A Touch of Green

A Touch of Green is an engaging and dramatic television series brought to life by the Taiwanese Public Television Service (PTS) in the years of 2015 and 2016. Renowned for its compelling storytelling and impeccable production quality, the show captures the attention of its audience by transporting them back to the tumultuous periods of Taiwan's mid-20th century history.

The series boasts a storyline that is deeply rooted in history, unfolding against the backdrop of the decade following World War II to the early years of the Cold War. It beautifully encapsulates the lives and struggles of people who experienced these significant historical events, providing viewers with a riveting portrayal of Taiwan's past. The show endeavors to weave the delicate threads of history, political conflict, personal ambition, and romantic love into one cohesive narrative.

Rather than resorting to an overly simplified tale of good versus evil, A Touch of Green portrays the complexity of its characters in realistic hues. The balanced portrayal of human virtue and vice painted in the storyline encourages interpretation and reflection, making it thoroughly captivating. The characters are drawn with care and depth—each having their own unique charm, distinctive flaws, and their conflicts, making them intricate and relatable figures.

This award-winning series focuses on three female characters, their husbands, and the tumultuous era they lived in. Each wife, portrayed by Zhou Ziqian, Wen Chenling, and Cindy Lien, comes from entirely different walks of life—ranging from an assertive military wife, a wealthy heiress, and a humble schoolteacher. Their paths intertwine, and they form a strong friendship amidst the backdrop of turbulent times filled with political strife and social change. These women provide a moving portrait of strength and resilience, demonstrating the ability to endure through challenging circumstances, and come out stronger on the other side.

Their husbands, on the other hand, are members of the air force, each dealing with their hardships and dilemmas. The portrayal of these men, including Weber Yang, Tsao Yu-Ning, and Wang Bo-Chieh, display the pressure of loyalty to their country, family, comrades, and their conflict of balancing betrayers and loyalty. This depiction results in a multi-faceted exploration of masculinity within the context of the series.

A Touch of Green further immerses its audience into its realistically portrayed setting through exceptional production design. This includes meticulously detailed sets, beautiful traditional costumes, props, and vintage cars that entirely transport the viewers back in time. The musical score also plays a significant role in setting the mood and tone across various scenes, from intense confrontation to emotional breakdowns.

Some aspects of A Touch of Green that also add layers to the narrative include close-up shots and sequences that enhance the actors' performances. There are also wide scenic shots that put into perspective the magnitude of situations the characters deal with. The beauty of the show also lies in being able to draw attention to the smallest of details, showing that it is not just a historic drama, but also a beautifully crafted piece of art in television history.

One cannot discuss A Touch of Green without talking about the impact of the plot itself. The story is carried forward through individual sequences of gripping interpersonal dynamics and politics, unveiling different layers of the characters. Throughout the series, viewers are led through a rollercoaster of emotions, as the characters go through various trials.

It's a show that encapsulates an extraordinary blend of history, politics, and human resilience. Throughout its gripping episodes, A Touch of Green intelligently relays Taiwan's tumultuous past without compromising the deeply personal struggles and triumphs of its characters. This creative historical series offers a cinematic visual feast, rich in detail and laced with strong narrative threads. It is thorough in its portrayal of a bygone era and successful in humanizing its characters, making it an exceptional piece of television that transcends boundaries. With all its elements combined, A Touch of Green takes viewers through a profound journey through Taiwan's past while shedding light on universal human experiences.

In a nutshell, A Touch of Green offers an engaging experience to the viewers, and the series stands as a testament to the high-quality original programming from PTS.