It is probably the most powerful casts I have ever seen in a Taiwan drama. The casts are most talented and be part of a leading role in many drama or movie in Taiwan. Even eating a meal in restaurant can see full of emotion and deep deep acting. The story just like a recent drama white lotus but doesn't matter like or not, just a crime theme but I really addicted to the acting. The background in 80s is a big bonus for those live and grow up in that time and city. Don't surprise lots of awards will go this drama, no doubt Ruby Lin another peak in her acting career, really have progress compare her "16 summer" and the improvement is huge. For whom like watch acting, please watch this.
20 Reviews
Brilliant Story and Actors
utdaxiao13 December 2021
The actors are very professional and the story is certainly attractive. I usually prefer scifi genres but this story certainly got my attention.
What I really point out is that the cast is very unique for an Asian Drama. Popular Chinese and Korean dramas usually prefer young(18-25) girls, pale-skinned, thin, actresses full of plastic surgery. Light the Night chose middle aged ladies, some with plastic surgery, but not all of them. And not all in the usually body type, the character Aiko is even a bit chubby and has a typical southern China skin-tone. There is an old lady playing in that night-club. They are certainly very mature in the acting and have a lot of experience and in fact it wouldn't play well with younger actress.
One tiny problem I'd point out is the confusing chronology. I don't know if it's netflix messing up or what, but show doesn't really explain in which point in time they are before the incident, which makes me confused about when the story is at the moment. But, it is not a big deal and won't make your experience bad because of it.
I strongly recommend it and I also suggest to ignore very low ratings of this show, as it is usually a bunch of Mainlanders complaining because the show is taiwanese. I'm looking forward for season 2.
What I really point out is that the cast is very unique for an Asian Drama. Popular Chinese and Korean dramas usually prefer young(18-25) girls, pale-skinned, thin, actresses full of plastic surgery. Light the Night chose middle aged ladies, some with plastic surgery, but not all of them. And not all in the usually body type, the character Aiko is even a bit chubby and has a typical southern China skin-tone. There is an old lady playing in that night-club. They are certainly very mature in the acting and have a lot of experience and in fact it wouldn't play well with younger actress.
One tiny problem I'd point out is the confusing chronology. I don't know if it's netflix messing up or what, but show doesn't really explain in which point in time they are before the incident, which makes me confused about when the story is at the moment. But, it is not a big deal and won't make your experience bad because of it.
I strongly recommend it and I also suggest to ignore very low ratings of this show, as it is usually a bunch of Mainlanders complaining because the show is taiwanese. I'm looking forward for season 2.
Not bad, even not a masterpiece
afzal-7318727 November 2021
From a non-Asian drama lover
adriibail13 December 2021
As a non-Asian drama lover, I think Light the Night showcased a different take on Asian dramas. The typical over dramatic, lovey dovey romance was not on display here. Light the Night displayed what the working women endured in the 80s and I found it interesting. Story was good. Overall very decent drama from the Taiwan.
One of the best suspense thrillers
pranjith-295232 January 2022
One of the best suspense thrillers I have watched with slow-built mystery, strong acting and dialogues. A multitude of feelings have been explored and portrayed well. Some people may find it slow but believe this will be a delight for those who love slow paced thrillers or suspense. Waiting for the third season to be released.
An excellent reproduction of the late 80s Taipei
yoggwork10 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Overall, the film is an excellent reproduction of the late 80s Taipei strip pass style, the sense of the times is very much in place. Several hotel ladies also bring to life the daily work, life and relationships of the employees.
The main drawbacks are two: firstly, all the dramatic conflicts are in the character of "Su", resulting in the loss of almost all the dramatic tension after the victim is revealed at the end of the first season; secondly, the requirement of the period is the originality, and this film lacks too much in the choice of music.
Sub-season review.
The first season opened with an excellent eye-catching. Suspense is set up very well, not only to guess the killer, but also to figure out who the victim is. The multi-line narrative flashbacks are interspersed with editing, allowing the main characters to remain suspicious while their images continue to be fleshed out. The plot advances quickly without dragging out the drama, constantly giving clues to keep the audience's attention gripped.
The second season plummeted barely supported. The suspense waned and the man behind the curtain gradually became clear. The biggest drawback of this season is the introduction of too many unnecessary supporting characters, the noise takes away from the main.
The third season characters pale dog tail. The suspense element completely gave way to urban period drama, all the loose ends were abandoned, and even "Ziwei", the only good man, did not even deliver the ending. Bad whitewashing, good blackening, "Luo" this role can be said to be "relatives of the pain of the enemy," and then a CCP-style brain-damaged "righteous" ending, did not understand the screenwriter's What is the idea.
The main drawbacks are two: firstly, all the dramatic conflicts are in the character of "Su", resulting in the loss of almost all the dramatic tension after the victim is revealed at the end of the first season; secondly, the requirement of the period is the originality, and this film lacks too much in the choice of music.
Sub-season review.
The first season opened with an excellent eye-catching. Suspense is set up very well, not only to guess the killer, but also to figure out who the victim is. The multi-line narrative flashbacks are interspersed with editing, allowing the main characters to remain suspicious while their images continue to be fleshed out. The plot advances quickly without dragging out the drama, constantly giving clues to keep the audience's attention gripped.
The second season plummeted barely supported. The suspense waned and the man behind the curtain gradually became clear. The biggest drawback of this season is the introduction of too many unnecessary supporting characters, the noise takes away from the main.
The third season characters pale dog tail. The suspense element completely gave way to urban period drama, all the loose ends were abandoned, and even "Ziwei", the only good man, did not even deliver the ending. Bad whitewashing, good blackening, "Luo" this role can be said to be "relatives of the pain of the enemy," and then a CCP-style brain-damaged "righteous" ending, did not understand the screenwriter's What is the idea.
Lots of anti Taiwan mainland reviewers
zdgbkqgxmx11 December 2021
Wonderful actors and character building is great. Don't listen to the mainland China reviewers. They don't like anything that is good that comes out of Taiwan including this show.
The acting from the six leading ladies is how you would portray women in movies. Definitely great acting chops and a joy to watch all 8 episodes in a row.
The chemistry of each character is great and casting is superb. I just hope season 2 on December 30, 2021 will introduce even more character developments.
The acting from the six leading ladies is how you would portray women in movies. Definitely great acting chops and a joy to watch all 8 episodes in a row.
The chemistry of each character is great and casting is superb. I just hope season 2 on December 30, 2021 will introduce even more character developments.
A Great Show for Keen Eyes
siewlimhan28 March 2022
This would be a wonderful show to enjoy and taste slowly and carefully. The most ingenious part of this play is not the design of the suspenseful part, nor the arrangement of the case detection process, but the inner control and outer appearance of each character when they are in different situations. It is difficult to do this without screenwriters with excellent talent, directors with discerning eyes, and actors with superb acting skills. In addition, from the lighting to the soundtrack, from the costumes to the props, the excellent performance of the entire crew has jointly created the wonderful performance of the show. If there is a fly in the ointment, it is Ruby Lin's line level, which still needs to be improved; You-Ning Yang doesn't reluctantly pretend to be a cool and handsome guy, and it is quite interesting to play a black-bellied scheming man seriously.
Mature stuff not explicit
ojomahjonahs767 January 2022
I personally like the portrayal of emotions here, it's not common, I like the characters, you can see their flaws, their strengths too. I'm not familiar with taiwanese art or media but the actors are good especially the female leads. It's slow burn, take your time, you'll find emotions you'll relate to and not the pretty kind.
just a typical Taiwanese soap drama, slow and boring.
yangpujun6 December 2021
It's the same typical Taiwanese drama that you watch on Taiwanese TV, slow and boring regardless the backgound. This time, it happens in the late 80s in a night club, next time it could happen in a hospital or an office in the 90's. The stoyline is the same, love, relationship, family. Don't get fooled by the advertisment. The show has nothing to do with Taiwan's red light district culture in the 80's.
A great way to Immerse into Taiwanese drama
asyayulchi12 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
'Light the Night' is a Taiwanese Netflix original series produced in 2021. The series brings us back to 1980s Taiwan. The story revolves around 'Light' (Hikari), a Taipei Japanese night club, its mamasans, hostesses, and their visitors. The first episode shows us a murder scene, however, it is not up until the last episode when it is revealed who was killed. In between, each episode intrigues as with unveiling of complicated relationships between the victim and other characters.
The show reveals what can hide behind the pretty picture of a night club with always joyful madams and hostesses. The main characters are facing numerous personal dramas exasperated by social problems and injustices. Despite the fact that what they are selling in the club is their feelings, they do not always have control of their own ones. They fall for wrong people and cannot reciprocate to those who care about them. 'Light', therefore, can be perceived as a metaphor for a place that the characters hope will lead them from the darkness. In fact, however, it has always been up to them to choose how to manage their lives. To kill them with kindness in the face of hardships or take on the role of a victim.
I highly recommend this series for those who has a taste for drama. It can also be a good place to start getting to know Taiwanese series in general, as the actors did a fantastic job and so did the people responsible for light/music/locations.
The show reveals what can hide behind the pretty picture of a night club with always joyful madams and hostesses. The main characters are facing numerous personal dramas exasperated by social problems and injustices. Despite the fact that what they are selling in the club is their feelings, they do not always have control of their own ones. They fall for wrong people and cannot reciprocate to those who care about them. 'Light', therefore, can be perceived as a metaphor for a place that the characters hope will lead them from the darkness. In fact, however, it has always been up to them to choose how to manage their lives. To kill them with kindness in the face of hardships or take on the role of a victim.
I highly recommend this series for those who has a taste for drama. It can also be a good place to start getting to know Taiwanese series in general, as the actors did a fantastic job and so did the people responsible for light/music/locations.
Practically flawless drama
LK375121 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Very minor spoiler. This show starts off with a dead body found in the woods. The thing that makes this show a 10/10 for me is the setup and how many different motives come into play. Not just regarding who may be the perpetrator but also who the victim could be. Brilliantly done.
Interesting show.
clairetamara17 June 2022
Good writing!
charlottehukvari12 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a good show. Simply put. It has good progression, it has a good pace, and it knows how to draw you in without shock tactics. In short, it is good storytelling.
In this day and age, that is unusual. This series has made use of proper call Marte old-fashioned storytelling tactics instead of marketing through sex, shock and violence.
One of the selling points is that there has been a murder, but you don't get to find out who has died until you are well sunk into the series. By that time you have gotten to know some of the characters which makes you continuously interested. The characters themselves are intricate, Surprising and delightfully. Realistically human. This makes the show relatable. Yet another good selling point.
In this day and age, that is unusual. This series has made use of proper call Marte old-fashioned storytelling tactics instead of marketing through sex, shock and violence.
One of the selling points is that there has been a murder, but you don't get to find out who has died until you are well sunk into the series. By that time you have gotten to know some of the characters which makes you continuously interested. The characters themselves are intricate, Surprising and delightfully. Realistically human. This makes the show relatable. Yet another good selling point.
Too predictable
yiwenstars6 December 2021
LIGHT THE NIGHT: Taipei in the 80's
Jinxxa_Wolf27 January 2024
LIGHT THE NIGHT is a Taiwanese Drama, and was a really well done series, albeit much different than the usual crime dramas out there. It was very slower moving, and at first a bit hard to really get into it, but this does improve with time and patience. I must say that the era of the 1980's in Taipei made for a very interesting setting. Actress Ruby Lin, shines bright, as always.
"In the red light district of 1980s Taipei, women at a popular Japanese night club navigate jealousy, heartbreak, friendship and love."
The quality of the series is evident and the acting is top tier as well. The story, while a bit slower paced initially, gets pretty good. Overall, this was a very well made series, very intriguing.
"In the red light district of 1980s Taipei, women at a popular Japanese night club navigate jealousy, heartbreak, friendship and love."
The quality of the series is evident and the acting is top tier as well. The story, while a bit slower paced initially, gets pretty good. Overall, this was a very well made series, very intriguing.
Completely incomprehensible
qui_j10 December 2021
This series consists of a number of random scenes that are stuck together in the hope that viewers will be able to make something of it. There is little context provided as to the various characters might be or what their roles are. Some of the scenes consist of 2-3 lines, shouted at one another. Who watches this garbage? Anyone?
"Korean" drama, not crime/mystery show
vojtacermak6 April 2023
So I read mystery and crime in the description, and was going to give it a chance as I have never seen a Taiwanese crime show.
After first few minutes, I was wondering why it feels exactly like the Korean dramas my Korean classmates watched in college. But I kept watching, expecting there will be a turn and it will start focusing on some crime plot.
Well, it doesn't. There is a very minor focus on a crime (<10% of time), but largely it is just a regular "Korean" soap (from Taiwan) with the typical over-acting, ridiculous childish romance stories, adults acting like teens etc. I was going to stop watching, but my wife started liking it:(
Anyway if you enjoy this genre, then given the other reviews, it is probably a decent "Korean-like drama." But if you are expecting an actual crime TV show, this is not it.
After first few minutes, I was wondering why it feels exactly like the Korean dramas my Korean classmates watched in college. But I kept watching, expecting there will be a turn and it will start focusing on some crime plot.
Well, it doesn't. There is a very minor focus on a crime (<10% of time), but largely it is just a regular "Korean" soap (from Taiwan) with the typical over-acting, ridiculous childish romance stories, adults acting like teens etc. I was going to stop watching, but my wife started liking it:(
Anyway if you enjoy this genre, then given the other reviews, it is probably a decent "Korean-like drama." But if you are expecting an actual crime TV show, this is not it.
Should have been titled turn off the light.
kmhlbeavis10 October 2022
Ruby Lin. I saw her in a movie a long time ago. I really can't believe her age being that she looked to me like a person aged 55 to 60, but I found out that she is only 46. As for this series it should not have gone 24 episodes. As soon as her friend was murdered it should have only taken at most 6 more episodes to solve the crime and tie up all the loose ends. I really hope that this does not get renewed. The conclusion was incomplete as the loose ends that I had spoken about before were not addressed. The stars are for the actresses that played aiko and yuri. I think I have said enough. Another netflix bust. Why won't they renew triad princess which is also from taiwan and much better. Why leave us hanging.
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