3
This review may contain spoilers
Powerful, Poetic, Sublime, Heart Wrenching and at times, Heartbreaking
Light Beyond The Reed is not for the faint hearted, but what a show. Visually powerful, the reflections poetic, and the writing, sublime. The show is intense, brave in its telling regarding the subject matter: surviving workplace predators and the impact of social media.
The writing allows the actors to bring their A game. The leads are compelling, perfect examples of how a couple struggling in misery, come together when faced with the most challenging of circumstances. The brother and sister in law provide an insight into collateral damage. The mum, a great actress, plays once again the role of the tortured, unforgiving and hateful siren but with a redemptive arc.
The detectives are wonderful. So layered but committed to seeing justice delivered. They are the human side of policing.
The cinematography was of the highest level. In short, this show was beautifully filmed.
The insight Light brings regarding social media in China is just how unforgiving it is - in fact next level. It shows the level of judgemental comments, prejudices regarding victim blaming and the flipside of those who want the best for those vilified.
As for the main antagonist, he is vile, abusive, all wrapped up in a bow - a predator at their worst. His ability to ensnare others, all part of his charade.
I marked the show down because of the way the justice system was shown. The Chinese system is shown from two angles: the criminal court and the appellate court. In the former, the process was seen in part and a little all over the place. However, the austerity was there. The appellate court did deal with the new evidence and gave a ruling that follows the required process.
The final episodes are dramatic and a triumph.
The writing allows the actors to bring their A game. The leads are compelling, perfect examples of how a couple struggling in misery, come together when faced with the most challenging of circumstances. The brother and sister in law provide an insight into collateral damage. The mum, a great actress, plays once again the role of the tortured, unforgiving and hateful siren but with a redemptive arc.
The detectives are wonderful. So layered but committed to seeing justice delivered. They are the human side of policing.
The cinematography was of the highest level. In short, this show was beautifully filmed.
The insight Light brings regarding social media in China is just how unforgiving it is - in fact next level. It shows the level of judgemental comments, prejudices regarding victim blaming and the flipside of those who want the best for those vilified.
As for the main antagonist, he is vile, abusive, all wrapped up in a bow - a predator at their worst. His ability to ensnare others, all part of his charade.
I marked the show down because of the way the justice system was shown. The Chinese system is shown from two angles: the criminal court and the appellate court. In the former, the process was seen in part and a little all over the place. However, the austerity was there. The appellate court did deal with the new evidence and gave a ruling that follows the required process.
The final episodes are dramatic and a triumph.
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