Implicit in the series is an ethical dilemma: to what extent should justice be served? What constitutes justice?

Unfortunately, the series forgoes this meaty question, opting instead for overdone bits of inter-gang drama and petty squabbles over the parentage of a very rich heir. Among the series of missed opportunities is a cornerstone of any local history textbook – Maria Hertogh. The trailers touted her appearance, yet, even in the second episode, we’ve barely gotten a glimpse of her. The series fails to quickly deliver on what should have been one of its selling points.

One also can’t help but wonder where Hertogh’s adopted mother is, or why the series decided to reduce her to the late “Siti”. Her name was Aminah. She was also not dead in 1945, which is when the series begins.

Still, like most period dramas, it’s a visual feast. And the music is beautiful, if overdramatic at times.

The series should be commended, for trying to create nuanced (Chinese) female characters. Trying. The series all but yells at you to notice that June is a strong, independent woman. “You must bear children,” her aunt implores, to her dismay. (A few scenes prior, June rejects five potential suitors consecutively, calling them “fasto”, “crooked”, “baldy”, “beardy” and finding fault with one’s “shifty eyes”. How progressive.)

This Land is Mine could have been better if it was brave enough to venture into uncharted territory. For now, it seems like we have to settle for treading familiar.

Set shortly after the end of the Japanese Occupation but still under the British rule, Lee Then-jeen’s This Land Is Mine begins its story with June Chiang (Rebecca Lim), a law clerk and her cousin, Dennis Chiang (Pierre Png), a lawyer.

Dennis is assigned a case to defend a Japanese military officer responsible for war crimes. While this is promoted as the main premise of the show, there are many other sub-plots like June’s trauma from the war, the custodial battle for a young British girl and how people no longer wanted to be under the British rule anymore.

As a period drama, the set design, props and costumes did not disappoint at all. I particularly loved June’s masculine outfits, usually made up of pants, a blouse, a tie and suspenders. It was refreshing to see a woman wearing something other than skirts and dresses for once! I felt this accurately represented June’s character—a woman fighting to live as she pleases in a patriarchal society.

While the show has a stellar cast playing wonderfully-written characters, I felt that the storyline of Dennis and the Japanese officer moved too slowly.

Nonetheless, This Land Is Mine hooked me from the beginning and I’m excited to continue with the next half of the show!

Pierre Png and Rebecca Lim join forces once again as cousins working at the d’Almeida and d’Almeida law firm in Lee Thean-jeen’s This Land Is Mine. Set in Post-WW2 Singapore, the story focuses on Dennis (Png), a promising young lawyer who agrees to defend a former Kempeitai despite his family disapproval and scorn of expectedly anti-Japanese society he lives in. Hardship experienced by Singaporeans as a direct result of the Japanese occupation were excellently conveyed by Thean-jeen and I found myself hesitating to fully support the protagonist in his decision. However, this emotional conflict compelled me to keep watching.Although the on-screen chemistry between Png and Lim was palpable, I was far more impressed by the appreciably diverse supporting cast. Joe Jasmi and Noorlinah Mohamed delivered laudably authentic performances while Shrey Bhargava’s animated demeanour was refreshing. Unremarkable fight scene choreography occasionally ruined immersion but nostalgic music, quaint set design and an antique wardrobe provided adequate compensation alongside improvements in camera angles and plot pacing from Thean-jeen’s previous work.

This Land Is Mine is a step in the right direction for Singapore’s drama scene and it’s with eagerness that I await future local releases of a similarly high calibre.

So far, the plotline is really interesting. I loved how they incorporated different languages into the show to give us the sense of how Singapore was like before, especially Mak using Singlish constantly: gives a very homely feel. Dennis’ boss’ (Da Silva?) acting was really on point though, making me really dislike him for how he treats Dennis and June. That does prove the mark of a great actor. The colour scheme used at different scenes brings out a good atmosphere when the time is needed. However, some parts are a little janky; for instance when the gang boss spoke Mandarin then English and back to Mandarin. From what I know, usually they speak a very fluent Mandarin/Hokkien rather than English, so that part was a little bit off. As a person that loves learning and looking into Singapore’s history, I’ll definitely watch more soon!

A 15-episode series was launched on the 9 of August, perfectly at the right time to commemorate the National Day of Singapore. Though seemingly unrelated to the independence of Singapore in 1965, This Land Is Mine is set in the chaotic period between 1945 and 1946 when the Japanese surrendered and the British Military Administration took over civilian rule.

Similar to Reunion, Lee Thean-jeen injects hints to foretell the story arc while drawing you in to continue episode after episode. Some parts of the plot would jerk the memories of Singaporeans who remember their history or social studies classes about the riots that occurred due to the conflict over the custody of a young British girl between the foster family and the blood-related family. History buffs would rejoice over the references to true stories in the 1900s.

Personally, I love the cinematography and mise-en-scene. From the warm colour tones to the antique clothing and props, every little detail makes you fully aware that you are watching a historical drama. More importantly, this drama inserts Singlish, the unique Singaporean blend of languages, in its dialogue, which might be cringey to some but makes it difficult for me to turn away from.