What She Put on the Table

What She Put on the Table is a pioneering and thought-provoking Taiwanese television series that aired on TTV in 2017. The six episode drama takes the audience on a journey through the lives of six noteworthy Taiwanese women spanning more than a century, all hailed for their remarkable contribution to the fields of culture and society. The series is an adroit blend of historical facts intertwined with captivating storytelling that revolves around food, giving viewers an immersive and enriching experience.

The riveting drama uses food as a metaphor to depict the heartfelt stories of these influential women, using it as a means to showcase their individual journeys and their fight against societal norms & expectations. It successfully represents the strength and determination of these women, who courageously challenged the conventional roles of their time, thereby creating a path for future generations of women.

The narrative is cleverly maneuvered through each woman’s relationship with food, where every dish produced becomes symbolic of their personal struggles, triumphs, and unique experiences. The culinary component thus serves as a powerful tool in conveying the cultural history, while presenting a fresh and heartwarming narrative that is both impactful and relatable.

Starting with the life of Hsieh Ling-yun, the esteemed writer and political activist from the early 20th Century who used food as a means of expressing resistance and freedom, the series takes us through time to Yang Kuei-mei, a renowned Taiwanese actress who empathizes with food as a comfort during emotionally challenging events. This portrayal of the intimate link between food and life experiences provides a novel perspective into their world, invoking deep respect and admiration for these women in the viewer's hearts.

The series doesn't just limit itself to detailing the dramatic life events of these influential women, but also provides a historical outlook on Taiwan's social and political landscape, from the early 20th Century to the present day. This narrative, juxtaposed with the personal stories of the women, captures the evolution of the Taiwanese society over the years. From changes in societal norms, progress in women's rights and status, to the shifts in political ideologies, the series is a deep dive into the history of Taiwan.

What She Put on the Table is beautifully scripted and directed by Wen Shipei. The director’s seamless blending of food and storytelling and phenomenal cast's performances; every aspect contributes to creating a captivating cinematic atmosphere. The women’s characters are incredibly well-played by some of the well-known actresses, bringing to life these strong women's vivid personality and their undeniable spirit.

The mesmerizing cinematography is another commendable aspect of the series, captured in such a way that it successfully paints a vivid picture of the different eras represented. Each frame manages to convey a meticulous attention to period detail, thus making the viewers feel as if they have stepped back in time.

The series doesn’t shy away from representing the struggles of these women in their journey to make a mark in the world. It successfully portrays the hurdles they faced due to societal pressures and expectations, their internal conflicts, their unwavering spirit, and their perseverance to achieve their dreams. This raw and real representation makes the series a powerful and inspiring watch.

What She Put on the Table focuses on highlighting the bravery and tenacity that these women possessed, it challenges traditional gender norms and provides an empowering narrative of womanhood. It beautifully represents how these women transformed their shared connection with food and turned it into a powerful tool of self-expression and rebellion against societal standards.

In its essence, What She Put on the Table is not just about the individual journeys of these iconic women, but it is a celebration of their grit, resilience and their lasting legacy on Taiwanese society. It inspires and encourages viewers to treasure and realize their own talents and abilities. The series is indeed a perfect blend of history, drama, and food, providing both entertainment and enrichment to viewers.