Drama Digest
After fifteen years, Liu Lao Gen handed over the management of Longquan Mountain Villa to his son Liu Da Kui. When an old friend asks Liu Laogen for a favour for their son, Liu Lao Gen tries to find him a job at his villa. To his surprise, the villa is in poor condition. Furthermore, Liu Da Kui has been working with his own daughter and other mid-level officials to keep the villa’s true situation hidden. Liu Lao Gen returns to try to rectify things before it’s too late. A heartwarming story of family and friends in a tight-knit community.
The Feel-Good Part
Although times have changed, some things remain the same, such as the iconic tune and the same cherished actors. The actors who played an old man and an old lady in front of the stage for almost 20 years have both aged in real life as well. The best thing about this show is how nostalgic it is for so many generations. This is the 3rd instalment of this iconic series and it is still as good. The entire show is so wholesome and heartwarming because at its core it is about family, friends and a community coming together to support each other. The way the characters interact with each is very sweet and you constantly enjoy every one of their interactions. The setting of the village is very nicely done and everything is very visually pleasing. In terms of cinematography as well, the creators of the show did an amazing job. But the biggest credit goes to the actors who managed to keep their characters refreshing and relatable even after so many years.
The Disappointing Factor
Liu Lao Gen is one of those shows that is hard to look at without an unbiased opinion because of how dear it is to so many people. Yet, after three seasons it would have been nice to introduce a few new themes. Perhaps, show how some of the characters want to explore life beyond the confines of their close-knit village community. Even the troubles and problems portrayed in the show are limited to familial struggles. There is much more scope for showcasing character development. There should be more depth to the characters beyond what the viewers know them for.
In-Depth Analysis
There are so many shows that tend to fizzle out and run out of steam after a very successful first or second season. Liu Lao Gen 3 is not one of them. Even in their third season, they are running stronger than ever. The familiarity of the characters and scenes leaves you feeling comfortable and safe in knowing some things never change. The new set of problems being tackled by the characters is hilarious and leaves you laughing till you tear up. Every emotion portrayed by the characters and the friendships they maintain is heartwarming. It is a perfect slice-of-life drama that makes you appreciate and enjoy the simpler things in life.
Star Power
Returning to the screen with their iconic characters are Director/Main lead Zhao Benshan as Liu Lao Gen alongside Fan Wei as Yao Xia Zi. Zhao Benshan has once again done a fantastic job both in directing and acting as Liu Lao Gen. He is a veteran in the Chinese film industry and his career started with the 1987 CCTV New Year’s Gala. In another happy coincidence, Fan Wei is best known for his appearances with Zhao Benshan in CCTV New Year’s Galas, since 1995. Both of them did an amazing job in this drama alongside a very strong supporting cast team consisting of actors like Yan Xue Jing, Wang Hong Mei and Donna Tang among others.
Overall Opinion
Whether you have been following this series religiously or are just starting out with Liu Lao Gen, you are bound to love it regardless. The best part about this drama is that you can binge-watch all of it at once or take your time watching it whenever. Liu Lao Gen is like a comfy hug always waiting for you, whenever you need it.
