TV series highlights the struggles of A Mother's Life

Mother's Life, a 76-episode TV series which chronicles the struggles of a mother trying to reunite with her five children in early 20th century, will air on the Beijing Satellite TV on Sept 5.

The series, directed by veteran director Guo Jingyu, stars actress Yue Lina — also the director's wife — in the titular role, as well as actors Zhang Shaohua, Yu Yi and Liu Zhiyang.

Guo, known for drama series such as the 2014 hit, Brave Heart, also wrote Mother's Life, which centers on the fictional character of Liu Yingniang, a woman who survives a superstitious ceremony to sacrifice her to a "dragon god." Despite escaping the ordeal, she experiences a series of misfortunes and is forced to separate from her children.

To accurately recreate the sets for the era and replicate the location where the tale takes place — the typical dwelling courtyards of Shanxi province — the series was shot over ten months on 15 sound stages located on the outskirts of Beijing.

Guo, revealed that the series will not only explore the family connection and the Chinese philosophy of filial piety, but will also look at the struggles of ordinary people during the turbulent years of the early 20th century.