Small Alley Family Rises Above the Tide: A Modern Family Drama Finds SuccessAmidst Ancient Romance Craze
By [Your Name], Contributing Writer
The recent release of the historical romance dramas Pearl Curtain Jade Screen and Eternal Night Star River has dominated the Chinese television landscape, captivating audiences withtheir sweeping narratives and star-studded casts. However, amidst this flurry of ancient romance, a contemporary family drama, Small Alley Family (小巷人家), has quietly emerged as a critical and commercial success, proving that compelling storytelling can transcend genre trends. The show’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the current dominance of costume dramas.
Small Alley Family, produced by Noon Sunshine(正午阳光), a renowned production company known for high-quality dramas such as Ode to Joy (欢乐颂) and The Story of Qiao’s Family (乔家的儿女), has secured the top spot inaverage viewership ratings for 2024 among terrestrial television channels. Its online viewership trails only the two aforementioned costume dramas, a significant accomplishment considering its different genre. Furthermore, the drama boasts a strong 8.2 rating on Douban, a popular Chinese film and television review site, though ithas experienced a slight dip since its initial release. This sustained positive reception speaks volumes about the show’s quality.
The show’s success can be attributed to several factors. Director Zhang Kai-zhou (张开宙), known for his work on critically acclaimed dramas like War in Changsha (战长沙) and Knowing or Not, Knowing or Not (知否知否应是绿肥红瘦), masterfully helms the production. The cast, featuring veteran actors Yan Ni (闫妮), Jiang Xin (蒋欣), Guo Xiao-dong (郭晓冬), and Li Guang-jie(李光洁), delivers compelling performances that anchor the narrative. Their nuanced portrayals elevate the characters and resonate deeply with the audience.
Another key element contributing to the show’s success is the involvement of the original author, Da Mi (大米, real name Wang Yang 王杨), a graduate in filmand television production. Her direct involvement as screenwriter ensures a faithful adaptation of her novel while allowing for sensible adjustments to character development and plot points. This close collaboration between author and screenwriter is a significant factor in the show’s authenticity and coherence.
However, the drama is not without its shortcomings. The performanceof Fan Cheng-cheng (范丞丞), who plays the younger version of the character Zhuang Tu-nan (庄图南), has drawn considerable criticism. His portrayal has been deemed stiff and unconvincing, leading to several negative trending topics on social media. This negative reception stems from both the character’s design and Fan’s acting. The original novel depicts a relatively late-blooming young Zhuang Tu-nan, sheltered in his childhood and possessing a naive idealism that makes him slow to comprehend the complexities of the adult world. While Fan’s performance might have captured a certain aspect of this naivete, it appears to lack the necessary depth and nuance.
Despite this minor setback, Small Alley Family stands as a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted storytelling. Its success demonstrates that even amidst the popularity of specific genres, a strong narrative, talented cast, and skilled production team can create adrama that resonates with audiences and achieves both critical acclaim and commercial success. The drama’s success serves as a valuable lesson for the industry, highlighting the importance of strong writing and directing, and the potential for contemporary family dramas to capture the hearts of viewers.
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