Thanks Robert for introducing us to this drama. It is also called "To the Wonder" so people in the US can also view the English subtitles in IQIYI.com or Dramacool. I would love to be able to subscribe to China Translated as I am a paid Baiguan subscriber under my other account : @waiyingo I much appreciate your help.
Thanks for the truly eye opening observation of the "maturing" of the Chinese sociology. As you suggest, time is ripe for China to feel comfortable in its 'skin' again and shed its third world image as factory automatons.
"Did I give birth to you only for you to serve others?"
This is an important question for modern China to ask itself as it finds its place in the pantheon of world leadership. For much of world history, China has been the epicenter of art, technology, and wisdom. Resisting the Industrial Revolution lead China into the "century (actually two) of humiliation" and vassal hood to the more technologically advanced West. It is time to reimagine China's past glory as the "Middle Kingdom."
For the past forty years, China has been relegated to being the world's 'factory' - a blackbox where raw materials enter and magically products exit as if assembled by robots. Education and automation have changed the dynamics of manufacturing and Chinese workers yearn for parity with Western labor.
Buddhist, Taoist philosophy values the concept of harmony and balance. It is time for China to move from a hyper assertive Yang energy towards a more balanced receptive Yin dynamic. It is not by accident that My Altai was written/directed by a woman. After the legacy of Mao and Xi, China is poised for a bit of a "woman's touch." I am hoping they can model a new modernity not only for fellow Asians but for the West as well. The yearning for reconnection to community and the cycles of nature is universal in today's stark, barren technology. Please tell us more and keep us informed.
An awesome analysis of To the Wonder. I actually wrote a whole Substack about this drama, but was worried about the reaction I'd get due to it being set in Xinjiang. I am so tired at dealing with anti-China hot takes that I decided to put it back in the stockpile until I was "ready" to share it. Thanks to your post, I feel like: Why am I keeping quiet about this little gem?
Thanks for writing it. Discovered your Substack as a result and I'm not* enjoying your Noah Smith series (I held the same thoughts hahaha and reading the series is rather cathartic.)
Thanks, I enjoyed this article. There are a number of popular youtube shows where people are video taped just leading simple lives with everyday troubles which meets a need in the audience for both escape and affirmation.
Perhaps the quietness of the show allows for the possibility of introspection, no need to climb to the top of remote mountains or stare at waves crashing onto the beach.
Thanks for the heads up on this show, Robert. I watch a lot of Chinese dramas and movies with subtitles. On YouTube, Netflix, and a few on Prime. I signed up for Viki, but never figured out how to access the programs. Looking forward to catching My Atlai when it makes it to the US.
Thanks for this discussion of such a fascinating show. It's interesting to see a drama buck expectations in this manner, and with such a unique cast and setting.
To add a note: this 8-episode tv show has been so successful that many people are awed by the great natural scene of Xinjiang. People choose to rush to Altai. As a result, this might be the most busy season for Altai.
1/2. Especially because when I'm daydreaming in my country in Eastern Europe, my daydream is often of creating a serial similar to this one. The main thing that happens is how practically nothing happens, thanks to people making thoughtful choices and thus avoiding trouble. It comes to me so naturally that I find it hard to explain the reasons for it.
(Perhaps I might say : there is a middle class half-lie, or bluff if you will, that goes like "you and me are like that, virtuous people living exemplary lives. " How would that actually look in practice? I want to believe in it and do my best.
Just as someone can get tired of fast food, one can lose interest in stories about other people's dirt. Focus on positivity and values has become restful. )
2/2. A question I'm having about 我的阿勒泰 is how does what you report relate to the Chinese of today sharing "the same" genetic code of culture as those from centuries or even millennia ago? "You have a duty to your ancestors" versus "Did I give birth to you only for you to serve others?"
Hi, thanks for the “free post”! Is the best way for foreign audiences to watch Chinese mainland drama through iQiyi? I am afraid my Chinese language skill is quite low, so I will need English subtitles to better understand the story.
I wish some Chinese entrepreneur would create a Netflix like streaming service that provides Chinese content with foreign subtitles. My mother loves to watch Korean drama on the local pay TV channel in Malaysia. (But they keep repeating the programs so she has grown tired of it.)
I feel sure there is an international audience for good quality Chinese drama movies and TV series.
Thanks Robert for introducing us to this drama. It is also called "To the Wonder" so people in the US can also view the English subtitles in IQIYI.com or Dramacool. I would love to be able to subscribe to China Translated as I am a paid Baiguan subscriber under my other account : @waiyingo I much appreciate your help.
Sure. Just credited you with a comp access. Thank you for your continued support, Marianne!
Many thanks, Robert!
Thanks for the truly eye opening observation of the "maturing" of the Chinese sociology. As you suggest, time is ripe for China to feel comfortable in its 'skin' again and shed its third world image as factory automatons.
"Did I give birth to you only for you to serve others?"
This is an important question for modern China to ask itself as it finds its place in the pantheon of world leadership. For much of world history, China has been the epicenter of art, technology, and wisdom. Resisting the Industrial Revolution lead China into the "century (actually two) of humiliation" and vassal hood to the more technologically advanced West. It is time to reimagine China's past glory as the "Middle Kingdom."
For the past forty years, China has been relegated to being the world's 'factory' - a blackbox where raw materials enter and magically products exit as if assembled by robots. Education and automation have changed the dynamics of manufacturing and Chinese workers yearn for parity with Western labor.
Buddhist, Taoist philosophy values the concept of harmony and balance. It is time for China to move from a hyper assertive Yang energy towards a more balanced receptive Yin dynamic. It is not by accident that My Altai was written/directed by a woman. After the legacy of Mao and Xi, China is poised for a bit of a "woman's touch." I am hoping they can model a new modernity not only for fellow Asians but for the West as well. The yearning for reconnection to community and the cycles of nature is universal in today's stark, barren technology. Please tell us more and keep us informed.
Freedom from guanxi, and cultural-&-social expectation... I think this also explains why Yolo was so successful in China.
An awesome analysis of To the Wonder. I actually wrote a whole Substack about this drama, but was worried about the reaction I'd get due to it being set in Xinjiang. I am so tired at dealing with anti-China hot takes that I decided to put it back in the stockpile until I was "ready" to share it. Thanks to your post, I feel like: Why am I keeping quiet about this little gem?
Thanks for writing it. Discovered your Substack as a result and I'm not* enjoying your Noah Smith series (I held the same thoughts hahaha and reading the series is rather cathartic.)
*Edit: Now
Catharsis is great, you should enjoy it, haha!
PS: Will be mentioning your piece in my issue this week. Thanks again for writing it!
I mean "now" not "not" gaaah. Yes, it always feels good to feel ... not gaslighted lol.
My reaction to Noah Smith's articles about China was WHERE DOES HE GET THIS FROM
PS: Have visited China off and on from 2000-2010s and speak Mandarin and Hokkien. That helps, I suppose lol
Thanks, I enjoyed this article. There are a number of popular youtube shows where people are video taped just leading simple lives with everyday troubles which meets a need in the audience for both escape and affirmation.
Perhaps the quietness of the show allows for the possibility of introspection, no need to climb to the top of remote mountains or stare at waves crashing onto the beach.
Thanks, very interesting.
Thanks for the heads up on this show, Robert. I watch a lot of Chinese dramas and movies with subtitles. On YouTube, Netflix, and a few on Prime. I signed up for Viki, but never figured out how to access the programs. Looking forward to catching My Atlai when it makes it to the US.
Thanks for this discussion of such a fascinating show. It's interesting to see a drama buck expectations in this manner, and with such a unique cast and setting.
To add a note: this 8-episode tv show has been so successful that many people are awed by the great natural scene of Xinjiang. People choose to rush to Altai. As a result, this might be the most busy season for Altai.
Fascinating.
1/2. Especially because when I'm daydreaming in my country in Eastern Europe, my daydream is often of creating a serial similar to this one. The main thing that happens is how practically nothing happens, thanks to people making thoughtful choices and thus avoiding trouble. It comes to me so naturally that I find it hard to explain the reasons for it.
(Perhaps I might say : there is a middle class half-lie, or bluff if you will, that goes like "you and me are like that, virtuous people living exemplary lives. " How would that actually look in practice? I want to believe in it and do my best.
Just as someone can get tired of fast food, one can lose interest in stories about other people's dirt. Focus on positivity and values has become restful. )
2/2. A question I'm having about 我的阿勒泰 is how does what you report relate to the Chinese of today sharing "the same" genetic code of culture as those from centuries or even millennia ago? "You have a duty to your ancestors" versus "Did I give birth to you only for you to serve others?"
Hi, thanks for the “free post”! Is the best way for foreign audiences to watch Chinese mainland drama through iQiyi? I am afraid my Chinese language skill is quite low, so I will need English subtitles to better understand the story.
Can’t find a good source yet. I am guessing sites like Netlix will have access to it soon.
I wish some Chinese entrepreneur would create a Netflix like streaming service that provides Chinese content with foreign subtitles. My mother loves to watch Korean drama on the local pay TV channel in Malaysia. (But they keep repeating the programs so she has grown tired of it.)
I feel sure there is an international audience for good quality Chinese drama movies and TV series.
There are ways to watch this ... but not exactly official. You can drop me a DM if you really want to know ;)
PS: It's available on iQIYI, but I guess it depends on the region.