The Taiwanese drama landscape is set to be enriched with the arrival of “Forget You Not” (忘了我記得), a series premiering on Netflix. Positioned as a “healing family drama,” the eight-episode Chinese-language production promises an intimate and moving journey through the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of growth, understanding, regret, and the difficult art of letting go.
At the helm of this promising series is renowned actress and singer Rene Liu, who makes her series directorial debut, bringing her established artistic sensibility to the episodic format. She is joined by a cast led by acclaimed Golden Horse Award-winning actress Hsieh Ying-shiuan and veteran actor Chin Han, who makes a significant return to Taiwanese drama.
The considerable emphasis on Rene Liu’s directorial role indicates that her transition from a celebrated multi-talented artist—known for her successful career as an actress, singer, and film director, notably with “Us and Them”—to a television series director is a standout event in the Taiwanese entertainment sphere and a key element of the series’ appeal.
The narrative is poised to delve into the enduring power of memory within every family, offering a story that aims to evoke both laughter and tears.
Navigating Life, Love, and Memory in “Forget You Not”
“Forget You Not” centers on Cheng Le-le, played by Hsieh Ying-shiuan, a woman in her 40s who still hasn’t quite figured out her life. She’s an aspiring stand-up comedian, a dream she nurtures while working part-time as a convenience store clerk—a significant shift from her previous role as a tour guide. Her daily existence seems “mundane” but is filled with “hopes and dreams for her future.” However, these aspirations are constantly tested by a “series of unforeseen challenges.” Her days are a “whirlwind of misadventures,” from dealing with “strange customers to unreasonable ones,” leaving her exhausted by the “hustle and bustle of daily life” and frequently apologizing just to keep the peace.
Her personal life is equally complex. She endures a “difficult relationship” and a “troubled marriage” with her husband, Chang Kai (played by Wallace Huo in a special appearance). Their bond, which blossomed from a casual romance into a sincere marriage, is strained by “conflicting values” and the practical challenge of Chang Kai’s professional relocation to Singapore. Adding to her burdens is a “strained relationship” with her father, Cheng Kuang-chi (Chin Han). He is depicted as a “peculiar and free-spirited dreamer,” whose “eccentricities and childlike personality leave Le-le worried, amused, and exasperated.” His unpredictable nature, such as mysteriously disappearing on Le-le’s wedding day only to be found joking with medical staff in an emergency room after a bicycle fall, often forces Le-le into reactive and caregiving positions. Yet, this very eccentricity, this childlike spirit, also seems to be the source of their unique and loving connection, allowing for moments of pure, unadulterated joy, like dancing in the rain as they did in her childhood.
His deteriorating health further complicates their dynamic, casting a poignant shadow over their unconventional bond. These mounting difficulties become the catalyst for Le-le to embark on what is described as a “courageous journey.” This journey is one of redefinition: of her family ties, her connection with her partner, and her friendships. An “unexpected opportunity” propels her onto the stand-up comedy stage, offering her not only a new career path but a means to articulate and navigate her multifaceted life.
The Cast of “Forget You Not”
The emotional weight and authenticity of “Forget You Not” rest on a distinguished cast, representing a deliberate blend of generational talent and international experience—a combination that speaks to the production’s high artistic ambitions.
Hsieh Ying-shiuan takes on the pivotal role of Cheng Le-le. An acclaimed Taiwanese actress born on December 31, 1979, Hsieh is celebrated for her nuanced performances. She earned the prestigious Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actress for her role in “Dear Ex” (2018) and the Golden Bell Award for Best Leading Actress for “Heaven on the 4th Floor” (2022). Her filmography also includes notable works like “Little Big Women” (2020) and “Wave Makers” (2023). Regarding “Forget You Not,” Hsieh admitted to initially feeling “very pressured” by the role, especially acting under Rene Liu’s direction, but was ultimately drawn in by the strength of the team. She praised co-star Chin Han’s professionalism and his profound ability to evoke genuine emotion, stating that he “truly has the ability to make actors believe that, in that moment on set, he is a real father.”
Chin Han portrays Cheng Kuang-chi, Le-le’s “peculiar, free-spirited, and dreamy” father. Born in Singapore on November 27, 1969, Chin Han is a veteran actor with an impressive international career, known for roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as “The Dark Knight,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” and “Mortal Kombat,” as well as series like “American Born Chinese.” His participation in “Forget You Not” marks a significant return to Taiwanese drama after many years, a move highlighted in promotional materials. This return is not merely a casting choice but carries a nostalgic and symbolic weight, particularly for local audiences, and signifies the project’s high profile. Chin Han, a Golden Horse Award winner for Best Actor and recognized by CNNGo as one of Asia’s top 25 actors, described Hsieh Ying-shiuan as “incredibly approachable” and a “confident and outstanding actress,” praising her dedication during a challenging shoot that required 20 takes for a single scene. His decision to accept the role without reading the script, based solely on Rene Liu’s invitation and their shared connections, underscores the deep respect and trust within the Taiwanese entertainment industry that fueled this project.
Making a special appearance is Wallace Huo as Zhang Kai, Le-le’s husband. A prominent Taiwanese actor, singer, and producer born on December 26, 1979, Huo is known for his roles in popular dramas such as “At Dolphin Bay,” “Chinese Paladin 3,” and “The Journey of Flower.” He expressed feeling “honored” to be part of the series and praised director Rene Liu’s “attention to detail, high standards, and unique perspective.”
Providing crucial support to Le-le are her two best friends, whose contrasting lives offer a broader commentary on contemporary womanhood. Tracy Chou plays Chia-yun, a single mother who, despite her own challenges, serves as a “steadfast pillar” for Le-le. Chou, born on January 10, 1983, is recognized for her work in series like “Hot Shot” and “The World Between Us.” Esther Liu portrays Su-fei, described as an “independent career-driven woman” or “career-driven single lady.” Liu, born on August 8, 1988, is an award-winning actress (Golden Bell for “Falling”) known for roles in “Chinese Paladin” and “Light the Night.” The explicit inclusion of these distinct friendship dynamics suggests this will be a significant emotional anchor in the series.
The cast also features special appearances by other notable Taiwanese actors, including Wang Po-chieh (“Eye of the Storm”) and Chen Yi-wen (“The Pig, The Snake and The Pigeon”), further underscoring the depth of talent involved.
Rene Liu’s Series Directorial Debut
The directorial vision for “Forget You Not” comes from Rene Liu, a multifaceted artist whose career has spanned acting, music, and writing before successfully venturing into film direction. Born in Taipei on June 1, 1969, Liu is an acclaimed actress with multiple Asia-Pacific Film Festival awards and a beloved singer-songwriter with numerous albums and global concerts to her name. Her feature film directorial debut, “Us and Them” (2018), which originated from her own short story, was both a critical and commercial triumph, earning her Golden Horse nominations for Best New Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. This prior success sets a high expectation for her first foray into series direction with “Forget You Not,” for which she also serves as a screenwriter. This transition to an eight-episode series format offers Liu a broader canvas to explore the complex characters and evolving relationships that are hallmarks of her storytelling.
Liu describes “Forget You Not” as a work “deeply rooted in the essence of everyday life and emotions,” one that she believes “truly reflects the realities of our world today.” She hopes the series will “touch audiences, evoking both laughter and tears,” and offer “solace” by depicting “experiences we all face daily but choose not to confront.” Her vision was to create a story that “feels like ‘home,’ set in many beautiful and nostalgic places,” and the series is reportedly inspired by her own life. This deep personal investment suggests “Forget You Not” is a passion project, likely imbuing the narrative with a distinctive authenticity and emotional depth.
Her directorial style, as gleaned from her previous work and cast feedback, emphasizes character-driven narratives focusing on relationships and personal growth. Wallace Huo praised her “attention to detail, high standards, and unique perspective.” Hsieh Ying-shiuan highlighted Liu’s “understanding and empathy towards actors, given her own brilliant acting career,” noting that Liu is “warm and attentive,” provides “gentle guidance and support,” and creates a “comforting space” for actors to explore their roles. This empathetic approach, likely stemming from her extensive experience in front of the camera, fosters an environment conducive to strong, authentic performances. A humorous anecdote shared by Chin Han, recalling Liu cooking several pots of braised noodles for the entire crew of about 70 or 80 people, paints a picture of a director who is not only professional but also genuinely caring and hands-on.
Crafting the Narrative: The Making of “Forget You Not”
The creation of “Forget You Not” is a collaborative effort spearheaded by a dedicated production team. The series is produced by Filmagic Pictures Co., with Aileen Li, Yeh Ju-ting, and Icha Liu serving as producers. This marks Filmagic Pictures Co.’s second project with Netflix, following the series “Nowhere Man,” indicating a strengthened partnership and Netflix’s confidence in the production company’s ability to deliver high-quality Taiwanese content for a global audience. Producer Aileen Li expressed the team’s enthusiasm, stating, “Everyone involved deeply loves this story, and we are thrilled to share it with global audiences on Netflix.” The screenplay is penned by Tsai Pao-chang and Ho Shing-ming, alongside director Rene Liu herself.
The series is set against the “bustling city backdrop” of Taipei, Taiwan. Director Rene Liu specifically sought to feature “many beautiful and nostalgic places” that evoke a sense of “home.” This suggests that Taipei will serve as more than just a setting; it will likely be imbued with emotional significance and cultural identity, offering an authentic glimpse into Taiwanese life that could resonate deeply with local viewers while providing a rich cultural context for international audiences.
Behind-the-scenes accounts paint a picture of a supportive and dedicated cast and crew. Hsieh Ying-shiuan spoke of her initial nervousness working with the esteemed Chin Han but found him “incredibly approachable” and a masterful scene partner. Chin Han, in turn, praised Hsieh’s professionalism, recounting a challenging scene that required numerous takes, during which she showed no signs of exhaustion. These anecdotes, coupled with Rene Liu’s nurturing directorial style and personal gestures like cooking for the team, point towards a production environment built on mutual respect and genuine care. Such a positive on-set culture often translates into more authentic and emotionally resonant performances, aligning with the “healing” quality the series aims to achieve.
Where to Watch “Forget You Not”
