NON-SPOILER SUMMARY - On Children is very similar to Black Mirror, except re-contextualized to address the problems of Asian society and the over-prevalent competitive and stress culture present there. It is an anthology series of 5 episodes, each clocking in at around 90 minutes, so I wouldn't recommend binge watching (especially given how heavy each episode is).
STORY - A++. The story is slow but meaningfully paced and is seemingly absent of obvious plot holes. Each episode focuses on similar yet different problems with the way Asian society treats the kids of the future as little more than their grade-point averages. What puts this drama above and beyond (hence the A++) is how each episode manages to give out their own critique; it goes beyond expectations of being "just good art" and actually tries to send home a message for each episode.
CHARACTERS/ACTING - Nearly flawless. This is the most talented ensemble of actors/actresses I've seen, given just how much range and difficulty each main character in the episode undergoes. Because they don't focus on more characters than they have to, you really get to spend time with the actor/actress behind the character and see them spectacularly deliver a wide spectrum of subtle emotions.
My biggest "flaw" with the show was the pacing. Because On Children focuses heavily on the cinematic/artistic parts of sending home their messages, there's a lot of "empty/dead space" void of dialogue where it's often just shots of some background, and while I do appreciate it for its artistic value, I do think ~10 minutes can be cut off from each episode and still no scenes of dialogue/importance would be cut.
For those who are curious, my rankings of the episodes are EP2=EP4>EP1>EP3>EP5.
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An Asian / Taiwanese attempt on a Black Mirror-esque show
TLDR; This is an anthology series. Every episode is a emotional and has great plot. It gets you to reflect about parenting and parental expectations on their children.Story
As an Asian, the plots are very relatable. Every episode shares about a different household with the varying parent-child dynamics. You will notice that in each household, the mothers have very set and clear expectations of their children. These expectations clash with the desires of the children thus resulting in conflicts between them. Definitely allows viewers to reflect on Asian's concept of reciprocal filial piety and its effects.
I rated the story highly as each episode is highly developed. Although the narratives are not highly unusual, what made this show unique would be the dabble on sci-fi and dystopian (esp for episode 5) themes. I highly enjoyed the attempt!
Acting
There were great actors throughout. I did not rate a full 10 / 10 because I noticed there were quite a few young actors on the show. They were a bit more awkward then the older actors but it was not too bad.
Rewatch Value
As someone who does not usually rewatch shows, for this show I certainly would pick out Ep 1, 2 & 3 to rewatch or simply just share with the people around me.
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This review may contain spoilers
Heartbreaking
While this may seem like a Taiwan version of Black Mirror, this anthology is mainly focused on the academic pressures students face in school and at home. Compared to other Asian dramas of a similar vein like SKY castle, I found this drama more relatable and realistic even with the sci-fi elements. Each episode is standalone, just with the overarching theme of students not being able to cope with their parents expectations. One minor gripe is that the pacing isn't that good and some plot points are dragged out. Other than that the acting and production value are excellent.Sidenote: If you have grown up in a similar environment with "tiger" parents you may feel that some parts hit a little too close to home. It is a very dark show, there are mentions of suicide, self-harm, animal abuse etc so not for the faint hearted.
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