NON-SPOILER SUMMARY - On Children is very similar to Black Mirror, except re-contextualized to address the problems of Asian society and the over-prevalent competitive and stress culture present there. It is an anthology series of 5 episodes, each clocking in at around 90 minutes, so I wouldn't recommend binge watching (especially given how heavy each episode is).
STORY - A++. The story is slow but meaningfully paced and is seemingly absent of obvious plot holes. Each episode focuses on similar yet different problems with the way Asian society treats the kids of the future as little more than their grade-point averages. What puts this drama above and beyond (hence the A++) is how each episode manages to give out their own critique; it goes beyond expectations of being "just good art" and actually tries to send home a message for each episode.
CHARACTERS/ACTING - Nearly flawless. This is the most talented ensemble of actors/actresses I've seen, given just how much range and difficulty each main character in the episode undergoes. Because they don't focus on more characters than they have to, you really get to spend time with the actor/actress behind the character and see them spectacularly deliver a wide spectrum of subtle emotions.
My biggest "flaw" with the show was the pacing. Because On Children focuses heavily on the cinematic/artistic parts of sending home their messages, there's a lot of "empty/dead space" void of dialogue where it's often just shots of some background, and while I do appreciate it for its artistic value, I do think ~10 minutes can be cut off from each episode and still no scenes of dialogue/importance would be cut.
For those who are curious, my rankings of the episodes are EP2=EP4>EP1>EP3>EP5.
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An Asian / Taiwanese attempt on a Black Mirror-esque show
TLDR; This is an anthology series. Every episode is a emotional and has great plot. It gets you to reflect about parenting and parental expectations on their children.Story
As an Asian, the plots are very relatable. Every episode shares about a different household with the varying parent-child dynamics. You will notice that in each household, the mothers have very set and clear expectations of their children. These expectations clash with the desires of the children thus resulting in conflicts between them. Definitely allows viewers to reflect on Asian's concept of reciprocal filial piety and its effects.
I rated the story highly as each episode is highly developed. Although the narratives are not highly unusual, what made this show unique would be the dabble on sci-fi and dystopian (esp for episode 5) themes. I highly enjoyed the attempt!
Acting
There were great actors throughout. I did not rate a full 10 / 10 because I noticed there were quite a few young actors on the show. They were a bit more awkward then the older actors but it was not too bad.
Rewatch Value
As someone who does not usually rewatch shows, for this show I certainly would pick out Ep 1, 2 & 3 to rewatch or simply just share with the people around me.
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"Do you love me?"
On Children was an omnibus of 5 long episodes or television movies, each self-contained with their own story and characters. Like creepy episodes of the Twilight Zone-fantasy or science fiction was involved in every story about children and their domineering mothers. There were different themes, but a predominant one was, “Be careful what you wish for.”Episode 1-“Mother’s remote” aka “I won’t disappoint Mom.”
Pei Wei is a better artist than student though he does try hard. His efforts and lack of perfection are not acceptable to his mother. He is about to learn the dark side of “Groundhog Day.”
Episode 2-“Child of the Cat” aka “You only want me to become what you wish to see.”
Guo Yan’s parents argue often over his inadequate test scores and beat him with the stick of discipline just as often. A box of cats and a violent girl at school open up a new dimension for improving said test scores, but of course, the trick comes with a price.
Episode 3: “The Last Day of Molly” aka “Who’s looking? Why do you care so much about them?”
Molly wants to be a writer, but her mother is focused on Molly becoming a doctor. When Molly commits suicide, her mother is introduced to a machine that can help her see Molly’s memories. This mother comes to realize she didn’t know her daughter at all.
Episode 4: “Peacock” aka “Giving birth to children is like an investment.”
Qiao Yi goes to an exclusive school populated by the super-rich. Her parents work numerous jobs to pay for her tuition. One day while eating lunch, the school’s caged peacock makes her an offer she can’t refuse.
Episode 5: “ADHD Is Necessary” aka “A person’s value shouldn’t be determined by a single test.”
In the future, women are inseminated with genetically engineered embryos. Yang is a superstar mom whose last child had been a gold medal student. Her current child, Ruo Wa, is struggling scholastically. In this world scholastic failure is met with permanent consequences.
In every episode, the mothers used emotional and physical punishment for children failing to live up to their standards. The primary goals for the children were to be obedient and to excel in school. The children were suffocated and their dreams crushed under their mothers’ heels. The cults of education and motherhood demanded perfection. Their children were their hope and their investments like stock market commodities. The mothers used their children as ladders and tools to enhance their reputations and/or lifestyles. The children were compared to others, called “useless”, with their class rankings determining their worth. They were often driven to desperate and irrevocable decisions. While the mothers were shown as unflinchingly driven and in some cases heartless, the fathers were often a softer place to land, with the exception of Guo Yan’s abusive father.
On Children was a tough watch. Watching kids barely given room to breathe much less have fun, controlled by selfish draconian mothers made me wonder if there would be more matricide attempts. But these kids often turned their anger and despair onto themselves. A common question was, “Do you love me?” A simple question that rarely had the answer that they or we would want to hear. On Children was well made, with overly long episodes, and quality acting for the most part. But not an easy binge. I did learn a valuable lesson though, if a talking peacock tries to make a deal with you, walk away, or maybe run.
15 May 2025
Trigger warnings: Suicides and suicide attempts, self-harm, and animal abuse.
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This review may contain spoilers
Heartbreaking
While this may seem like a Taiwan version of Black Mirror, this anthology is mainly focused on the academic pressures students face in school and at home. Compared to other Asian dramas of a similar vein like SKY castle, I found this drama more relatable and realistic even with the sci-fi elements. Each episode is standalone, just with the overarching theme of students not being able to cope with their parents expectations. One minor gripe is that the pacing isn't that good and some plot points are dragged out. Other than that the acting and production value are excellent.Sidenote: If you have grown up in a similar environment with "tiger" parents you may feel that some parts hit a little too close to home. It is a very dark show, there are mentions of suicide, self-harm, animal abuse etc so not for the faint hearted.
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