The Peak

A bit weird so far, hence my rating of four. Keeping in mind we have more episodes to go, Therefore. I will revise this once I have watched it all. There are scenes that I have no idea why they are even in there other than to add content and ticking a few boxes for example the sex scenes with added intimate dialogue. I am also confused why Nicole needs to look so dowdy, she can look very attractive. I am NOT putting her down personally but rather the character she is playing. I really should have waited for all the episodes to drop and maybe I will wait for the remaining ones to watch together in the hope of a better flow and understanding of the weird methodology used in telling this story.

This is a book, a novel, transformed across media: as in film, or video medium, the sequential development of characters and plot shouldn't be surprising. It's sad to see low rated (teen?) reviews from those without a clue what they're watching. Please ignore too those suggesting a jump to certain episodes. With Expats, the books author also wrote a teleplay the first episode seemingly adhered to.

The following episodes will be crafted predominantly by the series creator Lulu Wang. These two women collaborating with the dramatic talents of Nicole Kidman are the perfect stage crafters for story and its development throughout a series. The Author, Janice Y. K. Lee is a Hong Kong born American author. Whereas Lulu Wang is herself from a background that makes up the most common expat resident of Hong Kong's population: born north in the mainland, then migrating. Lulu Wang's family of origin however migrated from Beijing to America. Combined we have a talented, well informed trio of women who can create through craft and inner personal experiences, the life of Hong Kong's Expat residents.

This first episode is comparable to the opening chapters of a book, where combined talents of filmmaker, writer and dramatic thespian introduce you to Hong Kong daily life for the upper middle class (considering the family reside atop The Peak),a week in the life of a Hong Kong English speaking residents, set in the last decade(2014). As a Hong Konger Expat myself, this is so far immensely interesting and somewhat relatable.

I recommend you immerse yourself in the story, whether you have any connection to Hong Kong or not. This power trio of women have successfully shared many stories with the world.

Please don't review on trivia, rather add such minor hang ups within this websites trivia section, if truly relevant. Based on these womens' histories and careers, I anticipate quality story and character developments, and memorable entertainment.

I am watching this despite the negative reviews because I was an expat myself for many years, but so far I'm not warming to the plot. As pointed out by another reviewer, the audience is plunged into the middle of the story, without any knowledge of any dramatic events, involving most likely the death of one of Margaret's children.

Kidman who plays Margaret is too old to play the mother of the other two kids shown in the first episode and the lack of chemistry with her oriental husband is glaring. Also, she's supposed to be a landscape architect, but the only things she talks about are kids and feelings and I don't buy her as anything else but a housewife.

In one of the first scenes, Margaret is seen in a fancy establishment, meeting an event organizer who says how much Margaret's daughter looks like her. She doesn't since Margaret is a blue-eyed, blondish Caucasian and her daughter has raven black hair and oriental features. Taking after their father, but what's the point of saying how much she resembles their mother?

The second expat is Hilary, shown having a cold exchange of words with Margaret in the elegant building where they live and then as her best friend (?) after dramatic events at the party. Mention of dishonor to the costumes department that made Hilary wear a dreadful jumpsuit with fake pockets at the back, making her B-side look enormous

The third is Korean (?) Mercy, a snotty young woman who's having an affair with Hilary's husband David, and who causes Margaret to freak out, appearing as a waitress at Margaret's party. I guess the second episode will be about the way these three collided. But why not start with that, instead of with this one?