About "The World Between Us"

"The World Between Us" is a Taiwanese drama series that aired on HBO in 2019. The series grapples with themes of guilt, justice, and retribution in the aftermath of a mass shooting. The story revolves around three main characters — a prosecutor, a public defender, and a television producer who are connected through a tragic incident. "The World Between Us" is a gripping and suspenseful narrative that explores the psychological aftermath of violence and tragedy on both a personal and societal level.

Making / Production

The drama series was directed by Lin Chun-Yang and written by Lu Shih-Yuan. It was co-produced by the Public Television Service (PTS) and HBO Asia. The series was lauded for its sensitive handling of harsh realities and human emotions, and its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system. The production showcased meticulous attention to detail and storytelling craftsmanship.

Actors

• Alyssa Chia as Li Hsiao-Meng: Chia plays a television producer who bears the emotional burden of having her show unwittingly feature an interview with the shooter pre-attack. Chia's performance exquisitely reflects her character's silent suffering and guilt.
• James Wen as Wang She: Wen portrays a prosecutor dealing with personal losses in the aftermath of the shooting. He portrays the character's complexity and inner turmoil effectively, bringing a sense of authenticity to the show.
• Chen Yuu as Sung Chiao-An: As a public defender, Yuu's character stands at the crossroads of justice, ethics, and humanity. Yuu delivers a powerful performance, realistically portraying the constant internal conflict her character faces.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "The World Between Us" marks one of the rare Taiwanese series to be featured on HBO.
• The series was filmed primarily in Taipei, Taiwan.
• Despite its heavy themes, the series has gained acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the impact of violence on society.

Awards

"The World Between Us" received massive applause, scoring 22 nominations and winning 6 awards at the 54th Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan's equivalent to the Emmys. The awards included Best Television Series and Best Leading Actress (Alyssa Chia).

Quotes

• "We were only doing our jobs." - Li Hsiao-Meng
• "The law is the only measure of truth we have." - Wang She
• "Every life matters, even those who have made mistakes." - Sung Chiao-An

Music and Soundtrack

• Composed by Point Hsu, the soundtrack of "The World Between Us" significantly contributes to the series' tension and emotional resonation.
• The music effectively enhances the drama's moods and themes, from moments of intense suspense to quiet contemplation.