Recently, the historical suspense drama "Ripe Town" has been released. The drama tells the story of the 37th year of the Wanli period in the Ming Dynasty, when a series of murders occurred in the Jiangnan Duxian County. The young constable Qu Sangeng, along with the historian Song Chen, his companions Gao Shicong, Leng Gui'er, Feng Kezhui, and others, delves deep into the investigation, unexpectedly uncovering a twenty-year-old unsolved case. In the first three episodes, each episode features a victim with an extremely bizarre cause of death. The first victim is the head constable Leng of the county yamen, who was dragged to the field by the killer and impaled with a sedan pole, creating a scarecrow-like figure. This victim happens to be the master of the male protagonist, Qu Sangeng. As a result, he suffers from indescribable psychological trauma. The process of investigating the case becomes even more challenging as he not only has to confront the mastermind behind the scenes but also delve into the intricacies of society, bowing to the laws of operation and the complexities of human relationships. He is like a pedestrian traversing the dark night, having to lift the torch to illuminate the path…

The recent freshness in the Chinese drama market has been brought by "Tiger and Crane". This drama is adapted from the manga of the same name by Huang Xiaoda, and it tells the story of Hu Zi, an optimistic and cheerful orphan who accidentally swallows the Chi Zhu, a precious treasure. In doing so, he meets the cold and fastidious team captain of the Imperial Demon Master, Qi Xiaoxuan. These two young individuals with contrasting personalities are forced to travel together due to the Chi Zhu. Along the way, they meet companions such as Zhao Xintong, Wang Yuqian, and Shancha. Just as the ambitions of both the human and demon realms are about to bring catastrophe to the mortal world, this group of ambitious and passionate young individuals selflessly sacrifice themselves to save humanity. The common foundation of growth and the essence of passion in male-oriented fantasy dramas are also pushed to the extreme in this drama. The demon-hunting team embarks on a journey of battling monsters, leveling up, and completing dungeons, allowing the audience to experience the feeling of watching a passionate youth comic. The grand construction of the world showcases the distinctive characteristics of Eastern fantasy literature. By…

The summer has just passed, and the top video platforms in China are preparing for a new round of drama preheating. Youku, iQiyi, and Tencent Video, as the main broadcasting platforms for Chinese dramas at the current stage, have announced more than 200 upcoming dramas in their 2023-2024 lineup, which can be said to have gathered the important forces of Chinese dramas, and also serve as a window to glimpse the industry's development and market prospects. Whether it is the adjustment layout of the conventional track or the forward-looking exploration of the innovative field, every move of the top platforms has attracted great attention. The content matrix formed by this not only reflects the platform's capture and contemplation of the changes in public aesthetic taste as project managers, but also influences the future trend of the industry.   What genres of drama dominate? In terms of genre, the three major platforms, still regard costume dramas and urban dramas as their main focus. After all, these two types of dramas have always been incubators for blockbusters and star-making tools, which can bring considerable revenue to the platforms in terms of membership services, artist management, and peripheral derivatives, and broaden their business…

Throughout the summer cdrama market, "I Am Nobody" stands out as a remarkable work in the genre of manga adaptations, thanks to its vibrant and intriguing character design, innovative and unconventional comedic scenes, and the fascinating imaginative elements rooted in traditional Chinese culture. Among the cast, Neo Hou, who portrays Wang Ye, has impressed fans with his deep understanding of the character and his precise and outstanding acting skills. In recent years, Neo Hou's starring roles have consistently gained popularity and his talent has proven him to be one of the most promising actors in the new generation, steadily increasing his popularity among both the general public and fans.   Neo Hou's immersive acting in I Am Nobody In the fiercely competitive summer cdrama season, "I Am Nobody" precisely catered to the diverse viewing needs of a wide range of audiences with its high-quality content. Since its premiere, it has generated immense online buzz and has become the most popular drama in September, surpassing other shows airing during the same time slot. Moreover, the drama has garnered remarkable attention and praise for its exceptional and enduring content, with the majority of reviews being overwhelmingly positive. Not only has "I Am…

"I Am Nobody" went through a wave of controversies and delays when it premiered in early August, leaving the audience uncertain about its overall quality. Furthermore, as an adaptation of the manga "Yi Ren Zhi Xia (一人之下)," with its association with ACG, and its edgy and passionate storyline, it seemed to inherently carry a sense of unreliability, causing some anxiety. However, after watching the first 20 episodes, the plot, visual effects, and essence of the drama have all proven to be successful. In fact, for some viewers, the drama version is even more enjoyable than the anime. Director by Xu Hongyu, who previously directed web dramas such as "Cross Fire" and the film "Coffee or Tea?" particularly excelling in the youth-oriented and hot-blooded genre. This time, he approached " I Am Nobody" from the perspective of a seasoned editor, skillfully capturing the compact storyline of the series, and has achieved an impressive 10.5% market share in terms of viewership. What deserves even greater recognition is that, following "Bureau of Transformer" in 2019, the cdrama market has finally seen the emergence of a high-quality, truly urban fantasy drama, bringing a gust of innovation to the audience.   01 Trimming and tightening,…

It is extremely challenging to bring a perpetrator of sexual assault or harassment to justice. Just the first step of bravely speaking out and accusing the perpetrator requires immense courage from the victim, who must overcome both physiological and psychological fears, while may also enduring the societal backlash of victim-blaming. This is still true in the present-day society, let alone in the male-dominated and female-submissive ancient Chinese society, where seeking justice for an aggrieved woman would be even more arduous. Directed by Zang Xichuan, starring Wu Qian, Li Jiahang, Qiao Zhenyu, and Hu Yixuan, with special appearances by Tang Jingmei, Yang Yutong, and featuring Bai Shu, Zhang Kangle, and especially starring Deng Cuiwen, "Faithful" is a ancient suspense cdrama that focuses on such topics. It tells the story of a young girl, Lin Rulan, who, against the opposition of her close friend, Meng Wan, risks her own reputation to accuse the owner of the Embroidery House, Wu Lian, but finds no legal recourse and ends up taking her own life to prove her innocence. Meng Wan, after seven years of enduring hardships, gathers a team of nine righteous people including Liu Xin, who is intricately tied to the Lin Rulan…

As the first drama written and directed by Guo Jingming (pseudonym Gu Xiaosheng), "My Journey to You" has been in the spotlight since its premiere, and continues to be a topic of discussion. It is well known that popular directors/producers like Guo Jingming, Yu Zheng, and Wang Yixu, even if they have not released any works for a long time, are always surrounded by legends about them. Information about them is no longer clear and precise, as if all the praise and criticism are shrouded in a veil of mist, making it difficult to distinguish. It is unfair to judge the work itself and other cast and crew members from this perspective. Therefore, today, let us temporarily set aside the controversies and love-hate relationships that have long focused on Guo Jingming, and re-examine the work "My Journey to You".   The dichotomy of visual beauty and impressive sight When "My Journey to You" first aired, it was common to see some hesitant netizens wandering in various comment sections, trying to seek authentic evaluations from the viewers who were the first to watch this drama. Interestingly, although everyone's responses were different, the overall sentiment was surprisingly consistent, all expressing that this…

Directed by Su Zhaobin and Lin Ziping, with Ni Ni and Bai Yu as the leading actors, and Jin Han, Meng Ziyi, and Zhang Yishang making special appearances, the fantasy adventure cdrama "Parallel World (西出玉门)" is currently airing. The drama tell the story about Ye Liuxi and Chang Dong, one searching for the truth of their identity and the other unraveling the mysteries of the past, join forces to venture deep into the desert. In the depths of the desert, dangers lurk at every turn, as if invisible hands are pulling them into the the Jade Gate. Amidst various forces, they navigate through numerous troubles, unraveling the truth and gaining insights into true love through life-and-death trials. The truth seems within reach, but they also find themselves ensnared in a larger conspiracy. With its magnificent spectacle, unique visual style, tight pacing, and gripping storyline, the drama quickly captivates audiences of different ages and backgrounds.   A contemporary fantasy that lands with finesse "Parallel World" is a fresh attempt at Chinese fantasy drama. In previous fantasy dramas, the fantastical elements were often derived from the convergence of the past and present or the turmoil of human hearts. "Parallel World" takes a…

The urban fantasy and action cdrama "I Am Nobody (Yi Ren Zhi Xia, 异人之下)" is currently being hotly broadcasted. The series is adapted from the popular Chinese manga series "Under One Person" by Mi Er. Upon its release, it received a high IMDb rating of 9.4. The vast world-building, extraordinary abilities of the Yi Ren (异人), and the unique visual aesthetics rooted in Chinese classical culture have sparked a wave of Chinese fantasy in early September, igniting the passion of many viewers. The ordinary young protagonist Zhang Chulan (played by Peng Yuchang) is drawn into an unprecedented world of Yi Ren after his grandfather's body mysterious disappearance. Faced with the sudden onslaught of other forces and the unexpected arrival of the enigmatic girl Feng Baobao (played by Wang Yinglu), Zhang Chulan is determined to no longer conceal his own extraordinary abilities. As Zhang Chulan gradually delves into the secrets of his grandfather's past, he becomes immersed in the world of the Yi Ren, where the mysteries of history begin to unfold. And Feng Baobao's mysterious background appears to be the key to unraveling the enigma. Confronted with successive crises, the young Yi Ren unite and form deep friendships and bonds.…

The short drama "Escape from the British Museum" has become popular. This three-episode short video series, co-created by online media personalities Jianbing Guozai and Xiatian Meimei, is the most anticipated work in the film and television industry recently. It not only generated a lot of buzz on major online platforms but also received recognition and encouragement from numerous media outlets. Using personification as a narrative technique, it tells a sophisticated story: a delicate Chinese jade pot escapes from the British Museum and encounters a Chinese journalist named Zhang Yong'an, who is working overseas. They then embark on a journey back home together, fulfilling the task entrusted to her by the Chinese artifacts in the British Museum. With a total duration of less than 20 minutes, despite the insufficient maturity of its production elements such as scenes and props, the storytelling logic is complete, the emotions are abundant and solid, and the conveyed values are positioned at a very high level. It serves as a low-cost, high-level Chinese short drama model. After the release of the final episode, it directly sparked an explosive wave of praise. Many netizens were deeply moved by the scene where overseas cultural relics read letters to…

On September 2nd, the Jianghu scheme drama "My Journey to You" directed by Guo Jingming and starring Yu Shuxin, Zhang Linghe, and Cheng Lei, with special appearances by Zeng Shunxi, , and Chen Du Ling began airing. As the grand ceremony for selecting a consort approaches, Yun Weishan (played by Yu Shuxin), a skilled assassin, infiltrates the Gong Men sect to gather intelligence. However, unexpectedly both the master of the Gong Men and his designated successor are assassinated. Overnight, Gong Ziyu (played by Zhang Linghe), who has always been marginalized as the fourth prince suddenly becomes the new master of the Gong Men sect. In this twist of fate, Yun Weishan can only redirect her efforts towards capturing and seducing Gong Ziyu anew. After careful planning and manipulation she succeeds in becoming his bride. She had initially thought that once she became Gong Ziyu's wife she would complete her mission and attain freedom; little did she know that even more dangerous challenges awaited her. Her only ally being none other than Gong ZiYu himself who appeared to be an inept puppet ruler. With intricate reasoning consciousness intertwined with gripping plot tension, the mystery genre is becoming one of most significant…

In the past two months, the top projects in the film and television market have gathered. On August 31th, the total box office of summer Chinese films exceeded 20 billion yuan, breaking the record for domestic box office in the same period of history. Moreover, four films: "Lost in the Stars", "Never Say Never ", "Creation of the Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms" and "No More Bets" all surpassed 2 billion yuan at the box office. At present, it is expected that the final total box office for this season will reach 21 billion yuan. On the other hand, the drama market lagged a little behind the movie market, especially after entering July when there was a concentration of top dramas; only "Lost You Forever" and "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" achieved explosive data. To some extent, having a concentration of popular projects can help boost market activity and potentially create blockbusters. By looking at how movies and dramas perform, we may be able to understand specific situations within both industries from an industry perspective as well as from a market point of view. Given that Chinese film and television companies are generally choosing to focus on both movies and TV dramas…

On the 18th of August, 2023, the latest martial arts comedy drama by Zhao Benshan, titled "Legend of the Undercover Chef", premiered. In the late years of some dynasty, there were frequent Wokou invasions and eunuchs held absolute power. Cao Gonggong from Dongchang conspired with the Wokou to harm the martial arts community in Zhongyuan and plotted rebellion. Ximen Changhai's public identity was the head of Magpie Saber Sect, but he was actually a member of a secret anti-wokou organization. Besides eradicating the invaders, another important task was to uncover the traitors colluding with them within the court. At the same time, Cao Gonggong also discovered that there were martial artists opposing him within the martial arts community and secretly sent people to monitor their every move. To deceive others while carrying out this clandestine mission, Ximen Changhai (played by Zhao Benshan) sought out his twin brother Ximen Changzai (also played by Zhao Benshan), who lived far away in their hometown, and asked him to impersonate himself. Although they were twins, Changhai and Changzai had completely different personalities and life paths. The younger brother was a heroic figure with great courage, while the older brother was timid and cowardly like…

Directed by Wendeguang, adapted from the novel "Ceng Feng Liu," starring Jing Tian and Feng Shaofeng, with Wang Likun, Zhou Yiran, Xu Haiqiao, and others in leading roles, the historical inspirational & romance drama "The Legend of Zhuohua" is currently airing. The story revolves around Mu Zhuohua, an ambitious female aspiring for success and fame. She crosses paths with Liu Yan, a warrior determined to seek justice on the battlefield and protect their comrades-in-arms. Their journey intertwines redemption and love as they unite to defend their homeland. The show has received relatively positive feedback for several reasons. Firstly, the popularity of Feng Shaofeng and Jing Tian as lead actors generated considerable anticipation among viewers when they were cast as a couple in this production. Secondly, the drama centers around female inspirational topics which have always resonated well with female audiences. Particularly noteworthy is Jing Tian's portrayal of Mu Zhuohua's character that has gained a loyal following due to her memorable lines and strong personality traits. Although set against a historical backdrop, these characters express contemporary women's aspirations. Women's empowerment dramas have always been an essential genre in Chinese drama productions - whether featuring strong female leads or ensemble casts centered…

On the list of top-rated Chinese costume dramas compiled, there are the "Four Classics" that have firmly held their ground: "Empresses in the Palace," "Nirvana in Fire," "The Story of Minglan," and "Joy of Life." Regardless of how many new costume dramas may have dazzled in recent years or how many years have passed since their release, these finely crafted masterpieces continue to unleash a long-lasting impact, continuously appreciated by both new and old audiences. In this article, we're going to dive into the "Nirvana in Fire," which has been distributed to 120 countries worldwide. Why is this ancient costume drama, produced by Daylight Entertainment, hailed as the pinnacle of Chinese costume dramas? Simply put, its emergence not only helped Hu Ge successfully transform his career but also presented viewers with an extraordinary sense of quality that had long been absent. It completely ended the era dominated by mediocre cdramas and ushered in a new era of overall improvement in costume drama production.   01 Intriguing Political Revenge Story Is "Nirvana in Fire" considered an enjoyable drama for audience? This may be the only point of controversy for this highly acclaimed drama on Douban with over 780k ratings and a…

When you first watch the Xuanhuan drama "Love You Seven Times", the first thing that catches the eye is a dazzling mythical world, followed by a sudden shift to a jungle survival tale, and then swiftly transitioning into a childhood sweetheart love story. In just the first three episodes, the story smoothly switches between three perspectives, which is truly refreshing. According to the overall setting, there are also five distinct small worlds waiting to be deciphered in future episodes. "Love You Seven Times" constructs a fascinating and imaginative new worldview - the Colorful Cloud Myth Paradise. Building upon this foundation, it introduces an innovative concept of an infinite flow while maintaining an intense pure love configuration and skillfully laying out seven captivating romantic subplots. Based on the aired episodes, both the production quality and storytelling deserve recognition. The ability to turn wild fantasies into reality and cleverly convey positive views on love through its plot is enough proof of curiosity, imagination, and drive behind its creators.   Infinite flow romantic subplots "Love You Seven Times" is adapted from Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's original novel "Yi Shi Chong Dong, Qi Shi Bu Xiang." It tells the story of Xiangyun (played by…

The costume fantasy drama "Lost You Forever", written by Tonghua and directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan, starring Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Dai Luwa, and Wang Hongyi, has come to an end on Tencent Video. A tumultuous journey of watching the drama has thus concluded. For a wonderful drama like "Lost You Forever", the audience never stops urging for more updates. The speed at which it is aired is often very fast; twenty days of binge-watching quickly pass by. However, the longing and reminiscence in the hearts of the viewers are also enduring feelings that stretch like vast mountains and rivers. From today onwards, Xiaoyao's yearning bids farewell temporarily while the viewers' yearning has just begun. What viewers yearn for is Xiaoyao (played by Yang Zi), who embodies their ideal image of a female protagonist; it is the different emotional patterns between the female lead and Cang Xuan (played by Zhang Wanyi), Tushan Jing (played by Deng Wei), Xiangliu (played by Tan Jianci), Chishui Fenglong (played by Wang Hongyi), which stimulate their imagination about intimate relationships; it is also the authentic plotline with highly unified production aesthetics that evoke fascination with Chinese bad ending style. Undoubtedly, "Lost…

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…

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…