Long Day's Journey into Light (2015)

Admittedly, I started to watch this drama because of Chris Wu, also known as Wu Kang Ren. BUT. This drama really opened my eyes. The synopsis is correct, in the general sense. However, it's about so much more. It's tear-jerking but also heartwarming. It's romantic but also teasingly subtle. The drama really tries to show a different side of death. While it can be tragic and full of grief, it can also be viewed with celebrating one's life. After watching this drama, I appreciated life and the simple joys we often take for granted much more. The stories of the deceased and their loved ones (the clients) flawlessly flowed with the main characters' storylines.

The drama also keeps us engaged as if we're in the drama along with the characters by revealing things to us at the same time as when the characters find out themselves. The story deals with many complicated societal and emotional issues like having to deal with traditional parents, parents that abandoned their children, the list goes on. Even with all the issues, the plot feels concise and not too draggy or too rushed. This drama is extremely realistic and faces the issues head on, nothing held back, and nothing is sugar coated.

Chris Wu has an overwhelming stage presence. Whenever he's on the screen, he steals it effortlessly. His acting ability is phenomenal, and it just keeps getting better, drama after drama. His character, initially very stubborn and seemingly harsh, warms up to become vulnerable, gentle, and just a sweetheart to the female lead Xiao En (Huang Pei Jia). They never kissed (skinship :/) but their romance was so touching to watch. The supporting characters were all there for a reason. The growth of all of them was amazing to see and a dramatic change from the beginning. I loved seeing them overcome their differences and eventually become a family within their funeral parlor.

Music didn't stand out to me which is why the score isn't that high. The theme song is pretty fitting to the overall theme (lyrics-wise) the drama is trying to convey though.

I couldn't give the drama a full score because some of the clients' cases felt cut off and the transitions between the episodes weren't the best. Nevertheless, as someone who usually likes rom-coms, this drama still managed to capture my heart in the weirdest ways possible! I resorted to reading the Chinese subtitles because I don't understand the Hakka dialect. If you're in the mood for crying and laughing simultaneously, don't miss out on this meaningful drama. (9/9.25)

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