Watch One Child

One Child is a compelling four-part drama series that premiered on Sundance Channel in 2014. It tells the powerful story of Mei (Katie Leung), a young woman adopted and raised in England who discovers that she has a twin brother, Jie, who was abandoned by their birth parents in China because of the one-child policy. When Jie is arrested and sentenced to death, Mei embarks on a journey to China to fight for his life.

At the heart of this story is the clash between Western and Eastern values, and between family loyalty and justice. Mei is torn between her love for her adoptive family and her duty to her biological one, while Jie's fate is caught up in the politics of China's justice system. The series also explores the impact of China's one-child policy on families and the consequences of trying to circumvent it.

Katie Leung delivers a powerful performance as Mei, a young woman searching for her identity and struggling with her sense of belonging. Mei is fiercely determined to save her brother, despite the obstacles she faces, and Leung captures the character's strength and vulnerability with grace. Elizabeth Perkins plays Mei's adoptive mother, Karen, a successful lawyer who must confront her own prejudices and assumptions about China and Chinese culture. Perkins brings depth and nuance to the role, and her interactions with Mei are some of the most powerful moments in the series.

Mardy Ma portrays Mei's birth mother, An, who is forced to give up Jie because of the one-child policy. Ma delivers a stunning performance, conveying the pain and anguish of a mother torn away from her child. Although An's screen time is limited, her story is one of the most powerful in the series, and Ma's performance is a standout.

The supporting cast also impresses, particularly Harry Lloyd as Robin, Mei's boyfriend, and Sebastian So as Guang, a Chinese friend who helps Mei navigate the legal system in China. Lloyd brings charm and warmth to the role, and his chemistry with Leung is palpable. So is equally impressive, capturing Guang's intelligence and wit, as well as his loyalty to Mei.

The series was created and written by Guy Hibbert, who has written several award-winning dramas, including Five Minutes of Heaven and Omagh. Hibbert's script is nuanced and thought-provoking, delving into complex issues of identity, family, and justice. The story moves at a brisk pace, with each episode building tension and suspense, leading to a dramatic finale.

One Child is also visually stunning, thanks to the direction of John Alexander, who has worked on several acclaimed series, including Sense8 and Sense and Sensibility. Alexander captures the beauty and complexity of China, from its bustling cities to its rural landscapes, and his visual style amplifies the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, One Child is a must-watch drama that explores complex themes with intelligence and sensitivity. The performances are outstanding, the script is powerful, and the direction is visually stunning. The series will leave you thinking about the issues it raises long after you've finished watching.

One Child is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between December 5, 2014 and on Sundance Channel