Qiao Jia De Er Nü

I really, really enjoyed this show - I watched the entire thing in three days, and even afterwards I still keep thinking about it. I'm not normally someone who cries at TV shows, but the finale of this made me sob like a baby. All of the actors are incredible, especially Bai Yu (but he's always excellent, haha) and Song Zu'er, and the relationships between the characters feel grounded and realistic.

It really explores the complexity of growing up with neglectful or absent parents, and the long-lasting effects that has on everyone else in the family, and the way that your childhood shapes the way you form relationships as an adult.

The costuming was also incredible. I can't speak to the historical accuracy since I was not alive or in China during the time that this takes place, but I loved all the clothes they wore, especially Simei who had some top-tier looks. I also really liked how the characters aged, especially Yicheng, even though they were played by the same actors for their time as adults on the show.

If you usually enjoy character-driven, slice-of-life shows, you would love this, but as someone who almost always never watches family drama shows, this was still extremely engaging and emotional. Strongly recommend!