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Urban drama “Nothing But Thirty” is among China’s highest-rating programs when it has recently been aired on Dragon TV.
Starring Jiang Shuying, Tong Yao and Mao Xiaotong, the series has again churned the Internet into a hot platform of discussion on the major issues facing women today. Despite setbacks, the three women help each other to tide over the crisis in marriage, career and love, and become more independent, confident and brave as they continue to pursue their dreams at the age of 30. It is Zhang Xiaobo’s first directorial attempt to tackle a subjective feminine drama. “We don’t want to define or label what a woman at the age of 30 should be like,” said Zhang. “We just portray their difficult circumstances. People can get a lot of inspiration from their choices.”
Other real-life issues confronting today’s women are also depicted in the series, such as the balancing of work and family, kids’ schooling, buying an affordable house and extramarital affairs. Actress Jiang plays saleswoman Wang Manni in a luxury fashion store. She comes from a small town, aspiring for a decent life in a big city. Falling love with a rich man, she almost loses herself in a cozy life. Discovering that the man will never marry her, she breaks up with him and makes a new start in life and career. “Wang’s never-yielding courage to pursue her dream and a better life touches me,” said Jiang. “She represents a large number of people who leave their hometown to pursue attractive career opportunities.”
Actress Tong’s portrayal of Gu Jia has been hailed far and wide. Gu, an intelligent and independent woman, has an enviable family. She and her husband run a fireworks company. To take care of her son, she becomes a housewife. However, her husband’s affair with a young woman provides a dilemma for her. “It gives Gu a chance to think about what kind of life she really wants,” Tong said. “It turns out that life has so many possibilities. Never set limits, and get ready to embrace the possibilities.”
Actress Mao plays the character Zhong Xiaoqin. Many real-life urban women will be able to empathize with her character, who is well protected by her parents and is satisfied with a simple and comfortable life. “Zhong is not that ambitious, but she still has the confidence to make changes when her marriage comes to an end,” said Mao. “The series is about an ordinary woman’s growth and changes. No matter what age, never give up the courage to start over again.”
The series is produced by local production company, Linmon Pictures, whose credits include “A Little Reunion” and “To Be A Better Man.” Su Xiao, founder of Linmon Pictures, said at a forum of the recent 26th Shanghai TV Festival that they will continue to produce heart-warming and thought-provoking series based on real-life stories.
More fascinating tales from China:
Variety program starring women in their 30s and above shows new trend of aesthetic view about women
Chinese hit variety show highlights charm of women above 30
China’s first talent show (1) Middle-aged sisters make waves in new reality TV show