Watch On Children

On Children is a Taiwanese drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2018. The show is directed by Chen Yu-hsun and is based on stories from the award-winning author Wuhe. It is a thought-provoking and introspective depiction of modern-day urban life and the complexities of human relationships, family bonds, and moral dilemmas.

The show has four episodes, each one featuring a different story with its unique characters, settings, and themes. Each episode explores a different aspect of life in contemporary Taiwan and delves into the personal struggles of its protagonists. The stories cover a range of topics, including the pressures of academic success, the uneasy relationship between parents and children, the dark side of social media, and the moral implications of pursuing one's desires.

The first episode, titled The Child's Ear, centers around an 11-year-old boy named Xiao Qiang (Jen Kuan-Yi), who attends a cram school to prepare for the highly competitive entrance exam for a prestigious high school. His father, a highly accomplished doctor, pushes him to succeed and is relentless in his pursuit of academic excellence. However, Xiao Qiang's life takes a drastic turn when he discovers a strange object in his ear that gives him the ability to hear other people's thoughts. The episode explores the pressures of Chinese society on children and the sacrifices they have to make to succeed.

The second episode, titled The Last Day of Molly, follows a young girl named Molly (Gingle Wang) who is addicted to social media and lives her life through her phone. She struggles with social anxiety and finds solace in her virtual world. However, her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers that the pictures she posts of herself have been doctored to create a perfect version of herself. This realization leads to a downward spiral that threatens to destroy her life.

The third episode, titled A Better Tomorrow, features a couple named Liu Han (Chung Hsin-ling) and Chen Xi (Lin Chen-hsin) who are struggling to conceive a child. They turn to a fertility clinic for help but must decide whether to accept the offer of a surrogate mother. The episode explores the conflicts that arise when one's desire for a child comes into conflict with their moral values and the societal pressure to conform to certain norms.

The fourth and final episode, titled On Children, is a hauntingly poignant portrayal of the impact of grief on a family. It centers around a young boy named Xiao Mei (Tseng Ching-hua) who has the ability to see ghosts. After the death of his mother, he struggles to come to terms with his loss and turns to his supernatural skills to try and contact her. The episode explores the fragility of life and the bond between a mother and her child.

Overall, On Children is a well-crafted and highly engaging drama series that offers a unique perspective on contemporary Taiwan. It's a fascinating exploration of the human condition and the complexities of life in the 21st century. The show's impressive performances, intricate storytelling, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for anyone interested in drama, morality, and the human psyche.

On Children is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (5 episodes). The series first aired on July 7, 2018.