Rock It, Mom (2022)

How did this drama get pass Chinese censors? ;)

If this Show was made in the West, it would be considered old school, maybe a low budget indie drama. The fact that it was made in China and quite recently is a surprise in itself.

The Show is a black comedy at its core. It is in your face, no holds barred, and then gives you the metaphysical middle finger because it can. I'm not saying that every c-drama is pure as driven snow but when you consider the show's FL is an alcoholic middle-aged rocker, the 2FL is a rebellious high school dropout, then add a whole cadre of deeply flawed characters to fill out the rest of the cast. It is definitely not your typical c-drama casting call. On top of that, the show is overflowing with themes like child abandonment, failed marriage, mental health, bad parenting, drunkenness and other questionable behaviours. It is a wonder how it got past the censors.

It is a shortish rollercoaster ride at 12, 40ish mins episodes, but it is “action” packed. There are many twists and turns. All the emotions are raw, and not much is sugar coated. The spitefulness of the characters is on full display. Most characters have been hurt before and are still smarting after all these years and nobody is getting off easy. All the dirty laundry will take a battery of industrial grade washing machines to get through.

In terms of acting, the veteran actors all turned in solid performances, but the show belongs to the FL. It is her tour de force. She acts, sings, and so much more. I am impressed by her comedic timing as well. It is definitely not a glamourous role, but she is all in. The younger actors pale by comparison but it is not their fault. They did well, but they need more time in the vat to be well seasoned.

In terms of writing, it was hardly original. There are all kinds of tropey plots and plot holes. The Show counterbalances this with its fast pace and boundary pushing edginess. There are surprise twists and some of the black humour is laugh out loud funny. It is rude and crude, but that is part of its (largely) unfiltered charm.

I do find the ending to be a bit of a cop out though. The Show ultimately becomes a healing drama with a long redemption arc that felt too safe. It was a little disappointing when you consider how much energy it expended in dismantling the status quo only to come in for a soft landing. Yes, it was nice to see some resolutions, but I would prefer an all guns blazing finale.
It was a challenge to watch more than one or two episodes at a time. However, once I stopped, I kept thinking about it. I ended up binging the last few episodes. I believe the OST was sung by the FL(!) and the rocking soundtrack is about as fitting as it can get.

Rock it, Mom is a polarising show. Some will hate it, and some will love it. There is not a lot of room on top of that fence. If you can push through the first few episodes, you will find a diamond in the rough. I thoroughly enjoyed the crazy, off-colour ride. I must confess that I did cringe a few times but that's Rock & Roll, baby!!

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