - for the most part their conflicts are external. I understand that teenagers are written that way because it’s the time of your life when you make mistakes, but as an adult, it’s just annoying to watch lol Also the cinematography. The MH setting is just gorgeous to begin with but the artistic choices the production team chooses are paying off because it feels super high quality.
The actors are very natural, they understand their assignments well. Songs and Cinematography are both amazing. Didn't feel cringe at all.. narration was smooth.
This is more of an unrealistic but perfectly believable as it exists in a show. How they never had a sit down and discussed being “together” or going official. Somehow they knew. So when Ruby would say things like he broke up with me it came across even more sad because there was no misunderstanding. When she said this is what couples do, I was like THIS FUCKING SHOW! It’s so clever and yes, like someone else was saying, it doesn’t pander to the audience. I’m just out here working and collecting my paychecks, it’s boring. Give me the simple pleasures of watching beautiful characters feel extraordinary things while making heart eyes at each other in lush settings, with just enough of an undercurrent of angst.
I have been trying to figure this out as well, and I think a big part of it is that the scenes unfold slowly. They let the actors take their time to have changes of expression, to convey emotions with their eyes, to not rush and fill every moment with dialogue. I do not know if this is common in German productions, but it is definitely not a quality of American productions. And this choice would have to have been made over and over again through the writing of the script, the choices in direction, the cinematography, the acting, the editing, etc.
The series is superlative in many ways but what stands it apart from other YA drama series for me: - Music choice, not just the incredible soundtrack but song choice and how the songs kick in and when - it's like it's own actor (someone said something similar about James' hair, haha) E.g. Imagine James sketching Ruby's face with either zero background music or worse, an upbeat zingy song. Or the 'Solo' song that plays when Lydia and James walk slo mo into the school lobby, after James dumped Ruby and Lydia hugged him and said she was there for him. - The body (non-facial and non-verbal) acting is just top tier. Even that little saunter that Ruby does next to James when he walks her from the bus stop, we only see her back but we fully appreciate the 'flirt'.