Take My Brother Away

Take My Brother Away is a popular Chinese teen drama series that was released by Tencent Video in 2018. It's an adaptation of a webcomic "Please Take My Brother Away!" by YouLing, also known as "Ani ni Tsukeru Kusuri wa Nai!". The spontaneity of events and authentic character development in the series won it a considerable fan base. Bear in mind, the series offers you a good dose of laughter while keeping you intrigued about how life's bigger complexities are dealt with by a group of adolescents.

In Take My Brother Away, viewers are introduced to the unique world of Shi Miao and her annoyingly mischievous older brother, Shi Fen. The series revolves around their unconventional sibling dynamics and endless bickering, but beneath these comedic encounters, there is an underlayer of deep affection and concern for each other.

Shi Miao, the primary protagonist, is a no-nonsense high school student who is often irritated by her elder brother Shi Fen's unexpected pranks and teasing comments. Despite being younger, she comes off as more mature, handling most situations with pragmatism and caution. Shi Fen, on the other hand, is playful, notorious, but always protective of his sister. He's a perfect representation of teenage rebellion, reminding viewers of the capricious pranks they might have engaged in during their youth. Even though their constant leg-pulling raises eyebrows, it also brings forth the inevitable bond they share.

The plot deepens as it showcases their everyday struggles being alone without their parents, the responsibilities they have to bear, and their adjustment within society to ensure survival. The narrative strikes a delicate balance between comedy and the serious trials they face in the wake of adolescent transitions, familial responsibility, and navigating friendships and romantic relationships.

Secondary characters like their sensible friend Wang Keke, and her crush on Shi Fen, not forgetting Shi Fen's amusing friend Kai Xin, contribute to the plotline in meaningful ways. They offer us a broader view of their world, and how they confront teenage dilemmas together shows their profound bond.

One of the significant themes it seamlessly handles is the thin line between freedom and responsibility that comes during adolescence. The siblings are juggling their education, part-time jobs to make ends meet, managing house chores, all while still trying to enjoy the phase of life they are in. The sincerity in Shi Fen's protective nature gives us a glimpse of how growing up too soon can burden a child's psyche.

While Take My Brother Away is a story about two siblings, it's much more than that. It leaves viewers reflecting on their teenage years, the problems they encountered, how they overcame them, and the enduring memories they made in the process. It perfectly captures the essence of growing up and the transition from carefree childhood to more accountable teenage years.

The natural performances by the cast make it a special attraction. Actress Sun Qian brilliantly plays Shi Miao, matching her character's seriousness and responsible persona, while actor Zhu Zheng Ting, as Shi Fen, skillfully portrays his prankster yet loving elder brother role. Their spirited acting is complimented well by the supporting cast, particularly Lu Yang and Miaomiao Zhang, who give genuine performances that bind viewers to their stories.

The cinematography and visual aesthetics of the series are commendable, further enhancing the quality and appeal of the series. The beautiful capture of the cityscape creates a captivating atmosphere that truly brings the backdrop of the series to life.

Beyond its comedic drama, the television series Take My Brother Away indisputably is a heartwarming depiction of fraternal love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. Its ability to connect with the audience on a personal level with the dilemmas and joys of teenage years makes it a must-watch.