What's disconcerting about the lower ratings from other reviewers is that most viewers probably don't speak Cantonese, Tagalog, or the several other languages that were featured in this series, which is why people find the series confusing to follow. In my opinion, the show was written for a very specific demographic. You need to know the HK culture to truly understand the series, the importance of foreign help, the wealth disparity between the rich and the poor, and the entire premise of why Margaret couldn't let go of Gus. It's a great series worth watching, but it also requires some learning beforehand if you aren't familiar with the HK culture.
The idea storyline revolves around domestic helpers (something that is highly common in HK's upper and upper middle class). Domestic helpers tend to bond closer to the children they care for (they are essentially au pairs but they also do the cooking and cleaning as well). And the fact that Margaret became jealous of Essie's relationship with the kids was what set everything in motion (including Gus' disappearance).
The series is multi-layered, complex, and is beautifully filmed. My favourite part is probably all of the background characters that have been introduced, and what each storyline symbolizes. I think my only qualm is the lack of closure for each of the characters, but what's beautiful about that is the idea that their stories aren't done yet.
So yes. Before watching this series, I think people need to be open to new concepts, new cultures, and new languages. If you don't, you definitely won't enjoy it as much as I did.
The idea storyline revolves around domestic helpers (something that is highly common in HK's upper and upper middle class). Domestic helpers tend to bond closer to the children they care for (they are essentially au pairs but they also do the cooking and cleaning as well). And the fact that Margaret became jealous of Essie's relationship with the kids was what set everything in motion (including Gus' disappearance).
The series is multi-layered, complex, and is beautifully filmed. My favourite part is probably all of the background characters that have been introduced, and what each storyline symbolizes. I think my only qualm is the lack of closure for each of the characters, but what's beautiful about that is the idea that their stories aren't done yet.
So yes. Before watching this series, I think people need to be open to new concepts, new cultures, and new languages. If you don't, you definitely won't enjoy it as much as I did.
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