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Vicariously

Canada

Vicariously

Canada
Tender Light chinese drama review
Completed
Tender Light
4 people found this review helpful
by Vicariously
May 12, 2024
28 of 28 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

More than just a thriller or mystery

A bold and realistic drama. As a show about domestic violence, I have to praise the way it shows the total spectrum of the problem. From how archaic divorce laws harm women, how abusers manipulate public opinion, how women are attacked for being themselves, the possessiveness of men, the general lack of any kind of justice from the police, it doesn't leave much out. As depressing and bleak as it is, there is so much that is true about the way this drama depicts our world, unlike the usual escapist fantasies we normally watch.

Mystery shows often portray police officers as just, always seeking the truth. Personally I find the genre quite boring, the real world is often more interesting than the simplified stories and characters in dramas. But here, it's clear just how inept and uncaring the police often are towards victims of domestic violence. Personal biases lead cops and the rest of the town to believe that Nan Ya deserves what happens to her. Most people are willing to buy the negative things they hear about others. The law itself is cold and uncaring, and this isn't a show with any heroism from the police.

I was deeply impressed with Zhou Luo's character. He's so flawed, he has a possessive streak, he's childish at times, he really feels like what a young guy - a 'good' guy - would be like in a conservative country. Zhang Xin Cheng killed it here. Overprotective and borderline creepy MLs are a dime a dozen in dramas, but here we have one that actually feels real. The negative stuff that comes with this isn't airbrushed away.

As for Nan Ya, she's the most incisive and decent character here. She cuts Zhou Luo down to pieces multiple times, and rightfully so. Her intelligence really comes through. Personally I wish the drama had another episode or two, with more time to let her character shine. I struggled to buy her side of the relationship with Zhou Luo at points, I thought it needed a bit more screentime. Too much of it was from his perspective, but it's her side that's more interesting, more moving. I feel like I heard too much from him and too little from her.
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