Vivien Zhang

"The Secret of the River" is a deeply moving show. If you have a soft heart, I wouldn't be surprised if you shed a few tears while watching. My interpretation of the story might differ from others, but to me, it's about more than just friendship between two boys or two different groups—ordinary people and the special group known as the Muxes (Muxes are a culturally recognized third gender in the Zapotec community of Oaxaca, Mexico. They are individuals who are assigned male at birth but take on roles and identities that are traditionally associated with women or a mix of both genders. Muxes have been an integral part of Zapotec culture for centuries, often holding respected positions in their communities. Their roles and gender identity are distinct from modern Western concepts of being transgender, though there are similarities in the broader context of gender diversity.). It highlights how Muxes integrate in ordinary Mexicans community. In my point of view, the ordinary Mexican community shows the nature of kindness,understanding and embrace of gender diversity. The story not only built the profound friendship, it includes the actions of a police officer who closes a case to protect an abused boy, and a widow named Ana who chooses forgiveness after learning the truth about her husband's death, a daughter found her father a muxe and accept to be part of his life starting from friendship. I see a reflection of human compassion, great embracing of gender diversity, acceptance and the beauty of human connection across differences. How fortunate a society is when it fosters such compassion. 😍

I can not take it. I can feel her desperate, her lost, her sad. The most painful and hopeless moment in her life.