The Family (2018)

Unexpectedly moving. Realistic. Poignant

This C adaptation from original korean source was a more grounded take- the overall tone is much more serious and realistic. What makes it memorable (as i am reviewing this quite a long tome from when i finished it) was how much the story manages to struck a deep chord, resonate with me how parent-child relationship becomes over time, over daily business in career or life. It punctuates all our realistic short comings and even laid bare how the important things are overlooked until finally your days are numbered.

The performance from the father to his daughter and sons was nothing short of brilliant. The entire cast was strong.

It is impossible to steel your heart from the story, from the many moments you weep with them. Prepare tissues and prepare the reason why you wake with swollen eyes.

This is a rare family drama that is worth your time. Dont give up when you get frustrated with the doctor-son, and the daughter. They are human. Wait for the episodes of realisation and bleed with them. You've been warned.

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Prepare Tissues

Like all C-dramas that are 50+ episodes long, it can be dragging or either really good. What sets this apart is that the story is realistic in how children grow independently overtime focussing on their career or life and overlooks the tiny daily details of a family life (such as eating breakfast/dinner together, coming home late without informing parents etc).

It takes some time to build up the character's individual backgrounds but from episode 30, you will cry on when each child/family member begins to learn about the truth for why the father is setting out his agenda. The last 15 episodes feel especially rushed i.e. the aunt learning about the truth, xiao long learning about his true mother.

Don't give up when you feel frustrated about the children's relationships with the father early on, you need to wait until the episodes above (the truth) is revealed. Take your time and slowly watch.

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