Forget You Not has been making hearts cry since it premiered on Netflix.
The heartwarming Taiwanese drama is garnering praise for its beautiful balance of comedy and drama while delicately exploring themes of familial responsibility, aging and personal growth.
The series marks the directorial debut of multi-talented actress and singer René Liu. She said, “Some viewers said they went through lots of tissues — they even joked that we owe them tears. Reading these reactions, I feel both happy and heartbroken — happy that this quiet series was embraced by so many, and heartbroken because the scenes that made you cry might have happened in your own lives. Telling a story we deeply feel with sincerity, and having it connect with people who understand — that’s truly wonderful. Let’s continue to cry together and laugh together.”
Hsieh Ying-xuan portrays a 40-year-old woman named Cheng Le-le. Chin Han, who made a highly anticipated return to acting, plays her quirky father, Cheng Kuang-chi.
“Cheng Le-le represents someone who is constantly caught up in life’s small chores, leaving her feeling exhausted. After leaving a job midlife, she realizes the mediocrity both in her career and in life, coupled with the physical and mental exhaustion of being a caregiver — she has no motivation to move forward, but can only do her best to resolve one issue after another,” she said.
Hsieh adds that if the series can help inspire, accompany, or give a voice to people in similar situation, “the show has already achieved its goal.”
Meanwhile, Chin Han mentioned, “I’m grateful for the director’s precise guidance, which meant I didn’t have to force awkward facial expressions to play a sick old man. A smart director knows how to create the right environment, and when that happens, the actor naturally comes to life and feels authentic.”
Set against a bustling city backdrop, Forget You Not explores the enduring power of memory within each family. Cheng Le-le (Hsieh Ying-xuan), a stand-up comedian and part-time convenience store employee, juggles her career and marriage. Though she dreams of a better future, she faces marital struggles with her husband, Chang Kai (Wallace Huo) and challenges with her father. These hardships spur her to embark on a courageous journey, one that redefines her relationship with her family, love and friendship.
Forget You Not is now streaming on Netflix.