Autumn's Concerto
This drama series interested me more than I thought I would. I always thought Taiwanese dramas lack richness of plot and dimensionality of characters. Which of course, the drama matched my observations of Taiwanese dramas, but I got to say that, there is some relatability in the characters.
Guan Xi, whom have had experienced a childhood of emotional neglect, and who have not had help in processing his father's death, became the wild play boy that he was. To be honest, it's pretty understandable. When a person doesn't know how to process an event, grieve and move on, it's easy to blame the world for his plight and character. And having a tiger mother who has high expectations of him and the emotional gap and misunderstandings between them, it's natural to rebel.
Mu Cheng's mother, even though she had her unglorious moments, like intending to leave Mu Cheng in the bus and got off on her own... Denying the reality that her boyfriend is sexually harrassing Mu Cheng, for financial and physical stability... Coming from an era where women depend on men for financial and physical stability... It's understandable.
Guan Xi's mother, had her stubborn moments, acting in the interests of her son, in the traditional Chinese culture, parents want their children to 'Chu Ren Tou Di', live in wealth and status. And a woman of her profession, without a husband to support her, have to hold the forte on her own and survive in a male-dominated society, of course she knows the importance of connections, wealth and status. Who wouldn't want that for their children, if this the 'ideal' dream? I recalled what my mum said about my ex, "I never regarded him as someone you are dating." I don't agree with her thought on this, but I could understand her POV. It's only natural to want the best for her children.
As for the plot-wise, I would even go so far to say that the plot could be an alternate reality of Aaden and I. Hell, if he actually gave me a chance to be there for him and changed his mind about what he wants out of whatever we had... Well.
Drawing from past experiences, there was some parallelity in Mu Cheng having a child and leaving at a place far away from her home and from her lover. The alternate reality of a kid in the picture. I would also feel contented, and not desire to have any partners who are capable of dishing real hurt to me. I would also love my child and shower him/her with such endearing care and tenderness, as he/she is the product of our union, and the only thing that is from, him. If we can't be together in this lifetime, well, the kid would be a great solace and gift. The sadness I feel for not being able to give him/her a complete family, having to suffer the ridicule of others as being a child born out of wedlock, having to mature more quickly than kids of his/her age, I would be compensated in the extra layers of tender and care I give him/her.
I never expect a cheesy romance drama would bring out so much thought in me. Now, I understand why my mum keeps watching Taiwanese dramas, even though I don't think they are a good watch. Like she said, the characters are very human.
