The First Half of My Life


The First Half of My Life is a 2017 Chinese television series based on Hong Kong novelist Yi Shu's novel of the same name, and centers on a group of city dwellers who have to make choices about love and career. It was directed by Shen Yan and stars Jin Dong, Ma Yili, Yuan Quan, Lei Jiayin, Wu Yue, and Chen Daoming. The series was first broadcast on Beijing Television and Dragon Television on 4 July 2017.

Synopsis

Luo Zijun lives a peaceful life as a full-time housewife, yet is unaware of the cracks in her marriage. One day, her husband Chen Junsheng files for divorce and she is shocked. After divorce, Luo Zijun heads back into the workforce with the help of her dear friend Tang Jing and He Han, both being white-collar workers and elites.

Cast

Main

Ratings

Since its broadcast, the series has caused heated discussions online and obtained high ratings. Shen Yan, director of the series, attribute the show's success to its capability to capture modern life in China through several ordinary people's lives and the great influence of book writer Isabel Nee Yeh-su. By emphasizing the importance of female independence, the series has won much favor among female audiences. However, the series has been criticized by book fans for veering too much from the plot. Its display of improper ethical values has also been criticized for degrading social conduct.

Awards and nominations

International broadcast

The series will be broadcast by Fox Network outside of China and Mediacorp Channel 8 in Singapore every Saturday, 10:30pm to 12:30am the next day, broadcasting two episodes in a day.