Round Table China

The changing plotlines of Chinese family dramas

Dec 25, 2024
Chinese family dramas are undergoing a notable transformation, reflecting modern societal values. The shift from traditional narratives to empowered individual stories resonates with younger audiences. Unique structures and airing formats allow for rich narratives that showcase evolving family dynamics. Young viewers are drawn to authentic tales but reject poor acting and outdated relationships. The portrayal of family and marriage highlights women's sacrifices and contemporary perspectives. Empowering narratives emphasize female mutual support and the importance of education and identity.
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ANECDOTE

Modern Family's Diverse Structures

  • Steve Hatherly's favorite show, Modern Family, showcases diverse family structures.
  • Examples include a divorced dad marrying a younger Colombian woman and a couple adopting a Vietnamese baby.
ANECDOTE

Chinese Family Dramas: *Golden Marriage* and *Tiger Mother*

  • Ding Heng recalls watching Golden Marriage which depicts a Beijing couple's 50-year story (1950s-2000s).
  • He also mentions Tiger Mother (2015) reflecting parental anxieties about education.
INSIGHT

Chinese Dramas: Period Pieces

  • Niu Honglin notes that Chinese dramas often place families within specific time periods.
  • Unlike Western sitcoms, they showcase generational stories reflecting societal changes.
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