introduced my mum to the hk drama the Ghetto-Fabulous Lady starring Adia Chan. it's a twisted and dark drama but i really liked it because it accurately portrays the ugly nature of humans. how humans are forced by circumstances to do certain things that their natural and rational selves wouldnt, the real divide between the upper class and the lower class (which is not money!),  how it's so scary to be uneducated and how the only way to progress out of the vicious cycle of poverty is to grab hold of opportunities (be it against your morals, and with much criticism and hate from those around you) else accept life and continue being used by those in power.

the drama plot is still acting out in reality here, we still have "uneducated" people and what they do is just to complain about how life has unfairly dealt the cards and that they are entitled to "benefits" and "hand-outs" by the "richer" ones just because they are richer. but the truth is, being born poor is one thing, being ignorant is another. its infuriating how there are some people who feel like the country/people around them owe them a living, and they conveniently forget how they are able to receive help is because the "richer", more "blessed" ones WANT to offer their help and it's not a given because we are living in a democratic/meritocratic world and not a communist world.

i felt in particular the most for Jeannie Chan and her mysterious/secretive past. it was really intense character development for her role and i think she said in an interview that she hated this role cos of all the negativity the character felt. one thing i felt the most alike was the fact that true empathy is not about understanding the other party's circumstances and being in the person's shoes, but rather true empathy is doing everything for the person such that he/she will never be in the same situation you ever went through ):

some parts very drama (as usual la) but towards the end when the story unfolds you'll just feel sad (and empty) ): and one question the drama will leave you pondering is, is it possible to stay morally upright and honest all your life?