Romance in the Alley

This is a rare gem that covers so many issues common and relatable to Chinese families which also revolves around education entries and residence in China which I find complex to understand. It is mainly a family drama focusing on families staying near each other in an alley specifically 2 neighboring families sharing a courtyard. We share a journey with them and their extended relatives in a span of over 20 years as the children grow up to become adults. There are many happy and sad moments depicted by an excellent cast. Issues like the sacrifices parents make for their children, the eldest being favored and expected to help everyone else in the family when she or he grows up, I like how the story develops and also show how the lives of the people are impacted as China moves forward from 1970s to late 1990s. This drama is really educational for me too as a person who is not born or lived in China. I came out appreciating what I have learnt and enjoyed a very well written and excecuted drama.