Drama Digest
Li Xiao Nan is a wife and a real estate agent, and at night she also sells noodles on a small stall. She is a hardworking and ambitious woman fiercely determined to provide well for her family. But there are much darker reasons behind her hard work. Unfortunately, her husband, who carries a perfect image in front of others, turns out to be a violent, debt-ridden man who has derailed from his achievements. Imprisoned in a hellish life, Li Xiao Nan decides to find another way of living a happy and better life. Unexpectedly, she meets her old friend, and their lives get entangled slowly. He supports and encourages Li Xiao Nan through the messy marriage to become an independent woman of her own. Even her husband starts to have an affair while deceiving her with lies.
The Feel-Good Part
The show follows a resilient woman trying her best to fulfil her dreams and live a better life than before. The show portrays a realistic view of marriage as a constitution and the physical violence and abuse facing women in relationships. A sweet and supportive relationship between Li Xiao Nan and her old friend got perfectly captured. The script and screenplays got beautifully depicted in this drama. It is a slow-burning plot that captures complex characters going through dark times with small hope of becoming happier in life. The intense pressures of the characters also got carried well onscreen. The actors also provided superb performances to elevate the experience. Rather than viewing it as a melodrama piece, it can be called a slice of harsh realities focusing on real people that captures the raw emotions and struggles. The plots are sturdy and grounded at all times, which provides sensitive themes and excellent executions. The climax is unpredictable and well thought out. The background sets and production values are appropriate to the drama vibes.
The Disappointing Factor
The show can be too slow-paced at times which becomes rather dull to its plot. Some moments have too much build-up, but the pay-off is lower than expected. The storylines deviate from time to time but try hard to restore the real-life themes, which can be very difficult to capture.
In-Depth Analysis
The Crack of Dawn is a drama about pain, regrets, doubts, murder, crimes, realities, hope, and survival. It becomes a confession letter for women, breaking shackles and getting free of the monsters who hurt them daily. The show touches on sensitive topics like domestic violence and abuse. It also provides a picture of women facing problems due to societal ideas and judgements. When a married woman becomes her protector to build her self-image and face her issues, she gets accompanied by her friend on this journey. It is an encouraging story of a woman acknowledging her faulty marriage and moving on from it on her own to build her happy life. After facing hate, malice and wrongdoings from her husband, the woman completes a self-salvation journey that makes her an unyielding and strong-minded person ready to face life.
Star Power
The show got directed by Niu Chao and written by Cao Xiao Tian. Ma Si chan plays the role of Li Xiao Nan, Bai Ke plays the character of Wang Cheng, Lui Kai portrays the character of Su Rui, and Zhang Yao plays Yu Hong in this series.
Overall Opinion
It portrays a story of strength and self-resilience of women that conveys into an entertaining experience. It can appease the audience interested in family drama with a female-centred plot.
