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New Life Begins chinese drama review
Dropped 30/40
New Life Begins
0 people found this review helpful
by Peridot83
Jan 4, 2023
30 of 40 episodes seen
Dropped
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Starts off strong, good moral themes . . . but a chore to try and finish

As the younger generation tries to negotiate new ways of organizing government, society and marriage, we get to feel the satisfaction of our main characters doing the right thing and never losing their way. But, this premise has no conflict, or tension, or character development, and at 40 episodes it's just way too long.

One strong point was a very accurate depiction of domestic abuse.

The main characters are all likeable enough, but the acting is very on the surface, and chemistry is more like good buddies trying to do a group project. Music was adequate and there isn't really anything to rewatch.

I grade on other criteria as well:

Complex Themes (7.5)
Why are we wasting the talents and strengths of women and failing to recognize their obvious complementary strengths? Why indeed. I am all for this theme, though it was bit simplistic done. I did deeply appreciate illustrating the pitfalls of trying to leave an abusive relationship in a traditional, patriarchal society and why leaving isn't easy.

Complex Characters (3.0)
Just no. There were too many characters and they all had one distinctive personality trait.

Complex women and relationships (8.5)
While all the characters are simply drawn, there were lots and lots of women collaborating and being in friendship, and it was a joy to see that so front and center.

Cinematography/Production values (7.5)
Average for a historical show produced in the last couple years. Nothing really stands out.


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