— In Praise of the TV Drama “Where Dreams Begin”
Recently, a TV drama depicting the struggles of the youth in the 1970s and 1980s, titled “Where Dreams Begin,” has sparked discussions among the audience. This drama is rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Beijing, the capital city, and skillfully portrays the life choices and value pursuits of the younger generation amidst the tide of the times. It evokes memories for older viewers and piques the curiosity of the younger audience. “Where Dreams Begin” is a sincere piece of work that looks back at the trends of the era, pays tribute to a glorious period, and bridges intergenerational dialogues, offering unique artistic and aesthetic value.
Paying Tribute to the Spirit of the Times
The remembrance and tribute to the spirit of a specific era are central themes of “Where Dreams Begin.” Each generation has its own unique tastes, memories, and emotions. The creators of “Where Dreams Begin” have a special attachment to the 1970s and 1980s, and they aim to present the historical texture, human values, and way of life of that period to the audience. This work thoroughly grasps the social context and cultural customs of that time, using the youth stories of characters like Xiao Chunsheng and Tong Xiaomei to replicate valuable life attitudes, ideals, and values through imagery. The drama focuses on three decades, from the 1970s to the early 21st century, a period of significant change in Chinese society—shifting from a planned economy to a market economy, from isolation to openness, and from a singular to a diverse set of values. The creators reveal a strong sense of nostalgia and fondness for this era. “Where Dreams Begin” portrays these thirty years with a sense of vitality and optimism, embodying the golden age of idealism. During these decades, society surged forward, and people, filled with hope for the future in the era of reform and opening up, marched bravely under the spring breeze and sunshine. Characters like Xiao Chunsheng, Tong Xiaomei, Ye Guohua, and He Hongling, whether in the military or after their discharge, strive to be at the forefront. Ye Fang and Chen Hongjun belong to the first generation of college students after the resumption of the college entrance examination. They are full of ideal aspirations and dreams. Xiao Yanqiu and Qi Tian are typical representatives of young workers, diligently seeking their life direction within a simple life vision.
Showcasing Cultural Landscape
The delicate portrayal of cultural atmosphere and contextual settings is the key to presenting the quality of the era in “Where Dreams Begin.” The drama is rooted in the rich cultural soil of Beijing, integrating revolutionary culture, military culture, courtyard culture, and hutong culture into its narrative.
In the early days of the founding of New China, revolutionary and military culture dominated the social trends. Military uniforms, officer boots, armed belts, liberation shoes, military shoulder bags, and canteens were the fashionable pursuit of young people. In the opening scene of “Where Dreams Begin,” when Xiao Chunsheng and other young people ride their bicycles and wear military coats with officer patterns, the atmosphere imbued with revolutionary and military culture immediately fills the air. In the early days of New China, various large compounds formed around Beijing, including military unit compounds, ministry compounds, cultural and educational compounds, and factory compounds, fostering compounds culture. Each compound had its own distinctive cultural character and spiritual temperament, subtly influencing the younger generation. From the appearance and demeanor of characters like Xiao Chunsheng and Tong Xiaomei, the solemn and dignified cultural atmosphere of the military unit compound can be sensed, impacting their personalities and behavioral habits. Hutong culture is an essential part of Beijing’s unique cultural charm, representing the social intricacies and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the old city. Characters like Qi Tian, Guo Heizi, and Zhao Xiaohui in “Where Dreams Begin” grew up in hutongs, embodying the lively and humorous spirit distinctive to old Beijing’s residents. They seamlessly integrate with the environment of Shichahai, Wangfujing, and Dashilan, becoming protagonists in the local lifestyle. It can be said that the overlapping of revolutionary culture, military culture, compound culture, and hutong culture creates a distinctive cultural landscape in this drama. Additionally, “Where Dreams Begin” pays great attention to the scene settings, costume combinations, and makeup styles, all carefully tailored to match the era’s background. Details such as knitting lines on sweaters, large beer mugs when drinking, and miscellaneous items stacked in old Beijing hutongs immerse the audience in the vivid memories of the past and evoke a genuine sense of emotional connection with the era.
Reviving Character Archetypes
The character development in “Where Dreams Begin” is multi-dimensional. The drama beautifully crafts each character’s personality, making them distinctive, memorable, and relatable through the refinement of family bonds, friendships, and love stories. Hormones never fail any generation of young people, so love narratives play a crucial role in “Where Dreams Begin.” The emotional entanglements between Xiao Chunsheng, He Hongling, and Ye Guohua are youthful and innocent. The relationship between Xiao Chunsheng and Tong Xiaomei is deep and enduring like a calm river. Ye Fang and Chen Hongjun experience a displaced affection between friendship and love. Xiao Yanqiu and Qi Tian, on the other hand, are a model couple, harmoniously living together. The drama sketches a vivid love map for that passionate era.
Xiao Chunsheng, a young man dressed in vibrant attire, is full of heroism, chivalry, and justice—qualities he upholds throughout his life. Born into a military family and growing up in a military unit compound, Xiao Chunsheng developed a strong attachment to military culture from a young age. Guided by his father’s teachings, he is imbued with a sense of responsibility and righteousness. Xiao Chunsheng’s character carries the spirit of a martial hero, free-spirited, chivalrous, unafraid of danger, and defending honor. He is the “Ice Prince” of Shichahai, the legendary figure during the “Barefoot Times” at Wumen Gate, and the brave soldier charging into battle on the battlefield. As a young man growing up in Beijing, he possesses the spirit of a “Beijing man,” characterized by righteousness, generosity, and magnanimity. In the face of “righteousness” and “gain,” Xiao Chunsheng always firmly chooses “righteousness,” a rare and commendable spiritual quality. Ye Guohua is honest and straightforward, a true child of the waves. However, Xiao Chunsheng’s brilliance often overshadows Ye Guohua, leaving him feeling a lack of presence.
The female characters in this drama stand out remarkably. Tong Xiaomei is gentle and wise, her modest exterior complementing Xiao Chunsheng’s boldness. She understands that truly loving someone means letting them be free and find happiness. Thus, when she discovers Xiao Chunsheng’s feelings for He Hongling, she suppresses her own emotions and silently watches over her loved one. Tong Xiaomei possesses a delicate appearance but a strong and resolute inner strength, sharing a similar spiritual world with Xiao Chunsheng as both idealists. Therefore, their ultimate union is a victory of souls and values. He Hongling is a multidimensional, rich, complex, and lively character. From the beginning, the drama abandons the dichotomous thinking of “either/or” and avoids shaping He Hongling as a refined egoist. Instead, it empathetically and logically presents her fate trajectory from the character’s perspective. He Hongling possesses perseverance and stubbornness. Her delicate, fair hands can move winter cabbages and elegantly play the violin. Her love for Xiao Chunsheng is pure, yet she faces a difficult choice between love and bread. In an era that emphasizes “background” status, being able to enter the military art troupe or receive a promotion undoubtedly represents both political and artistic blessings. Consequently, He Hongling struggles to seize control of her fate. Additionally, characters like Ye Fang, Xiao Yanqiu, Qi Tian, Guo Heizi, Zhao Xiaohui, Li Shangyou, and others have vibrant character arcs, together building a portrait of that era’s people.
“Life extends beyond the shores of Shichahai.” Shichahai is the place of initial aspirations and the spiritual homeland that leads people toward their dreams. In conclusion, “Where Dreams Begin” pays tribute to youthful years and depicts the landscape of an era through its realistic artistic approach, making it a memorable and thought-provoking masterpiece.
Author: Yang Hongtao; Source: China Art News – Link: https://t.ly/fY04K
(The author is a professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Drama and Film Studies, Communication University of China.)
NOTE: This translation belongs to me. It is prohibited to copy / Re-translate / Re-distribute my translations without my prior permission. Thank you.
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