Wonderful Times (2026)

A Comforting Slice of Life in 1970s Communist China

Set in dreary 1970s communist China, two single parents find love again in their middle age. Their sweet and heartwarming courtship takes place in the court of public opinion involving meddlesome community leaders, spurned suitors, supportive comrades and those hellbent against it. The couple marries despite objections from their children to become an antagonistic blended family.

As the story develops, incidents happen along the way to reveal how each character deals with them on an individual and collective level while China's economy advances and its societal mindset evolves. Special mention must be made of how the latter is subtly but accurately reflected in the production set and script.

Other than the recurring scenes of public confrontation and shaming, I find the portrayal of everyday situations and the characters’ responses to them realistic, relatable and humorous. The world is constantly changing, but human nature and human relationships rarely do.

For some reason, I find this drama comforting -- its pace, its music, the tone of voice used by the actors and the way the characters resolve conflicts. I especially appreciate how wholesome values are illuminated in this nuanced drama.

In this day and age in which revenge and violence is glorified and romantic relationships are often sexualised in entertainment, 'Wonderful Times' is a breath of fresh air. Here's hoping it will continue to impress me till the end.

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