The Family Law (2016–2019) User Reviews

Good Idea, Poorly Criticized (below) Critical Notice: "Good Idea, Poorly realised" by jamesmoule

[tobytandesouza · 8/10 · 14 July 2017]

It find it important to elucidate the misconceptions, misunderstandings and downright ignorance of jamesmoule's racist review made on the 26th Feb 2016 (down the bottom). Yes racist. Covert racism but racism nonetheless.

Let me elaborate:

1) jamesmoule erroneously states that "cast an Australian-born Chinese and you just get an Australian with an Asian face, thus lessening the effect of culture." The remarkable cultural insensitivity here, is covert racism. "An Australian with an Asian face!?" First, mr jamesmoule, Benjamin Law (yes, the real Benjamin Law) was born in Nambour! So, the character portrayed by Trystan Go is not an Australian with an Asian face. He is an Australian with an Australian face, which happens to be of Asian decent. Your racism here is just embarrassing, mr jamesmoule.

2) The other side of your "double edged {racist} sword" is premised on the assumption that a person acting in a second or third language would be unable to "express nuances of words." At the risk of postulation, this seems like something a monolingual person who is also an idiot would be inclined to argue. Moreover, to even suggest a "Chinese-born actor" could be a candidate for the role completely disregards the fact the Benjamin Law is is an Australian born man of Chinese decent. In fact, the entire show is situated around the tribulations of an Australian-Chinese family.To say that casting Trystan Go will "lessen the affects of culture" is to equivocate between Chinese culture and Australian-Chinese culture. Yes, it may lessen the affects of Chinese culture, but so what? The show is about an Australian-Chinese family, and to demarcate the two by arguing that an "Australian will lessen the culture" portrayed by the show suggests that you are living centuries too late buddy.

3) The "two women who are old friends" are from DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. Jenny is from Hong Kong and her friend is from Malaysia. The fact that you think that English is NOT the appropriate language for them to communicate in, betrays your racism and orientalism. Not all Asian people speak the same language and many must speak in their common tongue, English! Neither had difficulty with the language, they spoke with quite typical accents from Hong Kong and Malaysia. Your racism is made salient, here, by your suggestion that subtitles could have been used for their conversations. How could subtitles be used when Malaysian and Cantonese are different languages! Here your covert racism is manifested in orientalism- the homogenizing of diverse Asian cultures into one culture. Assuming that two Asian friends from different countries should communicate in the same Asian language is simply ignorant and racist. Do you think that all European people can communicate with each other in a European super-language? And if old friends from different European countries spoke in English with typical accents, would you assume that they were having difficulty and should thus speak in 'European?' If the answer is yes, you are outright racist, if it is no, you are an orientalist (which is still racist, just a very specific kind).

Peace out and educate yourself more. I'd be happy to recommend a few books if you struggle to accept your racist dispositions :-)

A Gem! A Show Full of Heart and Humor the Whole Family can Enjoy!

[totalovrdose · 8/10 · 7 March 2016]

I happened to watch The Family Law before reading Benjamin Law's autobiographical novel, information acquired from the text assisting me in comprehending more of the story. Though the book is evidently targeting an older audience, the show, despite its dark humor and occasional sexual references, seems like the kind of product an entire family could engage with.

Although each episode encompasses moments of hilarity, I personally found the text to be funnier, during which I occasionally screamed with laughter. This aside, the show remains incredibly fun, and a joy to watch, incorporating witticisms and slapstick.

As the narrative is set over the course of a summer, several moments from the text, which spans a number of decades, are subsequently removed, though Mr. Law deserves kudos for incorporating all that he could. Although the text predominately takes place during the nineties, the show is contemporarily adapted, using modern references and events to ensure unanimous comprehension.

Benjamin (Trystan Go) is a 14 year old student, Mr Law poking fun at himself by creating a character who is a pretentious, self-centered drama queen. Though Benjamin is not only the lead, but the narrator, it is his mother, Jenny (Fiona Choi) who steals the show. One moment outlandishly awkward, the next, tragically sympathetic, Ms. Choi creates an affectionate, motherly character, who, despite her hardships, remains young at heart.

Ben's father, Danny (Anthony Brandon Wong) is the stereotypical hard-working Chinese husband, who demonstrates his love through continuously running a business, while Ben's siblings, the rebellious Candy (the beautiful Shuang Hu), older brother Andrew (George Zhao), who seems to be the odd one out, tom-boy Tammy (Karina Lee), and adorably cute, yet strangely poo obsessed Michelle (Vivian Wei), comprise the rest of the family. The characters, with their unique personality and traits, are incredibly likable, and though each episode runs for just over 20 minutes, we, the audience, are able to instantly connect with this obscure collection of people, because of the passionate realism employed.

The atmosphere of the show illustrates the stereotypical impression of Queensland, the settings, climate and use of nature heightening the legitimacy of the location. The music also, with its light-hearted appeal, assists in establishing what emotions the audience ought to feel, though moments of pure dialogue, are equally effective.

Furthermore, similarly to an Eddie Murphy production, Mr. Law normalizes ethnic minorities, while making stereotypically prominent Caucasian characters strangely eccentric, and providing them lesser screen-time. Mr. Law seems perfectly content incorporating such humor, and though themes including homosexuality, underlying racism in Australia, and the rift between China and Japan are occasionally illustrated, their inclusion seems very safe. Thus, these themes are not provided the necessary depth to ensure meaningful impact.

At the same time, similar comments could be made about a number of the relationships. Though the Law family is provided substantial screen time, characters including Heidi (Kimie Tsukakoshi), Wayne (Sam Cotton) and Melissa (Bethany Whitmore) seem very two-dimensional as a result of lacking characterization.

Upon reaching the conclusion, a viewer may undoubtedly feel as though the show is incomplete, with a number of questions remaining unanswered, while several story-lines remain unfinished. If another series blesses our screens in the future, I would desire to see more characterization, a deeper focus on Ben's siblings, and additional references to the themes critiqued in this show. As a man who is homosexual and originates from an ethnic background, I imagine Mr. Law has a number of things he could argue in response to a government that marginalizes both - this show could serve as a great stage for such poignant social commentary.

Inevitable comparisons with Fresh off the Boat

[safenoe · 6/10 · 4 March 2016]

I watched three episodes of the six-episode The Family Law, which is a groundbreaking show on Australian TV, given it was the first prime time show that featured an Asian (in this case Chinese) family as the lead.

I had mixed feelings about The Family Law but maybe because I'm a big fan of Fresh off the Boat which is more upbeat although FOTB does deal with serious an cutting issues. The Family Law has a somber premise which doesn't make things easy, being the separation (and impending divorce) of the parents, and that brings much sadness to the proceedings. There are some funny lines and really ground breaking scenes, one being where the lead character, Brendan Law (Trystan Go) is kissed by his school friend Melissa (Bethany Whitmore). I think there was a line in Harold and Kumar go to White Castle that alluded to an Asian male kissing a white female.

Some people may refer to "politically correct anti-racists shows" - why should they be "politically correct"? It's such a hackneyed phrase and deserves to be buried.

Maybe there will be a second season of The Family and who knows, maybe there will be enough support on SBS for it to happen.

Pleasant surprise!

[toliver597 · 9/10 · 25 August 2017]

I was not especially interested in watching this after seeing the ads. Not for any specific reason - it just didn't grab my attention. But I more-or-less stumbled across it one evening while channel-surfing, and just loved it right from the word go. The show is funny, well-acted and endearing - with slight reminiscences of Adrian Mole's diary from the 80s. Thanks to SBS and Ben Law - one of the best comedies I've seen in a while!

Brilliant and heart warming.

[cameron3673 · 9/10 · 31 January 2019]

The Family Law tells the story of young Ben's family going through some family breakdowns, welcoming new members into the family and Ben's development into a young man. The story is told with great compassion and great heart.

The Family Law is well written and well performed. The comedy is interspersed in such a way that the emotion of each episode is enhanced and supported. The Law family casting was amazing and the interaction between the actors appears to be a real family, their performances are stellar. The casting director really did an amazing job finding the family. The ensemble cast are also exceptionally well chosen and their performances are also excellent. One of my favourite characters has to be Melissa performed by Bethany Whitmore. Her characterisation was outstanding and hilarious where required.

Finally the script writing was exceptional. A fun, enjoyable and touching story so well constructed. I particularly enjoyed the double entendres hidden in so many of the lines.

If you are looking for a show to enjoy with the family this is it. Just don't binge watch because you will be disappointed with how fast you get through it and will be left wanting more episodes.

Very Entertaining

[kolhoss-513-815245 · 9/10 · 2 October 2022]

This was a surprise find for me. I saw it while scrolling on Hulu one day and decided to check it out. Really glad I did. I didn't have any expectations one way or another, but I quickly liked it and binged several episodes. Very funny writing and the acting is quite good as well. I'm neither Asian nor Australian but think this family comedy probably hits home for some people. Give it a try if you enjoy sit-com type humor...especially ones without a laugh track. Kinda has a little bit for every generation despite one's race or ethnicity. Only a few episodes in. However, it seems to have legs to keep things fresh.

Quite enjoyable series !

[lucienm-60321 · 7/10 · 16 January 2023]

This series is different and refreshing!

Looking at a 5 children, mum and dad, Chinese- Australian life of ups and downs of getting along with each other !

Good comedy but has also some drama for depth.

It's a good study of relationship within a family.

Interestingly, this series is not about how these Chinese-Australian fit into the Australian community and culture.

What makes it interesting is the insights into the different characters and where they are at their respective stages of their lives.

It's very well written and casting is very good !

Happy to see that it was 6 episodes , just perfect length for this story .

Surprisingly entertaining!

[lmgeew · 10/10 · 19 April 2022]

Stumbled across this refreshing & hilarious show, and initially thought it might be a rip off of fresh off the boat. I ended up enjoying it thoroughly, and believe it is even better than fresh off the boat in many ways. This show felt more authentic, maybe because it is scripted from the real life Benjamin Law. (FOTB was based on a real person for only the first season). Loved the characters and dialogue!

A Good Idea, Poorly realised

[jamesmoule · 5/10 · 29 February 2016]

There was every reason to be optimistic about this series. The concept of a Chinese family in Australia, facing the same problems as any other family, could have demystified the cultural differences. The problems started with casting and acting standards. It is a two-edged sword: cast an Australian-born Chinese and you just get an Australian with an Asian face, thus lessening the effect of culture. Choose a Chinese-born actor and you get someone who is trying to act in their second (or third) language, unable to express the nuances of the words. The scripts were good, except for the embarrassing sexual references. There was a hint that Benjamin is "gay" but perhaps we will have to wait for another season to see if that line is followed. There were anomalies aplenty. Why, for example, would two women who are old friends speak to each other in English when both have difficulty with the language? Subtitles were used elsewhere; why not for that scene? Talking of subtitles, there is not much point having white printing on a white background. There were promising sub-plots but others reminded me of Alf Garnet / Archie Bunker and many other politically correct anti-racists shows. In summary, this show suffered from poor production standards.

Promising show

[maximus716 · 8/10 · 2 September 2023]

I saw this on Hulu and started it thinking it would be great. And parts of it are, however the main character is absolutely insufferable. Every time I find myself getting into a storyline Ben comes in makes everything seem exaggerated and extra. If I met him in real life I wouldn't be able to stand him. He should be the quirky brother not the main character. The rest of the show is alright enough, the storylines are interesting and relatable. The rest of the cast is enjoyable enough, only the mother really shines though. All in all this Australian attempt at reimagining "Fresh off the Boat" falls short, mainly due to casting.

Sweet, endearing and funny

[oliviamaree-04642 · 9/10 · 6 October 2020]

Before I checked I could tell this was based on someone's real childhood. It's absurd in the most believable and endearing way.

I love this family. They are honest, vulnerable, loving and real.

I recommend this show wholeheartedly.