Beloved (2025)

Everyday lives are worlds of scars and stories that collide in unexpected ways, to create-

A case in "Beloved" unfolds simply enough in episode 1, where Captain Zhou must investigate and solve a mystery involving Qu Tong and her husband.

This drama is a crime thriller with strong psychological underpinnings. The life of each character is revealed organically through their interactions and memories. Director Mao Kunyu wants you to figure it out for yourself with deft camerawork and clever cinematography showcasing rawness and grit, and experience what he feels for each of his characters in a story comprising stories which lives and breathes through past and present interactions.

The main cast and supporting cast turn in compelling strong performances, including the cast in guest roles. Solid performances by Luo Jin and Yin Zhusheng makes one think of still waters running deep, and the actresses are just as compelling in their roles. Chen Jin and Ai Liya touched many emotions as two very different mothers of two characters conveying how love influences and compels these mothers to choose what they do, where elicited emotions were positive and negative as intended.

Yu Nan as Captain Zhou is stoic, sympathetic, tough and carries her own issues. Is Qu Tong misunderstood? Is Qu Tong responsible? What happened? The tops are spinning. Which tops will go awry, and which remain upright?

The OST of four songs is perfectly matched to the drama. The music for《陀螺》Spinning Top by folk singer 万晓利 makes you feel as if you want to relive halcyon days of past and bring them into the present with you, but listening to the lyrics will give you something more. The ending song《达摩流浪者》by the same artist is a soulful song from the 2006 album 《这一切没有想象的那么糟》, encouraging you not to lose hope on the path that you walk, and not to stop. A live performance of《 达摩流浪者》by Wan Xiaoli in 2018 captures the essence of what it means to live, and to keep reaching for the sun which will come out one day after the storms and dark clouds have had their say. Excellent choice for the start and end of this drama unveiling the creations and processes of trudging through a riveting landscape of darkness, suspense and scars, from the eyes of different people more fortunate or unfortunate than the viewer. Two more instrumental songs for this drama are also by Wan Xiaoli.

If you want to indulge your investigative abilities, pay attention to episode 1 with the eyes and emotions of a detective.

In short, WATCH THIS and you won't regret it. The case has many twists and bends more intricate than any spinning top. This gigantic topper of a case contains many spinning tops, and is so much more than an investigation. The angles of the human psyche revealed in every episode will make you think and ponder what it means, to be human and how to deal with suffering and wounds. The human condition is simultaneously resilient and fragile, and you will come out with a different sense of what it means to look at a stranger walking past you, as a fellow human. We each compose our own stories and although we cannot control everything including unfairness or horrible things unexpectedly happening, we can steer our ships to better shores as much as humanely possible. Without jumping too hastily to conclusions. A new day will come. And you'll want to get there with those who care for you. True love triumphs, in all the ways that is quiet, heartfelt and teary.

Ps. Never underestimate the power of a hug or wanting to be hugged. Go make someone's day!

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