MovieChat Forums > One Child (2014) Discussion > What was the point? (Spoilers)

What was the point? (Spoilers)

posted 9 years ago by patty1
2 replies | jump to latest

Let me say up front that I'm a big fan of character-driven movies and TV shows, so it isn't as though I need an action-filled plot to make me feel that I've spent my time fruitfully. Nor do I need a happy ending, or even one that neatly wraps up all the loose threads. But I came away from this series wondering why I had bothered spending four hours watching it. Mei ends up back in London, still helping the activists in China, and sending items to her mother, but that's all. Those are both signs that she's caring more about other people's welfare, but overall, I didn't see any real growth or resolution or anything else. I even found her brother more interesting in his few scenes than Mei was in all of hers.

I'm curious to read other people's reactions now that you've seen the whole program.

[–] goleafsgo27 9 years ago

OK, I just watched it and have not had any processing time, but... To me, it made a comment about the near impossibility of fighting official corruption, whether in China or anywhere else really. But more important was that it was asking the viewers to ask themselves what the meaning of family is. And how far would you go, what are the limits, if any, to what you would do to save your loved one, or anyone, you felt to be wrongfully treated, in this case convicted of a crime for which she felt sure he was innocent. And FWIW, I thought they did a marvelous job of it. I felt the acting was excellent, including when Mei, after all that she has done so far, has to decide if she has reached her limit.

I have seen enough to know I have seen too much. -- ALOTO

[–] patty1 9 years ago

Thank you for your comments, GLG. I did see those elements in the program, but for some reason, they just didn't gel into a strong story for me. I'm glad you liked it a lot!