Expats

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.

Well written, well developed, interesting.

I was shocked to see the show having below 6, then I read reviews, and I am very surprised that people are complaining about this show, but it's also a good reflection of where are we now as a global society, and what do we focus on. Well done for beautiful reverse art moment.

When you surpass the egoistic-flat characters (which is also a point I think) you start noticing people from the background as well, and how perspective can be shifted and how nothing is at it seems. Yet it takes time and every person has much more to her/him than just the facade. Even the flat characters are not ... that flat, they are just in a different reality.

The intertwined destiny of EACH character is interesting and I cannot wait for more. Also, I'm so glad that it's running weekly, like before - when you had to wait for the show. But at the same time you had some time to think about it before it comes, talk with your friends, stop and think, not just bluntly continue to the next episode to wait for something to... happen. Something should happen inside of you.

I'm especially positively surprised with the last one (S1E05) - being an expat living in Dubai for such a long time, and working and observing Filipino workers closely, I could feel the Filipino story being told so ... gently... truthfully... and honestly... From the gossip moment to the moment when they are treated just like people from the background yet... They always, always have each other's back.

A lot of time, people forget that each human and each person has their own story to be told, and all happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Beautiful show! Beautiful.

This series is unequivocally above average and sadly the majority of the negative reviews come from kids who are expecting a fast-paced action as their attention spans are short and limited. Think people who flip through social media daily to watch reels; slow burners aren't their thing. This is a well written, well acted, well directed slow burner. The storyline is brilliant and it has me completely absorbed in it and glued to my seat wanting more. The only criticism I suppose would be that there are scenes such as the one with full frontal nudity that seem unnecessary. Other than that, an outstanding series and you can never go wrong with the infallible Nicole Kidman. A must watch!

I really enjoyed this. Saw it advertised and put it on my watch list. Just the combination of ex pats and starring Nicole Kidman was enough to peak my interest.

This isn't a normal film, it's a bit special and because it's a bit special, not everyone is going to get it or appreciate the effort. The first episode was extremely slow but once you get used to the pace you can enjoy the cinematography, which not only highlighting Hong Kong but the intensity of shots and angles, many of which are subtle, clever and thought-provoking.

The cast were all brilliant. I really enjoyed the historical accuracy of the protests and also the lives of maids - this could be a spin-off drama! I loved the different cultures and languages.

The drama itself is about relationships, family trauma, tragedy, despair, love, redemption and hope. Without adding any spoilers the main storyline is very sad but beautifully made.

My only criticism, the scenes of a sexual nature and nudity really were unnecessary, I don't believe they added anything extra to the drama.

This show has a serious mood; there's no humor or excitement to get your heart racing. However, it does shed light on expat life, especially from a housewife's perspective, which hits close to home for expats like us. Reminding us of the good time there. It's heartbreaking to see everyone leaving Hong Kong now due to all the chaos. Such a fantastic city, and let's hope this show won't end up being the last historical record of its finest moments. The camera work is a letdown, though. It feels too confined and doesn't capture the true essence of modern Hong Kong's awesomeness. This episode clearly is just sets the scene for the story. If you're not into expat life or Hong Kong, it might be a bit boring. Farewell, Hong Kong.