The romantic Wuxia drama "Love Forever Young," starring Fang Yilun, Liu Lingzi, Ma Wenyuan, Su Xiaotong, Feng Mingchao, and Dai Yanni, is currently airing. Adapted from a manga of the same name, the drama tells the story of two martial arts sects that have been feuding over territory for three generations but end up entangled in a tale of love and hate. Despite lacking well-known celebrities or extensive publicity, the drama has gained some recognition since its release. The production studio Xin Sheng Tang's previous dramas like "Chef Fang" and "Chef Hua" share a similar style with this series - no high-profile stars or dramatic plot twists. However, they all bring forth a refreshing breeze through their focus on companionship within the daily life genre of costume dramas. Different from traditional wuxia dramas, "Love Forever Young" sets itself apart by presenting an enjoyable and absurd narrative about the enmity between the two factions despite informing viewers from the start about their three-generation conflict. The interesting and lively young heroes as well as mysterious ancestors who seemingly complicate relationships add to audience interest. Furthermore, relying on a talented production team ensures sincerity throughout every aspect of costume design to real-life shooting…

A film of such magnificence and grandeur, "Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" has been in preparation for nearly 10 years, finally makes its way to the audience. The whole crew is inevitably filled with apprehension. As a master of oriental aesthetics, Ye Jintian (Timmy Yip) has previously designed costumes for numerous films and TV productions such as "A Better Tomorrow," "Rouge," "The Banquet," and "Red Cliff." In 2001, he won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction for his work on "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," becoming the first and only Chinese person to receive this honor. However, when Ye Jintian took on the role of art design director for the Creation of The Gods movie, it was an unprecedented challenge for him. It is the largest project in terms of workload and scale that Ye Jintian has ever encountered. With over 200 members in the art team and a set covering 500 acres, Ye Jintian designed more than 120 scenes and thousands of costumes. From the magical city of Zhaoge to the ancient kingdom of Xiqi, from primeval forests to Kunlun's fairyland; from King Zhou with his martial prowess to Daji with her enchanting beauty; from mythical…

The recently premiered costume drama "Lost You Forever" starring popular actress Yang Zi, along with actors Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, and Tan Jianci, tells a mythical story about family ties, love, and friendship. And the romantic costume drama "Legend of Anle," starring Dilraba Dilmurat and Gong Jun, depicts their journey of protecting their home and country for the well-being of the people. With the development of the film and television industry, character designs and relationship configurations in various genres of dramas have also changed accordingly. Therefore, observing the changes in the arrangement of characters on screen can serve as a window to observe industry trends and reflect the public's aesthetic evolution. Creators who target emerging trends can seize opportunities. Upgrading character combinations within familiar patterns becomes one of the key aspects of TV drama evolution.   Matching characters with themes "Lost You Forever" has quickly gained popularity due to its fresh combination of one female protagonist paired with three male characters. Adapted from a novel by Tong Hua, it revolves around Xiao Yao (played by Yang Zi) as she navigates her destined path while entangled in a complex relationship of emotional relationships. She has childhood friend Cang Xuan; shares a…

Currently, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is being aired in a landscape where martial arts dramas show some signs of improvement and mystery genres are booming. From the perspective of a Wuxia drama, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is filled with the essence of the martial world in its plot and story background. From the viewpoint of a mystery drama, each episode interconnects seamlessly, with a tightly-paced storyline and plenty of comedic moments that generate high levels of interest and public discussion. However, precisely because it has gained considerable popularity, its distinct characteristics have made it harder for this fusion between Wuxia and suspense genres to blend harmoniously. Since its premiere, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" has sparked ongoing debates about which category it belongs to. Upon closer observation, certain aspects such as the overall story structure, character relationships, factional struggles within martial arts sects, and enigmatic case investigations appear overly straightforward or even somewhat misguided.   An orderly obsession From its content perspective, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is a costume mystery drama with elements of martial arts woven into it. The mysteries presented in each episode all stem from conflicts within the martial world rather than focusing on chivalry alone; instead they emphasize the intricate dynamics…

"Young Blood Season 2" premiered on July 29th, 2023, with main cast includes Zhang Xincheng, Zhou Yutong, Wang Youshuo, Su Xiaotong, Zheng Wei, Fu Weilun, and others. After a four-year hiatus, "Young Blood Season 2" has arrived as scheduled with the original team behind its creation. What's different this time is that Wang Juan not only served as the script planner but also personally took on the role of screenwriter. Such sincerity undoubtedly raises high expectations among viewers for a new round of plot developments. The second season continues the storyline and character settings from the first season. Set during the Qingli period in the Northern Song Dynasty era when young spies were trained in the Secret Pavilion by the Bureau of Military Affairs, it revolves around six intelligent and resourceful youths: Yuan Zhongxin who possesses great wisdom; Zhao Jian who combines beauty with quick-wittedness; Xiao Jing who refuses to take lives; Wang Kuan who never tells lies; Xue Ying who prefers solitude; and Wei Ya Nei (Wei Yuan) who has an outgoing personality, together they form Qi Zhai. After going through numerous life-and-death trials, they experience personal growth while remaining united and loyal to their country. In the first…

Chinese drama market has recently been bustling. On the one hand, the highly anticipated drama "Lost You Forever" quickly soared to the top of the popularity charts after its premiere, and its viewership ratings have also been steadily climbing. On the other hand, the beloved spy drama "The Infiltrator" has also caused a sensation and sparked continuous discussions. There is no denying that this year's summer lineup of dramas is indeed abundant, bringing countless highlights and topics for viewers. Furthermore, it has been reported that the ancient costume suspense drama "The Mutations" is about to be released. From both its storyline and production team to its cast members, it is undoubtedly stands as a highly anticipated hit series. Adapted from Ma Boyong's novel of the same name, it tells the story set in Tianqi period at the end of Ming Dynasty when a strange epidemic breaks out outside Liaodong Pass, plunging people into panic. A member of Jin Yi Wei (Embroidered Uniform Guard) goes alone to investigate in northern but becomes entangled in conflicts between local military forces and civilians. Eventually, this Jin Yi Wei gradually unravels a tale woven with political intrigues. The biggest highlight of this drama lies…

Vocab of Wrapped Flower Wrapped flower - 缠花 (chán huā) - a name used to called artificially made flower using the techniques of wrapping colored silk thread around cut-out pieces and combining each parts together to make flowers, animals, insects, etc. Spring Flower - 春仔花 (chūn zǐ huā) or 春花 (chūn huā). Used in this situation would mean various types of flower combined into a small batch each flower symbolize for different meanings in China. In this case, the flower would be a wrapped flower rather than a real flower.   History of Wrapped Flower Through ancient China, people held a profound appreciation for nature, which manifested in their beliefs of deities who governed natural forces to their interest in making poetry, music, and artworks that represented the beauty they saw. One remarkable custom in ancient China were the flower hair-pinning practice known as "簪花的习俗 (zān huā de xí sú)," where both men and women adorned their hair or hat with flowers, either fresh or artificially made. Talking about flowers, there are many artificial flower craftsmen that have passed down for centuries, including "ronghua" and "wrapped flower." The art of wrapped flowers originated during the Ming Dynasty and arrived in the…

The summer drama season is in full swing, with various streaming media releasing their long-awaited high-quality drama series, bringing continuous surprises to different genres. Among them, the Xuanhuan drama genre has been shining brightest with the exceptional performance of "Lost You Forever". Since its premiere, this drama has achieved remarkable viewership and has continuously broken popularity records, expanding its influence among the audience and most securing the title of this year's summer popular drama. In a market where excellent films and TV series are frequently released recently, what sets "Lost You Forever" apart from other major productions? What innovations does this work bring to the Xuanhuan & costume genre?   Record-breaking Popularity Since its debut on July 24th, "Lost You Forever" quickly climbed to the top of online streaming indexes. It became the highest-rated drama series for June-July period across all online platforms with an impressive index score of 90.58. This trend propelled it into the ranks of blockbuster dramas for the summer season. Furthermore, it maintained its position at the top of daily charts for multiple days consistently. The unwavering popularity surrounding "Lost You Forever" ignited a fervor among viewers during this summer season. In an era where major…

The highly anticipated Chinese summer film season has kicked off, including the long-awaited release of a film that had been shelved for six years, "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms". From its inception, this film has garnered much attention and discussion. Director Wuershan, known for his distinctive style in supernatural fantasy films such as "Painted Skin: The Resurrection" and "Mojin: The Lost Legend", has established himself as a prominent figure in the Chinese film industry. The cast is also extensive, featuring over 30 actors including Kris Phillips, Huang Bo, Li Xuejian, Xia Yu, Chen Kun, Yuan Quan, and many more. Moreover, the film has collaborated closely with New Zealand-based creators from "The Lord of the Rings", aiming not only to capitalize on star power but also to create a grand ambition of building China's epic film comparable to "The Lord of the Rings". However, this new epic film that has generated both buzz and controversy since its early stages faced mixed reviews upon its release. Simultaneously, the movie's box office growth has been less than expected compared to the huge investment. As the first installment in the Fengshen series of films, does "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom…

In 2022, plenty of wonderful Chinese costume dramas accompany us. For example, the military and espionage drama "The Wind Blows From Longxi" based on the Three Kingdoms period; "Luoyang" and "Strange Legend of Tang Dynasty" set in the Tang Dynasty; "A Dream of Splendor" set in the Song Dynasty; "Imperial Cuisine" and "The Imperial Age" with the Ming Dynasty background; and the latest Qing Dynasty theme drama "The Long River". There are still some dramas in the 2022 to-broadcast list that have not yet aired, check them out here. The following is a list of Chinese costume dramas in 2023, as compiled by Newhanfu. Destined · 长风渡 (Aired) Aired: June 18, 2023 Also known as: Chang Feng Du Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Historical, Romance Main Role: Bai Jing Ting as Gu Jiusi, Song Yi as Liu Yuru, Liu Xue Yi as Luo Zishang Plot summary of Destined The drama "Destined" is based on Mo Shubai’s novel of the same name. Liu Yuru (柳玉茹, played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant, has been suffering from her mother's illness, her concubine mother's lack of mercy, and her father's lack of attention since she was a child, so she…

The current drama market has become a trial ground for many top-tier dramas, and those who can break through the competition are receiving industry attention. The recently premiered drama "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is a prime example. According to public data, the show garnered over 4 million reservations, with more than 21.5 million bullet comments within 5 hours of its premiere. It topped various rankings such as the trending list, TV drama list, and rising list on the platform, reaching the top spot on the daily popularity chart just two hours after its premiere. It is quite surprising that this story about Jianghu (martial arts world) can stir up such storms during the summer season primarily targeted at young mainstream audiences. Analyzing the discussion points of this drama reveals that it is this refreshing portrayal of Jianghu in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" that helps drive its positive word-of-mouth transformation and accumulates strength for future dissemination. Though seemingly set in familiar Jianghu settings: heroic individuals, martial arts sects, isolated village inns, desolate ancient tombs, these well-known elements of Jianghu are portrayed by vivid characters in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook," delivering new emotional impact and viewing experiences to audiences. This creates another legendary tale within…

Chinese costume detective dramas have finally gained momentum. In September of last year, when "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" just premiered, the industry exclaimed, "It has been a long time since we've seen a costume detective drama." Little did all know that in just ten short months, over a dozen historical Chinese costume detective dramas would be ready for release. In the history of Chinese dramas, costume detective dramas have achieved remarkable success. From the "Justice Bao" series in the 1990s to the drama series "Witness to a Prosecution" in the new millennium, and then to "Young Justice Bao," "Amazing Detective Di Renjie," and "Judge of Song Dynasty," this genre has paved its way with equal brilliance as historical dramas. Unfortunately, in recent years, costume detective dramas haven't been very popular. However, with the emergence of shows like "Young Blood" and "Ancient Detective," this genre is once again at the forefront of the industry. The success and popularity of "Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty" showcase how these types of dramas have accumulated strength over time and are now poised for further development. Currently, Chinese costume detective drama have presented four subgenres: strange, romance, female-oriented, and patriotism. Among these subgenres, the…

Nowadays, hanfu is attracting more and more attention from enthusiasts due to its traditional charm. When choosing hanfu, enthusiasts no longer solely focus on the form, but also pay attention to style and color. This change in purchasing mindset has prompted hanfu designers to actively innovate and strive to provide a variety of styles. Today, let's explore the charm of different color schemes in hanfu.   Red Color Hanfu In traditional symbolism, red not only represents auspiciousness and completeness but also signifies wealth and grandeur. If we want to create a luxurious style or participate in formal hanfu events, we can choose a hanfu with a deep red as the base color, paired with pink for transitions or adorned with gold thread embroidery. This combination showcases an elegant style while maintaining intricate craftsmanship. Furthermore, when paired with golden hairpins and waist ornaments, it exudes dignity and beauty.   Blue Color Hanfu If we seek a fresh and casual dressing style, why not try the blue color scheme hanfu? Blue reminds us of clear skies and oceans; it is synonymous with freshness. Wearing blue-toned hanfu instantly transforms one into sprightly elves. For example, hanfu incorporates pink bows into the waist belt…

The hottest film of the summer season is undoubtedly the fantasy epic "Creation of The Gods 1: Kingdom of Storms", which director Wuer Shan has meticulously crafted over a decade. Before watching this film, it may be necessary for you to acquaint with some background knowledge.   The theme of "patricide" Based on existing materials, news reports, and premiere reviews, it can be observed that "Creation of The Gods 1: Kingdom of Storms" embodies the classic theme of patricide. In the movie, all four princes from different states who have no inheritance rights are sent to Zhao Ge (capital of the Shang dynasty) as Zhi Zi (质子, refers to the hostages sent to the enemy or other countries in ancient times, mostly princes or sons, and other people of noble birth. For example, Yan Bingyun in Joy of Life 1 played the role of a Zhi Zi), and raised by King Zhou of Shang as his own sons. Faced with two forms of paternal authority, King Zhou's and their biological fathers', the Zhi Zi must make a choice between them. This presents a timeless conflict between one's birth father and nurturing father figure. Whether in Eastern or Western cultures, traditional…

On July 12th, the costume drama "The Legend of Anle" took over from "Hidden Love", bringing a second wave of cdrama frenzy for the summer season. The premiere episode delighted viewers with amusing plot points such as "gazing through veils," "mutual rescue at sea," and "proactive marriage proposals." "The Legend of Anle" tells the story of Ren Anle, a righteous individual dedicated to the well-being of the people. While investigating a family mystery, she gains recognition from Prince Han Ye, who shares her commitment to their family, country, and citizens. As one of the highly anticipated dramas for the summer season, "The Legend of Anle" quickly captured audience affection with its compelling characters, light-hearted comedy elements, and profound themes – securing its position as number one on popular ranking charts.   Multi-dimensional characters Historical costume dramas have always been favored by audiences; however, with an abundance of similar content available today comes a certain level of viewer fatigue caused by formulaic productions that perpetuate gender stereotypes like dominant men and weak women. In truth, it is the characters themselves that form the core essence of any story. The success or failure of a drama hinges upon whether these characters can…

For a long time, the genre of Xianxia dramas has always been an important category in Chinese television productions. Whether it's the once dominant and repeatedly aired "New Legend of White Snake", or the pioneering work of contemporary Xianxia dramas, "Chinese Paladin", or the 2017 sensation that sparked a craze "Eternal Love", Xianxia dramas are an inevitable subject in Chinese TV series creation. And beneath the fantastical world and martial heroes lies its ever-changing core, the values of changing times.   Classic values in Xianxia drama series When reminiscing about Xianxia and monster-themed dramas you have watched, you may immediately think of classics such as "Journey to the West," "New Legend of White Snake," and "Gods of Honour" which were adapted from Chinese folk legends and historical texts. Underneath their classic stories, these immortal drama series possess lasting vitality undoubtedly related to their fundamental narrative logic. For instance, at its essence, "Journey to the West" is a tale of team adventure where protagonists undergo different forms of growth after facing conflicts and difficulties. The protagonist often embarks on a journey alone or with a team to search for something but ultimately discovers that what they find isn't tangible treasure but…

Once again, the annual summer season has arrived, and multiple top-tier S+ drama projects are being released. The competition among these prominent historical costume dramas is intense, as they strive to break viewership records. On one hand, there's the attention-grabbing cast of "Destined" that has sparked discussions; on the other hand, "The Longest Promise" makes a sudden appearance in an attempt to capture audience interest and attention. Amidst this fierce battle between major productions, a low-budget self-produced drama called "An Ancient Love Song" manages to carve out its own space in the realm of public discourse. Upon exploring the series synopsis, it becomes clear that it neither relies on conventional online literature adaptations nor boasts renowned actors; however, it surprisingly gains audience traction during this highly competitive summer season. Distinct from grandiose productions vying for attention through lavish displays, "An Ancient Love Song" primarily relies on passionate recommendations from its audience.   A Nonconventional Time-Travel Drama In terms of genre,"An Ancient Love Song" falls into the category of time-travel dramas wherein a modern-day male protagonist encounters an ancient "demonic queen," leading to a captivating love story. Notably innovative within this time-travel framework is its utilization of dual reverse chronological travel.…

The movie "Chang An (长安三万里, Chang An San Wan Li)" is a film brimming with talent and charm. Describing it as such is perfectly appropriate, for no other word captures its essence accurately. Its romance belongs to the youth rather than the grand palace banquets, and its richness belongs to the ambitious and talented individuals from all corners of the nation rather than mere material wealth. And yet, all of this is influenced by the ebb and flow of political affairs in the court. When it comes to flourishing Tang Dynasty, we have seen countless depictions of prosperous Chang'an - from theatrical novels to well-made commercial films, showcasing scenes like wine in Hua Qing Chi and open exchange with foreign countries. However, "Chang An San Wan Li" extends the panorama of Great Tang beyond that magnificent city: west Chang'an, south Yangzhou, Shangqiu & Liangtian, and Xiangyang. It strips away the mystique surrounding Chang'an City itself and even almost dispels any illusion about an era of prosperity. The starting point lies in two young men living far from courtly life: Jiangxia (present-day Wuchang area) near Huanghe Tower where they first met on a deserted piece of land - Li Bai and…

On July 2nd, "The Longest Promise" premiered. Directed by Jiang Jiajun and starring Xiao Zhan and Ren Min, this fantasy romantic love story captivates without the need for lengthy world-building narration. "The Longest Promise" begins with a retrospective narrative of the female lead Zhu Yan (played by Ren Min) fleeing from her wedding. It then delves into the main storyline of the male lead Ying Shi (played by Xiao Zhan), who was framed, faked his death, and left the palace during his youth. The intertwining of their growth and fate unfolds as they meet at Jiuyi Mountain's celebration. Since its debut, this drama has engrossed viewers with its lively storytelling pace, providing them with a rich blend of humor, sweetness, and heart-wrenching moments. Combined with a fresh worldview and Eastern fantastical aesthetics that enhance the audiovisual experience, "The Longest Promise" has become a focal point of discussion on social media platforms. The Eastern fantasy colors in "The Longest Promise" are not only superficial but also ingrained in its essence. Behind the immersive Eastern aesthetic ambiance lies the emotional core that shines brightly, the mortal struggle against destiny undertaken by Ying Shi and Zhu Yan illuminates their captivating bond.   Eastern…

This summer, it is destined to be a carnival for Chinese ancient costume dramas. First, we had "Lord of Snow Eagles" and "Destined," followed by "The Longest Promise" and "Divine Destiny." And in the upcoming yet-to-be-aired dramas, we have highly anticipated hits like "The Legend of Shen Li" and "My Journey to You." It can be said that one masterpiece follows another, leaving audience overwhelmed. Especially after completing filming in March, "My Journey to You" quickly obtained its distribution license and officially passed the review process within a very short period. As a pre-produced drama slated for summer season lineup, it is expected to premiere in the middle or later part of the summer. With its excellent production quality, captivating storyline, and a cast full of talented individuals who possess exceptional looks, once it starts airing, it will undoubtedly set new heights for costume dramas. The Wuxia cdrama "My Journey to You" tells the story of rebellious young noble Gong Ziyu and spy Yun Weishan's journey towards growth as they both crave freedom. This marks Guo Jingming's directorial debut in television after achieving consecutive successes in the film industry. His talent has gained recognition from the industry at large. At…