5 . Adapted from Liang Xiaosheng’s award-winning novel, the realistic drama A Li felong Journey recently has been a huge hit on TV and online. 1
Given that A Lifelong Journey is set in the 1960s, it’s not surprising that the family has to deal with lots of social changes and uncertainties, like the restoration of Gaokao, the country’s reform and opening-up, the passion for private business and so on. 2 To create the neighborhood, the shooting crew built a set covering 8, 000 square meters in Changchun, Jilin province, collecting many old items, such as old-fashioned televisions and calendars, to re-create the past. The clothing, like Lei Feng-style hats, and interior spaces, also play an essential part, changing with time as the plot develops.
The five virtues in Confucianism—benevolence (仁), righteousness (义), courtesy(礼), wisdom and trust can be found in the lead character Zhou Bingkun, the youngest son in the family. 3 In the show, Zhou Bingkun used to be a factory worker, the one who has taken care of the big family and friends selflessly.
Following the lives of Zhou’s family, the drama gives viewers an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese. 4 It is the kind of show that strikes your heartstrings and leaves you in tears even if you’ve already read the book. 5
| A．No wonder viewers thought highly of this drama. |
| B．It is time to create such a drama to remember the bygone times. |
| C．China has witnessed dramatic changes over the past five decades. |
| D．And it explores themes of family, friendship and romance in a bittersweet story. |
| E．He was played by Lei Jiayin, who says he can almost “see his father” in the drama. |
| F．Disney has also announced it has acquired the drama series for an international release. |
| G．Most of the narrative took place in a shantytown (棚户区), where Zhou’s family lives. |
