Like a Flowing River (2018)

ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID!

Seldom do I give a perfect score to a drama or rewatch it, but this was an incredible watch from start to end, and it deserves to be recognized as such. Like a Flowing River by its excellence single-handedly raises the bar of the quality of small-screen productions coming out of China. I highly recommend it.

Every single character from this drama has remained with me, and I felt as though I were part of the story, as though I were from Xiaoleijia. You get to live through that post cultural revolution period in Chinese history, and see, feel the impact of the progressive and socialist reforms implemented, the angst of a people at the end of a terrible era, and their excitement at the dawn of China's current economic revolution. Absolutely fascinating!

There has not been a day since the completion of this drama (about a month ago) that I have not thought about Xiaolejia or one of its characters in some way, shape or form.

Yang Shuo, Wang Kai, Tong Yao, and Dong Zijian delivered extraordinary performances; so did the rest of the cast, and they are commendable for it. The cinematography and directing were of sheer brilliance. Don't even get me started with the writing! Tang Yao penned the script (based on Ah Nai's novel River of Time) impeccably.

I cannot wait for Season 2, which is slated to air in December 2019 (11 long months away). I will rewatch the entire Season 1 then, prior to seeing Season 2.
What a kicker it would be if they can air it even earlier than the previously scheduled date!

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Good story

As a production, it is good. Actors are very good, in fact. The only issues about this production would be the ending (last ~10 episodes or so). The plot drifted and seemed unfocused (after Episode 38 or so), even though I enjoyed watching the 3 main characters and their story lines unfold. It is really regrettable that the last 2 episodes seemed so fragmented for the characters. (I know there may be another season! And, that's good news indeed.).

The main challenge here is whether the plot follows character development. I personally feel like the three main characters' developments aren't explicitly shown to the audience. That's regrettable. There is a lot of change in their lives. They must be changing as people. But, it is unclear...

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