Women of Shanghai (2018)

A modern tale of a modern woman navigating life in fast-paced Shanghai

This drama feels like a birds-eye view of Luo Haiyan's life. We see her transform from a naive university graduate to a successful career woman. By the end, I felt like I hadn't fully grasped her motivations for doing what she does, but it was a great story nonetheless. After all, many of us go through life without any clear reasons for doing what we do.

Shanghai is a place where many waidi ren (people from outside regions) come to make their dreams come true. It's a hub of activity where the locals are wary of outsiders. People in Shanghai have their own customs and prefer to build relationships with other Shanghainese people.

It's as much a story about Luo Haiyan as it is about the place of women in Shanghainese society. The drama raises some big questions. Should a woman own her own property before marriage? Should a woman rely on a man to provide for her, or should she seek independence? Is it lonely as a woman at the top of the corporate ladder? Should we marry for love, or should we marry because it's about time?

This drama is full of women who seek fulfilment and make their own choices in spite of and in agreement with society's recommendations. I like that some characters chose to be happy housewives, while others chose to pursue their careers. Other chose both options. Every option is a good option, as long as it is what you truly want. Luo Haiyan's relationships with her friends, mentors and workmates were enjoyable to watch. Her friends and workmates aren't afraid to tell her the truth and force her to grow.

And of course, it's impossible to talk about this drama and not discuss the men in Luo Haiyan's life. To some extent, I think her love interests reflect her values at the specific time in her life. As she becomes more career-orientated and materialistic, she encounters men that are more wealthy and powerful. But just as you begin to fear that she has become too cynical, she surprises you. Without spoiling anything, I'll say that I 100% approve of her final choice. It was the right one.

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