This review may contain spoilers
Perfect balance of comedy and family drama
What a beautiful and incredibly enjoyable drama. The final ep made me cry a lot. Even though this drama includes many silly and ridiculous moments (in the best way possible), it's amazing how they managed to maintain a sense of relatable realism throughout.Du Ruyu as a mother feels so familiar. The way she deals with her daughters when they are out of control or comforts them when they are feeling down feels so relatable. The way the sisters treat each other is also something I can deeply relate to. Their interactions are natural and sweet. Even when they bicker or share a laugh, it all feels so authentic.
The finale and how each couple ended totally made sense. I love that they didn’t force anything to make a perfect happy ending, but an ending that actually shows true growth for all the characters the viewers have grown to love.
Even though Guo Zhensheng has always been in love with Du Ruyu, the drama didn’t force a romantic relationship between the two of them. Instead, they treat each other as more like platonic partners. Du Ruyu respects Guo Zhensheng as someone who helped her raise all her daughters and someone she will grow old together with, without necessarily being romantic with him.
Peilan and Buping have the most solid relationship among all the couples, so it was inevitable that they would be the first to marry. I love how they naturally grew closer throughout the course of the drama. Peilan started as someone afraid to leave her family behind, gradually becoming more comfortable expressing her feelings for Buping, and finally being willing to move on to the next stage of her life, creating a new family and home with him.
I appreciate that Shi Zi's father still hasn't fully accepted Jinrong as his future daughter-in-law. It just feels more realistic that way. It's admirable how Jinrong hasn't given up, and I'm sure she will eventually succeed.
A-si and Keling's relationship also makes perfect sense. Keling has been quickly overwhelmed and pressured into accepting his feelings, and she couldn't handle all the baggage that comes with being with someone in A-si's position. This doesn't mean she doesn't have feelings for him, but she still needs to grow before taking on too much responsibility for which she's not yet ready.
Finally, Banxia and Shen Wangyan. Again, I like that they hint more about their future relationship without shoe-horning that they magically end up together in the finale. Shen Wangyan appeared very briefly, but the sparks are flying everywhere, and although it doesn't happen in the last episode, you can already see where their relationship is headed.
It's a 10/10 for me! I’m really hoping for a second season.
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A family that stays together...
It is loud, chaotic, rowdy and uproarious ... Just for laughs... Keep your brain aside and enjoy the ride... Hilarious interactions between all characters is often laughter inducing but underneath their escapades the emotions are unfeigned and genuine.This drama seems to be heavily inspired by classic women literature.... It reminds me of many Jane Austen's works and also 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott.
Another noteworthy feature of the series is not emphasizing on Pei Lan's(Jackie Li) little healthy physique.... Most similar series make a big deal of it.... Here Pei Lan is considered to be the most desirable match in the marriage market due to her good nature and hard working attitude. ?
The series starts with this family relocating to Jianglin in order to facilitate widowed Du Ru Yu (Lin Lin) to find suitable matches for her four unmarried daughters. Ru Yu may appear to be a strict matriarch of the family but it would have been difficult for her to take care of four little girls while being the breadwinner......We get a peek into her expert handling of the family. Aware of everyone's weaknesses and strengths, she keeps them in 'checks and balances'.
Guo Zhen Sheng(Yang Hao Yu) a benevolent doctor and an old acquaintance of this family follows them to Jianglin. He secretly loves Ru Yu and has taken these girls under his wing, providing nurturing care like a father.
Being brought up by a single mother all the daughters have strong independent personalities. Like all human beings these sisters are slaves of their genes, conditioned by their upbringing and shaped by circumstances. Although their personalities are very different from each other, instead of clashing all daughters complement each other. Like any other siblings they are not above petty blackmailing and manipulation. True test of relationship is during times of tribulation......Only people who stay by our side, protecting us during most difficult period are the people who truly love us.... This family may appear to have minor disagreements but they 'close ranks' and are fiercely protective of each other in face of external threats.
The rooftop of their house seems to be a place where most of the heart to heart conversation takes place, some sincere mother-daughter moments are set there. Other emotional tête-à-tête between the sisters and their suitors are also picturised on the rooftop. Chun residence's rooftop was a safe haven to hide, cry, pout and air out grievances, getting soothing response from other family members.
This family is considerate of peoples' misfortune, Mrs. Chun often ends up providing a helping hand to others even if her daughters sometimes think she is being gullible. All daughters have inherited from their mother tendency to be helpful, upright and bold in face of adversity. Truly, A Remarkable Family!!!!
Soon after their relocation each girl finds herself a suitable match...
Eldest daughter, Chun Jin Rong(Han Yun Yun) who has turned 30 years, is the best manipulator. We also get a glimpse at Jin Rong's childhood... At an early age she had become a caretaker of her younger siblings Ke Ling and Ban Xia as their mother went out to earn money... Her desire to marry a rich man stems from those difficulties, Jin Rong wishes to give her sisters a good life from her dowry after marrying a rich man. She falls in love with Young Lord Ling, Shi Zi. Lord Ling is not ready to accept Jing Rong as his daughter-in-law due to their class difference. However it doesn't deter Jing Rong from pursing her path, she will persist and maybe later would be successful in winning Lord Ling's approval.
Second daughter, Chun Pei Lan (Jackie Li) the quintessential frugal hardworking daughter, is the glue that keeps the family together. Tirelessly she completes her chores with a smile on her face. Often overlooked due to hubbub of daily life, her family truly appreciates her contribution. Being extremely loyal she hesitates to find a good match for herself as she worries her family will fall apart without her. She deserves to be loved by Lu Buping as she is the most selfless out of all sisters. Even though Lu Buping entered Chun residence due to a misunderstanding and spent major part of series as a servant, he had built a strong relationship with Pei Lan, understanding her reluctance to marry in the beginning. He was a pillar of support and strength for her. Lu Buping and Pei Lan get married at the end of the series and ride happily into the sunset.
Third daughter, Chun Ban Xia(Wu Jia Yi) tolerate no nonsense kinda person, wants everyone to be just and equitable, wouldn't hesitate to toe the line even for her beloved family. She is competitive to the extreme. The only family member who dares to challenge Ru Yu's authority by questioning her tactics in house management. She has high self-esteem. Ban Xia has a cat and mouse relationship with the enigmatic, unfathomable Shen Wang Yan. He manages to engage Ban Xia's interest by his continuous unpredictable and questionable behaviour. There is possibility that in future a romantic relationship may develop between them.
Fourth daughter, Chun Ke Ling(Li Jia Qi) the toughest fearless girl in the family, a good street fighter who would rather use swords and knife than cook and sew. She is often out on the streets along with her two friends. She is quite unrestrained and vivacious. Being the baby of this family her sisters and mother often indulge her, overlooking her faults. She is highly energetic. Gu Zi Cheng(A-Si) , the 4th prince falls in love with Ke Ling's carefree flamboyant attitude. However path to their ever-after would be most difficult to achieve because being a royal he has to fulfill his family obligations and Ke Ling has a lot of growing up to do before she can be good wife, companion or a princess.
At the end of this series only Pei Lan and Lu Buping tie the knot and move on with their life of marital bliss. Other relationships have miles to go before they achieve their own romantic happiness. However where there is life, there is hope and Hope is Eternal... With the support of Ru Yu and Guo Zhen Sheng other three sisters have nothing to worry. They are accepted and loved for who they are by their family.
Exasperated reaction of the painter sketching their family portrait in episode 24 says everything about this family they are lively, messy and boisterous.
Some other wonderful characters in the series are,
*The sarcastic female vegetable vendor, Wang Xi Shi who has funny encounters with Pei Lan.
*The swindler astrologer, Li Teng Yu who often gets caught in the cross fire of this family's dynamics.
*The Steward, Mr. Xin who is ever efficient but too expensive.
*The auctioneer at The product appraisal, Qi Jiali who convinces the patron to purchase ridiculously expensive items even though they aren't desirable.
* The perfect society butterfly and Chun Jin Rong's bestie, Dong Xiao Xiao. She tries very hard to fit in the high class society.
*The wanna be femme fatale, Hu Nana who visits Guo Zhen Sheng and tries all her womanly wiles to extort a marriage proposal from him.
These characters brought with them their own brand of giggles and guffaws.
Overall, a good show to watch for some stress relief and laughter.
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An Irresistible Blend of Laughter and Love
"Hilarious Family" is a slapstick drama characterized by its exaggerated expressions and actions. Despite this, the comedy remains relatable, with natural and genuinely hilarious jokes. Each character is distinctly unique, realistically portrayed, endearing, and undergoes well-developed growth. The deliberately exaggerated acting, though, is both convincing and playful. At its core, the story follows a widow who raises her four daughters by selling tofu. Now that the daughters are grown, the widow is focused on finding suitable husbands for them, providing a satirical commentary on societal norms that still resonate in today's world.The story introduces multiple romantic couples, each with their own amusing yet heartwarming stories. The music dances with a whimsical charm, amplifying the actions and emotions of both the events and the characters.
Du Ruyu (Liu Lin) adores all of her daughters equally, though there are moments when it may seem like she favors the eldest and overlooks the second. This, as it turns out, is a misunderstanding. Her strong sense of pride and concern for social image often lead to comedic mishaps. Her own romantic subplot adds a sweet and amusing touch to the story.
The eldest daughter, Chun Jinrong (Han Yunyun), at 29 years and 18 months, is fervently in pursuit of a husband. Her mother pulls out all the stops to assist her in this quest. Jinrong is the most refined among the daughters and invests the family's limited resources in clothing and accessories, all in the hopes of attracting a wealthy suitor. Initially appearing as a potential gold digger, as the story unfolds, we come to understand her motives and see her love for her family. Her escapades and encounters are hilarious.
Chun Peilan (Jackie Li), the second daughter, is a gentle and domestic individual. Her aspirations are centered around cooking, managing household chores, and caring for the family. While no one anticipates her finding love, she captures the heart of a very handsome man with dreams of becoming a valiant hero and a dashing sword fighter, but he couldn't use a sword.
The third daughter, Chun Banxia (Wu Jiayi), is a principled individual intolerant of any hint of wrongdoing. She is well-versed in the law and medicine, and assists her uncle in running a small clinic from home. The humorous exchanges she has with her mother underscore her sharp wit and determination.
Finally, the youngest daughter, Chun Keling (Li Jiaqi), is a spirited tomboy known for her youthful courage and impulsiveness. She enjoys venturing outside, often accompanied by a pair of friends, to confront bullies and teach them a lesson. Unbeknownst to her, a remarkably handsome young man falls in love with her for her distinctive qualities. However, not every girl dreams of marrying a prince, and Keling is no exception.
The final episode strikes a poignant and insightful note, yet the comedy continues, offering a delightful contrast. Lu Buping's hilarious kitchen scene and his comical daikon cutting leave deep impression. Chun Peilan originally requests the daikon to be diced into small cubes (丁), which is the true essence of cutting into "ding". Lu Buping, however, took a more literal approach, sculpting it into the shape of the character 丁("ding"). Despite its slapstick nature, I'm consistently impressed by the exceptional writing and acting on display.
My Verdict
Rowdy and constantly chaotic, this heartwarming story does away with traditional antagonists. Challenges faced by the characters often find resolution through serendipity. Every chaotic mishap can be traced back to a series of comically absurd misunderstandings. The romance is tender, endearing, and injected with humor. The dialogue is natural and witty, and the performances are praiseworthy. It's an easy-to-follow, enjoyable relaxation suitable for the entire family.
Recommended!
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This review may contain spoilers
ENTERTAINING, LIGHT FAMILY DRAMA
I love this drama. It's entertaining light family drama, like on the title it's hilarious and warm fuzzy story. It isn't complicated, budged friendly, flowing story, but definitely bring out the best of each characters into the screen. Every actors did awesome job in their characters, the director seems to know how to create humorous scenes without overdo it. Only 24 episodes suitable for laugh at the end of our stressful day. The Story is about Du Ru Yu has been a widowed single mother for the past 18 years, raising four daughters with very different personalities. She's tough on the outside but soft-hearted on the inside, constantly worrying about her daughters' marriages.Liu Lin as Du Ru Yu/mom
An ex-tofu seller moved in to JiangLin town for better chance for her daughters to find husbands. A mother who tries to stay afloat in managing daughters who's different personalities and interests. After moving to Jiang Lin, she enthusiastically engages with matchmakers and participates in blind dates. Dealing with troublesome daughters, potential suitors who are still pending, and infatuated pursuers like Guo Zhen Sheng (Yang Hao Yu), a doctor and pharmacist (Ban Xia's teacher), loved Ru Yu and willing to share 90-10% profit from his pharmacy as long he allowed to live with her (and family) in which RuYu treated him badly.
Han Yun Yun as Chun Jin Rong/Oldest daughter
29 and 18 months yo, single and love luxury life, lazy, looking for prospect marrying a wealthy husband. Mom was trying to get her married but after a few attempt she remains single. Here came Shi Zi (Chang Long), a young Lord that had no intention nor interest whatsoever intertwined with her. Shi Zi mistakenly thought that Chun Jin Rong was the object of affection for the Fourth Prince and tried to form an alliance with her, which leading Chun Jin Rong to mistakenly believed that the Shi Zi like her. Of course, Jin Rong encouraged him just because he's single and the son of rich official. Unfortunately, Shi Zi's father against Jin Rong because of different social standing.
Jackie Li as Chun Pei Lan/2nd oldest
She loved to take care of her family, kind, frugal, very domestic, filial. She brought in Lu Bu Ping (Ren Hao) into her household, because he helped knock out the gang leader. However, he mistakenly thought he has killed someone and forced to work as a low-level servant in the Chun family. This poor guy worked so hard, not getting pay, just to be allowed a shelter and meals. Her family treated him as a servant, only on ep 13 revealed he's the son of the martial arts alliance leader. He learned from most amazing Stewart Xiu to appease Mrs. Chun's house-warming party.
Wu Jia Yi as Chun Ban Xia/3rd daughter
She's the smartest one in the family, very knowledgeable and learned to be a doctor from Guo Zhen Sheng, kind non-sense personality. She got to know a strong-willed Shen Wang Yan, a 3rd rank graduated scholar who came to the household in thinking the house was still belong to Sheng family for him to give tutorial. She didn't trust him, her opinion of him was very low while Wan Yan teased her mercilessly.
Li Jia Qi as Chun Ke Ling/youngest daughter
Tomboy, interested in martial art, lively, willful, and enjoys helping the weak while opposing the strong, often absent from home. the leader of Jianglin youth gang which only had 3 members. Accidentally she met 4th Prince (Gu ZiCheng) as he called himself A-Si, no one know he's the best candidate for Crown Prince, but he's very naive and innocent. He moved in to Shi Zi's mansion just to persuading KeLing and learned how commoners live.
Why I like this drama because there're instances that we Asians can relate to, family values that we cherish. I can see that the daughters are getting their suitable choice of good men and they'll end well.
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This review may contain spoilers
A beautiful blend of hilarious and heartfelt moments
One of the rare dramas that made me laugh while shedding tears shows great direction and story telling. The last 2 episodes were the best at this and it was a joy to end a drama on a high and feeling warm and fuzzy inside.Acting was good and the characters of the main family were well fleshed out and you begin to see them in different light as the drama progresses. The interactions with each other were natural and it was fun seeing them bicker yet have each other’s back. While you start off thinking that one of the daughters was taken advantage of, it was beautifully told how this was far from the truth. While the mother seemed to rule the family with an iron fist, she loved them all fiercely and had many special moments with each of her daughters as she advised them and showed that she cared. A tiger mom that I can relate to.
A beautiful ending that has each daughter at different stages of their romance and not marrying all of them off is much appreciated so you feel that it is a life-goes-on story.
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The story revolve around Chun Family. The single mother that raise 4 daughter, with their character & uniqueness themselves.
1st daughter, Chun Jin Rong (JR). With materialistic characters, that turn out offer more that the eyes meet the first time.
3rd daughter, Chun Ban Xia (BX). With smart & stubborn character, that in the end learn not all her ways is always right.
4th daughter, Chun Ke Ling (KL). The youngest & childish one in the family, that in the end learn to group up & take her responsibility in the world & in the household.
And finally our FL, 2nd daughter, Chun Pei Lan (PL). One woman that at first, take the responsibility to care of the house herself, to the end learn to let go her 'responsibility' & choose her own path, with her man... Haha...
Really interesting to see how these woman grow to be the better self of themselves through out the drama. Of course with each conflict in the family we can experience ourselves in our real world or no stranger in drama world.
Overall this really one interesting drama to watch. With grounded characters & actor/ess.
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When in the mood for simplicity
Such a family gem! I’m so glad I gave this one a chance. It’s worth signing up for the app with no ads.It takes a few episodes to feel like it’s not a sitcom.
The actors and actresses are veterans in other shows I’ve enjoyed and none disappointed. Beware it’s a family drama and it’ll be slow paced but the humor and shenanigans made me not skip an episode!
I binged watched in 2 days and now I’m missing something similar.
The only downside was the intro/ending for every episode. I’ve seen other dramas more lacking do better, and the music truly was meh in my opinion.
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YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS FOR SURE
The drama is pretty simple and family centric and writing too much about it will spoil the fun so I will write some bullet points for this one.- WELL ACTED: In comedy if actors are not good enough to express the right emotions then all the jokes fall flat pretty easily. All the actors had done a splendid job in the drama. Casting is superb.
-QUIRKY MUSIC: You would not expect such different choice of songs in historical dramas. Songs are really funny especially their lyrics. Suits the tone of comedy genre of the drama for sure.
-HISTORICAL COMEDY: I haven't seen this type of comedy drama in a while. It is very different from all the other shows. Think about all the funny moments actors would go through while shooting for a historical drama. Yup! that is what you will see here.
-FAMILY BOND: Very realistic portrayal of a family despite a comedy show. Everyday struggle, festivities, argument among siblings, mom's scolding, romance, emotional scenes...it has everything.
-ROMANCE: I really liked how they introduced all the male leads. All of them are different but so good with their respected partners that you would enjoy all of their interactions.
-NO BORING MOMENTS: Well it is COMEDY so obviously you won't feel bored even for a second. Even the elders will make you laugh so much. Sibling fights and their mom's constant nagging is really funny throughout the drama. All the misfortunes that male leads go through is really hilarious (I know it sounds wrong but you will get it after watching).
There are some slow scenes but they won't bother you that much.
If you are still hesitating to start this one then I would suggest you to just watch the first episode. You won't be able to stop after that :)
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An absolute delight
This is such a beautifully crafted piece of cinema. It leaves you with the fuzzy warm feeling of touching your heart, after having done a lot of laughing and a bit of crying. It is a well balanced story, that leaves room for proper development to all characters. Like in all good Chinese films, there is no clear line between what a "main role" and a "support role" are. The whole cast moves the story forward like the fingers move forward into a whole hand to deliver the strike.The only problem I could see was a technical one, and it had to do with the sound, which started to collapse in some parts, in the latter episodes. I hope that problem is easily fixable.
I came here, to see this title, lured by the names of actors Lui Lin, Yang Hao Yu and Chang Long.
They all held so called support roles in productions I have seen before, but delivered such outstanding performances, in similar outstanding surroundings of professionalism, that I could do nothing but stop by and see what they are at right now.
They did not dissapoint one bit.
Lui Lin was a stunner in "The Story of Minglan", of 2018, and "The Long Season", of 2023. Yang Hao Yu equally delivered to the hilt as in the "I will find you a better home", of 2020, while Chang Long balanced wisely comedy and drama in his character, as he did in the "New Life Begins", of 2022.
I highly recommend all of the above titles for you to see.
Cudos to all the people working for this beautiful production.
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Jacky li and Wu Jia Yi
I just love Jacky li and Wu jia yi both had thier own persona when it comes to acting. Both deserve more main role in drama...Wu jia yi is and Jacky li both funny in thier own way. Pembawaan watak kedua pelakon ini sangat-sangat saya kagumi. Both look natural in act. Kadang saya ingat adakah mereka berlakon atau berlakon spontan. ....i hope more main role for both of them.Was this review helpful to you?
Slow
This drama is definitely for comedy purposes. The guy playing Lu BuPing got on my nerve alot because of how whiny he is. Half the time, the second daughter is coaxing him like a kid. His behavior is like a kid. Complaining about every little thing when he is living on their house, has food and roof over his head. It is very slow based drama and by the time i reached ep 6, i was skipping parts. Now sure if i want to continue. The acting is a little too dramatic and do are the music and sound effects.. It is like when someone tried super hard to make this drama funny but it is just boring to see and watch at this pointWas this review helpful to you?
'Hilarious' is Not What I Would Call This Family.
I doubt whether I would have given this one a look had it not been for the reviews I read. Unfortunately, only one was accurate, and the reviewer watched 3 episodes and dropped the series. I struggled through 4 episodes then followed suit and dropped it like a hot rock. I couldn't take another minute of this show.Whatever the writer was thinking was nothing close to hilarious, and this family was neither warm nor endearing. If this is a portrayal of family life, then no thanks! The characters were dreadful, the interactions were stiff and overdone. I didn't even get to a point where any of the couples were together yet, but they had very little hope given the characters that were introduced up to episode 4.
I couldn't find one redeeming factor to keep me interested or invested in this one. I got out while the going was good. OST was awful. Absolutely NO rewatch value.
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