Dear Ex

Triangular drama involving a widow, son, and lover

Watch on Netflix
About Dear Ex

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 39m

Cast
Roy Chiu, Hsieh Ying-xuan, Joseph Huang, Spark Chen

About Dear Ex

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About

Dear Ex is a Taiwanese television show that premiered in 2018. It falls under the LGBTQ Comedies genre and tells an emotional story about love, loss, and family dynamics.

The show follows a young boy, Chengxi (played by Joseph Huang), who discovers that his recently deceased father had left his insurance policy to his gay lover, Jay (played by Roy Chiu), instead of Chengxi's mother, Sanlian (played by Hsieh Ying-xuan). This revelation leads to a series of conflicts and complications as Chengxi, Sanlian, and Jay navigate their relationships and confront their own insecurities and prejudices.

Through its comedic tone, Dear Ex explores themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the prejudices faced by the LGBTQ community in a traditional and conservative society and highlights the power of empathy and understanding.

Making / Production

Dear Ex was directed by Mag Hsu and Hsu Chih-yen, written by Hsu Chih-yen, and produced by Barry Lin. The show was a collaboration between Netflix and CKF Pictures and premiered worldwide on Netflix on February 1, 2019.

The production team worked closely with LGBTQ activists and organizations to ensure an accurate representation of the community and address the issues faced by LGBTQ individuals in Taiwan.

Actors

  • Joseph Huang as Chengxi
  • Roy Chiu as Jay
  • Hsieh Ying-xuan as Sanlian

Joseph Huang delivered a powerful performance as Chengxi, capturing the character's confusion, anger, and eventual growth. Roy Chiu perfectly portrayed Jay's complex emotions and struggles, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal. Hsieh Ying-xuan depicted Sanlian's journey from bitterness to compassion with great nuance and depth.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Dear Ex is based on the novel of the same name by authors Mag Hsu and Hsu Chih-yen.
  • The show received positive reviews for its compelling storyline and outstanding performances, earning it multiple nominations and awards.
  • Dear Ex became a cultural phenomenon in Taiwan, sparking conversations about LGBTQ rights and acceptance.

Awards

Dear Ex received several prestigious awards, including the Golden Horse Award for Best Feature Film.

Quotes

  • "Love doesn't belong to anyone. It only belongs to itself." - Jay
  • "When you receive love, all you can do is face it courageously." - Chengxi
  • "Forgiveness is giving up hope for a better past." - Sanlian

Music / Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Dear Ex features a touching and emotional collection of songs that complement the storyline and enhance the viewing experience. Some notable tracks include:

  • "Dear Ex" by Biung
  • "Invisible Wings" by Crowd Lu
  • "One Day in July" by Claire Kuo