The 90s Tech Boom through a Chinese lens–Review of “Our Times”
“Our Times” is a 90s period masterpiece.
Telling the story of a tech startup, Huayan, in Beijing, “Our Times” throws audiences into the world of the Chinese tech boom. The story centers around a spirit of ingenuity, creativity, hard work, in both personal relationships and career.
The 1990s across the globe was a time of tremendous technological advancements, especially in the personal computer sphere. From the creation of large companies like Microsoft, Intel, Dell and others, most stories centering around the 90s tech boom come from an American perceptive. However, this drama both recognizes American influence on the tech industry but also shows the Chinese side of the new global market.
This drama does such a good job of creating an authentic 90s vibe for audiences, from the intro being an old 90s TV with the classic static, to the use of old phones as a prop, helping create an alluring 90s vibe.(Especially for those who love the 90s!) This drama also did a good job at showing the Chinese economic reform that took place throughout the 90s. Without being overwhelming this drama showed the big policy changes that shifted China to the global power it is today.
This drama’s setting stands out as one of its best sides, however the plot and characters are the true defining factor of this Chinese drama. Following a group of researchers as they create a new computer company, this drama shows the power of resilience, hardwork and friendship. This group of researchers create a Chinese computer selling company called Huayuan, which initially is the Chinese partner company of a popular American computer company. However, as the company develops, Huayuan slowly spreads into manufacturing and selling their own domestic computers, while meeting competition from a mostly foreign market.
The main characters are Pei Qing Hua and Xiao Chuang. Pei Qing Hua’s character tends to be a self sacrificial, stereotypical humble, and genius employee. Qing Hua is played by Huo Ming Hao, a young and clearly talented actor, casting for this character was clearly done well. Well Pei Qing Hua is a more subdued character, Xiao Chuang is his counterbalance. Xiao Chuang is loud, bright, impulsive, but likable. Xiao Chuang is played by Wu Lei, a very famous and talented young actor. Wu Lei shines throughout this drama, this seems to be a breakout performance for him as he enters into more adult roles.
Alongside the career plot, both of the main characters have their own romance subplots. Pei Qing Hua with Tan Yuan (played by Julia Xiang) and Xiao Chuang with Xie Hang (played by Mao Xiao Hui). Screenwriters did not overdo these subplots and contrary to a lot of Chinese drama’s these romance plots felt natural and not forced. Both of the romance plots complemented the overall theme and purpose of this drama as depicting the realities of the tech boom in China.
The authentic feel of this drama really made it stand out. No parts of this drama were overdone, “too much” or cringey. The emotion in this show felt real and genuine, but not only the emotional side, but also the more technical scenes felt thought through and accurate. The scenes following the business side of this drama could have been an easy place to lose viewers, however, even the more technical felt exciting and new.
One issue this drama had was its length, totalling at 36 episodes, “Our times” is a big time commitment. Nearing the end, the drama also slightly slipped into common Chinese drama tropes which before it largely avoided. Although relatively fast paced, this drama does rely heavily on the more technical/business side of the plot, so if this is not a place of interest this drama might not be for you.
Overall this drama is fantastic, a must watch if you are interested at all in the 90s vibe, the tech boom, any of the actors, or even modern Chinese history.
I love to watch Chinese dramas, TV shows, and movies. I want to use my love for Chinese culture and people to help bridge the Sino-American gap, I think this starts with a willingness to understanding one another. So I hope through these reviews I can better understand Chinese culture and people and share my insights with my readers.
READ MORE
karennajohnson.com 
Leave a comment