A Little Reunion (Chinese: 小欢喜, Xiao Huan Xi) is a widely loved Chinese family drama series that aired in 2019. Directed by Wang Jun and based on the novel by Lu Yingong, the show explores the intricate lives of three families as they prepare for one of the most important and stressful events in their children’s lives: the Gaokao—China’s highly competitive national college entrance examination.
The series touches on numerous themes, such as family relationships, the pressure of academic success, and the pursuit of happiness amid a rigorous and high-pressure society. With a mix of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments, A Little Reunion garnered both critical acclaim and a strong fanbase, making it one of the standout Chinese dramas of its time.
Plot Summary
The central focus of A Little Reunion is on three middle-class families living in modern China. Each family has a teenager preparing for the Gaokao, and the series portrays the pressure both students and their parents feel to succeed.
- Fang Yuan’s Family: Fang Yuan (played by Huang Lei) and his wife Tong Wenjie (played by Hai Qing) are modern and supportive parents who want their son, Fang Yifan, to succeed but face the challenge of balancing encouragement with the harsh realities of academic pressure. Fang Yifan is a lively and cheerful student who struggles to keep up with academic demands, which causes friction in his relationship with his parents.
- Qiao Weidong’s Family: Qiao Weidong (played by Wang Yanhui) and his ex-wife Song Qian (played by Tao Hong) are divorced, yet they reunite to support their academically gifted daughter, Qiao Yingzi. Yingzi faces immense pressure to maintain her top performance, despite personal challenges and the emotional complexities of dealing with her parents’ separation.
- Ji Yangyang’s Family: Ji Shengli (played by Sha Yi) and his wife Liu Jing (played by Yong Mei) have a rebellious son, Ji Yangyang, who resents the high academic expectations placed upon him. Despite being intelligent, Yangyang often acts out, leading to conflicts within the family as they try to keep him on track for the college entrance exam.
As the story unfolds, the families face not only academic stress but also the challenges of growing up, navigating relationships, and dealing with their hopes, dreams, and failures. The show explores the unique dynamics between parents and children, shedding light on the generation gap, emotional bonds, and individual aspirations.
Key Themes
- Academic Pressure and the Gaokao: At the heart of the series is the immense pressure that Chinese students face regarding the Gaokao, a single exam that determines university admission and often a student’s future. The series offers a thoughtful critique of the impact this system has on both students and parents, often leading to tension, anxiety, and emotional turmoil.
- Family Relationships: Each family in A Little Reunion faces different challenges in maintaining harmony while dealing with academic expectations. The show beautifully captures the emotional ups and downs of family life—how parents and children alike struggle to understand each other while still sharing deep love and commitment.
- Generation Gap: The series highlights the contrasting perspectives of two generations. While parents want the best for their children, often this comes with unintentional pressure, and young people feel suffocated by the heavy expectations. The drama showcases how families can find common ground and navigate the differences in their values and goals.
- Personal Growth: A Little Reunion is not just about academic success; it’s about growing up and finding oneself. It explores how both parents and children must face their own personal fears, insecurities, and ambitions, learning to support one another in the process.
