Xianxia-themed web series and online literature have enjoyed tremendous popularity, yet the big screen seems to lack Xianxia-themed films. Why is that? Firstly, in terms of creative adaptation, the vast and intricate world of Xianxia presents significant challenges for filmmakers. This complexity often restricts the adaptation of Xianxia IPs to television series rather than feature films. Xianxia dramas typically span over 30 episodes, allowing ample time to depict the fantastical realms of Xianxia in detail. However, condensing the intricate world-building and character relationships of Xianxia into a 120-minute film presents a formidable challenge. Without sufficient exposition, audiences may struggle to grasp the backstory and nuances of the Xianxia world, leading to confusion and disengagement. Furthermore, the commercial viability of Xianxia films is another consideration. While Xianxia-themed web series and online literature have found success with niche audiences, the broader appeal of Xianxia films on the big screen remains uncertain. Unlike television dramas, which can cater to specific fanbases over multiple episodes, films require a broader appeal to attract a larger audience and recoup production costs. Given the niche nature of Xianxia content and its relatively limited mainstream appeal, studios may be hesitant to invest in Xianxia films for fear of…

The initial attraction to "The Story of Suzhou" was its poetic poster. The ancient city’s flowing water, misty bridges, and a beautiful woman standing on a stone slab, separated from the bustling city, captivated many. The poster featured a couplet: "In spring, Suzhou's greenery spans the river, stone bridges and red towers remain unchanged." As the premiere approached, this poetic atmosphere only intensified. The official social media account wrote: "Unveiling the splendor of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage, weaving a new chapter of millennia-old cultural lineage." Lead actress Xiao Yan said, "Within the opening and closing of scenes, one sees the beauty of intangible heritage, and encounters the vibrant life of Jiangnan in the streets and alleys." In today's extensive audio-visual entertainment landscape, how should cultural and tourism micro-dramas position themselves? What role should these short dramas play in promoting local culture and tourism? "The Story of Suzhou" provides the answer: a key, that fully unlocks the audience's curiosity and desire to explore. Literature once played this role. Wang Anyi casually wrote in her book, "The moonlight in Suzhou seems especially cool and smooth, people feel refreshingly clear, even sleep is clear and bright," sparking readers' longing. "The Story of Suzhou"…

In the realm of popular TV series for the second quarter, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Moon Red Arc" (hereafter referred to as "Moon Red Arc") undeniably claims a prominent position. Fans of Chinese animation eagerly anticipate the adaptation of a major IP into a drama, while enthusiasts of ancient puppetry rejoice in the arrival of fresh content. Followers of the cast cheer at the prospect of witnessing the "visual ceiling" of Yang Mi and Gong Jun in traditional costumes. Within the industry, there's considerable curiosity surrounding the debut application of virtual production technology in a domestically produced long-form drama. As various perspectives converge, "Moon Red Arc" has garnered significant attention since its premiere, with its collaboration with over 50 brands interpreted by netizens as a "crushing victory" in terms of commercial success. However, amidst the hype, the essence of a series remains its backbone. Many viewers, despite praising the first-class technical craftsmanship that crafts a fantastical world of folklore and integrates exquisite scenic designs with traditional cultural elements, find themselves at a loss when it comes to discussing the mediocre and thin storyline. At one point, sharp critiques of the "ancient puppet vase" began circulating widely. Behind this lies the inherent…

Youku unveiled its 2024 "Spring Gathering" lineup, announcing 77 major dramas spanning five categories: historical, suspense, urban, legend, and Hong Kong dramas. However, one series stands out prominently, distinct from the five main categories, it is "Sea of Dreams," adapted from Liu Cixin's eponymous short science fiction story. The mention of "science fiction" stirs mixed feelings. Chinese sci-fi dramas have had a tumultuous track record, with audience expectations rising and falling over the years. There has always been hope that the rise of the Chinese film and TV industry would bring higher-quality local sci-fi productions. However, science fiction remains a "high-hanging fruit" in Chinese dramas, seldom attempted. Few dare to take on the challenge, and even fewer succeed. Thus, upon learning that "Sea of Dreams" is a sci-fi series, one can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern. Will this show manage to uphold the promise of Chinese sci-fi, a promise rekindled by "The Wandering Earth," or will it fall short and close the door on this genre once again? "Sea of Dreams" boasts significant pedigree. It is based on Liu Cixin's short story, published in 2002 in the "Science Fiction World" magazine, and tells a wildly imaginative…

"Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Haired Girl" stands as a flagship endeavor in the realm of live-action adaptations of beloved comics, boasting a star-studded cast featuring top-tier actors for both male and female leads. With its pre-release marketing campaigns pulling out all the stops, it seemed almost inevitable that the series would make a splash upon its premiere. However, beneath the surface of initial excitement lies a simmering undercurrent of discontent surrounding "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Haired Girl." Despite its promising credentials, the series has faced a barrage of criticism from audiences, who have taken aim at its lackluster plot and simplistic dialogue, likening it to children's programming and dubbing it "baby fairy tale martial arts" for turning a revered Chinese comic IP into what feels like juvenile entertainment. As the dust settles after the initial broadcast of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Haired Girl," the debate over its merits continues to rage within the online community. While some viewers praise its visual appeal and the performances of its star-studded cast, others remain staunchly critical of its narrative shortcomings and perceived lack of depth. One of the primary grievances leveled against the series is its treatment of the source material. Fans of the original comic,…

Peking Opera, which is also called Beijing Opera, is a Chinese theater style that has been around for hundreds of years. It includes singing, acting, dance, and gymnastics. It began in the late 18th century and has become one of China's most important traditional customs. But what is it about Peking Opera that makes it so interesting and different? Let's learn more about the methods and practices that make this art form unique. How Peking Opera Began and How It Has Changed Over Time In the 1790s, four Anhui opera troupes came to Beijing to play for the royal court. This is where Peking Opera got its start. Over time, these troupes mixed styles from around the world with Beijing's own style, which is what we now call Peking Opera. The art form did very well during the Qing Dynasty and kept changing by taking parts from other opera styles and folk arts. Even though it had problems during the Cultural Revolution, Peking Opera has come back to life and continues to amaze people all over the world. Traditional Asian Theater Music Traditional Asian theater music plays a vital role in setting the stage and enhancing the storytelling of various…

"Joy of Life" stands as a representative work in the adaptation of online novel works, and with its performance over two seasons, it is poised to become the most successful TV series adapted from an online novel, provided the third season maintains its quality. The second season builds on and diverges from the first, with the latter emphasizing entertainment and playfulness, while the former embeds a stronger sense of serious drama and critical commentary. This season continues with episodic storytelling, resembling a transformed road movie with its myriad plot threads and diverse characters. To simplify the discussion, let's focus on the characters and their roles in the series.   Scrutinizing Imperial Power One memorable character is Lai Mingcheng (played by Bi Yanjun), the Censorate official whose brief appearance leaves a lasting impact. As a Censorate official, he has the authority to report on any official misconduct and to supervise all officials. Throughout history, Censorate officials have been known for their fearless criticisms of powerful ministers and even the emperor. They enjoy greater freedom of speech and immunity than other officials, and wise emperors are wary of being accused of silencing critics. Some Censorate officials treat their position as a regular…

Content creators who consistently engage with the public's aesthetic preferences are quicker and more acutely aware of changes in audience demands, down to the finest details. Looking back at the content market of the past two years, blockbusters often resonate with real-life experiences or are born in the spiritual homeland of traditional culture. "The Double," an ancient costume drama about women's growth and inspiration, achieved over 10,000 views within three days of its premiere on Youku. It became the fastest drama to reach this milestone in 2024, with the highest first-day viewership and popularity on its launch day. The series has already secured its status as a national hit, driven by word-of-mouth among viewers. Starring Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, and Chen Xinhai, "The Double (Mo Yu Yun Jian, 墨雨云间)" is a historical romance drama that tells the story of Xue Fangfei (played by Wu Jinyan), the daughter of a county magistrate who loses everything after a major upheaval. Under the request of her savior, Jiang Li (played by Yang Chaoyue), the daughter of the Zhongshu Ling, she returns to the capital under Jiang Li's identity. With the help of Duke Xiao Heng (played by Wang Xingyue) and others, she overcomes…

On May, the much-anticipated exhibition "The Diverse Life of Song-Jin Dynasty Murals in Shanxi" opened at the Shanxi Museum. For the first time, this exhibition brings together 89 pieces (15 groups) of precious Song and Jin Dynasty murals and brick carvings from Shanxi, inviting us to delve into the unique allure of these historical artworks. The exhibition vividly showcases themes such as home, celebrations, family values, and wishes depicted in Song-Jin murals, transporting us back to the everyday life of that era. For instance, the mural tomb in Nanguan Village, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province, is a Jin Dynasty brick-carved mural tomb. The tomb murals reflect the traditional layout of Jin Dynasty burial customs in the Central Plains, featuring various treasures, male and female attendants, rockeries and birds, offerings of wealth, and guardian spirits, all illustrating the colorful imagination of the afterlife, striving to ensure a prosperous and stable future world. Murals, one of the oldest forms of Chinese painting. Often found on the walls and ceilings of halls, tombs, temples, and grottoes, these murals provide a glimpse into the social, religious, architectural, artistic, and folk developments over the past two thousand years. In addition to Shanxi’s rich murals, regions from…

In recent years, the trend of female-centric dramas, including ensemble cast dramas and strong female lead dramas, has become prominent. This trend has extended into historical dramas, leading to new narratives where female protagonists build their fortunes and conquer the business world through their own efforts. For instance, "Blossoms in Adversity," which concluded in early May, tells the story of the noblewoman Huazhi who, along with her family, overcomes adversity by starting a business. This wave of female protagonists navigating the business world in historical dramas shows no signs of slowing down. Numerous dramas wrapped filming from last year to this year, featuring female leads as businesswomen. According to official synopses, the female lead in "Liu Zhou Story," Liu Miantang, opens a porcelain shop; the protagonist in "Brocade Odyssey," Ji Yingying, is involved in the Shu brocade business; and the lead in "The Story of Pearl Girl," Duanwu, deals in jewelry. Moreover, the ongoing production "Flourished Peony" will narrate the story of He Weifang, who starts a flower business. Adding to this, "A Dream of Splendor," which aired last year, centers on the tea house owner Zhao Pan'er, who expands her small tea house into the largest restaurant in Dongjing.…

In early May, two mini-series, "Regeneration" and "To the Wonder," quickly stood out with their unique narrative structures, cinematic visuals, and profound philosophical reflections on human nature, rapidly gaining popularity both within and outside the industry. Mid-month, after a five-year hiatus, "Joy of Life Season 2" was finally released, with soaring viewership breaking records and unprecedented competition among advertisers for prime slots, cementing its status upon its debut. By the end of the month, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and "Golden Trio" made a high-profile entrance, sparking heated discussions with their high-profile cast, injecting fresh energy into adaptations and dramas focused on older audiences. From a market performance perspective, "Joy of Life 2" maintained an exceptionally high level of popularity and market share, dominating the landscape. "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and "Golden Trio" leveraged strong public appeal to maintain their core audiences. "Regeneration" and "To the Wonder" exceeded market expectations with significant long-tail effects post-broadcast. However, "Reblooming Blue," "Heroes," and "Tell No One" either suffered from limited subject matter appeal or were overshadowed by surprise releases, resulting in relatively underwhelming performances. In terms of reputation, most series scored below 7 out of 10, with no shows reaching a 9.…

Since the premiere of "Joy of Life Season 2," the drama's popularity and discussion levels have soared, leaving other shows behind. Scenes such as the Baoyue Lou and Fan Xian's wedding have continued to be hot topics, with Tencent's peak heat index breaking the 34,000 mark, solidifying its reputation as the "drama king." From the first season of "Joy of Life" in 2019 to the second season five years later, the consistently high levels of discussion and viewership prove the success of "Joy of Life" as a male-oriented IP adaptation. More notably, the second season featured a large number of customized advertisements, demonstrating the market's successful bet on its hit status, adding commercial certainty to such male-oriented IP adaptations. Before "Joy of Life," adaptations of male-oriented dramass had not achieved landmark success. Many male-oriented dramas, after adaptation and airing, did not perform as expected, either due to issues with the plot adaptation or production quality. Therefore, examining the success of "Joy of Life" can outline a replicable commercial path for successful adaptations of male-oriented dramass. The double success of "Joy of Life" over five years has reignited market expectations for male-oriented dramas dramas. Who will be the next drama king?…

The market for historical costume dramas, primarily targeting young audiences, has always welcomed the arrival of dramas with higher attractiveness, fresher faces, and more sophisticated costume and set designs. Even before the arrival of summer, various types of historical costume dramas based on IP have flooded the market. Leading the charge is "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact," the first live-action adaptation of the popular anime "Fox Spirit Matchmaker," produced by iQIYI. Starring Yang Mi and Gong Jun, it is an eastern fantasy drama. The strong appeal of A-list actors, magnificent scenery, and exquisite costume design have become the magic weapons for attracting attention and winning over fans. With top-notch production values, the series delivers a visual feast, presenting a dazzling array of beauties and scenery imbued with Eastern charm, immersing viewers in its splendor. Many have predicted that "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" will surely secure a place on the hot drama charts at the end of May. As expected, the drama's premiere attracted attention, with its popularity on streaming platforms surpassing 8888 within 19 hours. It quickly climbed to the top spot on popular drama charts on platforms from the second day of its TV broadcast. Various trending topics…

After a hiatus of three and a half years, "National Treasure" Season 4 is finally back. This season continues its collaboration with the Palace Museum, along with the debut of eight new cultural and historical institutions from provinces, municipalities, and special administrative regions, painting a magnificent historical panorama of China's enduring civilization. The Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, the Fujian Museum, the Jilin Museum, the Tianjin Museum, the Anhui Museum, the Jiangxi Museum, the Qinghai Museum, and the Palace Museum are all part of this grand endeavor.   1 - Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department Highlights: This is not just a museum; it represents a group of distinctive museums. Among them are larger-scale institutions such as the Hong Kong History Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Culture, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as smaller yet exquisite ones like the Tea Utensils Museum and the Sam Tung Uk Museum. They document Hong Kong's transition from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis, preserving its cultural fabric and historical heritage.   2 - Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum Highlights: The Three Gorges Museum is not solely about the…

"Joy of Life Season 2" has proven two things since its premiere: first, it can inherit many of the essence of the first season; second, it can elevate itself. The former ensures its initial high popularity, while the latter ensures its sustained popularity. The multiple reversals in crucial scenes, Fan Xian's shift from defense to offense, and the thought-provoking social commentary all contribute to the unique experience of this drama, which is both thrilling and profound.   Accumulating Momentum and Concentrated Reversals One particularly satisfying upgrade in "Joy of Life Season 2" is the arrangement of crucial scenes, which not only emphasizes the layers of setup before these scenes but also focuses on the multiple reversals within them, captivating the audience with each turn of events. Typically, film and television productions avoid lingering in a single scene for too long to prevent viewer fatigue. When forced to remain in a single scene, various flashy camera techniques or martial arts scenes are often employed to add variety. "Joy of Life Season 2" is one of the few productions that can keep the audience engaged in a single scene without the need for elaborate camera techniques or martial arts scenes. This is…

In the scorching heat of summer, ancient Chinese people didn't have sunscreen, but they took sun protection seriously. Though the concept of physical sunscreen is a recent development, the approach to sun protection was quite similar: "shade" was key. Follow BAZAAR CHINOISERIE to learn how ancient people protected themselves from the sun. To shield themselves from the sun while staying mobile, a sun hat is the perfect summer accessory. Surprisingly, "sun hats" aren't a modern invention; they're mentioned directly in ancient texts. For instance, during the Ming Dynasty, the "Xu Tong Dian" listed various hats, mentioning: "Sun hats were permitted for scholars entering the imperial examinations during the early Ming Dynasty. (遮阳帽，明初士人贡举入监者许戴之。)" Similarly, the "Jian Hu Ji" describes the "sun hat" as follows: "According to Ming regulations, scholars could wear large sun hats after completing their studies at the imperial college, similar to the ancient bamboo hats or the Tang dynasty silk hats. (明制。士子入胄监满日。许戴遮阳大帽。即古笠。又唐时所谓席帽也。)" In addition, there were also Weimao (帷帽) popular during the Tang and Song dynasties. These hats had thin gauze attached under wide brims, offering advanced sun protection while also shielding against some wind and dust. Curtain hats, also known as Zhaojun hats, are said to be…

The long-awaited "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" has finally premiered. Before its release, the number of reservations on the platform has surpassed 7.94 million, breaking the historical record for reservations on iQIYI, igniting tremendous excitement. Adapted from the manga "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" by Xiao Xin Tuo. In a world of constant conflict between humans and spirits, the righteous head of the Tu Mountain Fox Clan, Tu Shan Hong Hong (played by Yang Mi), hopes for peace between both sides. To achieve this, she joins forces with Dongfang Yue Chu (played by Gong Jun), an orphan from the Dongfang family, to embark on a mission to foster love between humans and spirits. Their goal is to resist the dark forces threatening the Tu Mountain and to dissolve the sinister powers fueling the discord between humans and spirits. The stellar cast includes Yang Mi and Gong Jun as the lead actors, with special appearances by Guo Xiaoting, Wei Zheming, Hu Lianxin, and Wen Zhengrong. The three romantic storylines feature the heartfelt performances of Zhu Xudan and Yang Shize, Chen Yao and Mao Zijun, and Chen Duling and Zhang Linghe. With their outstanding looks, acting skills, and popularity, this lineup has stirred up…

The phenomenon-level hit drama "Joy of Life" welcomed its second season, garnering immense attention. Upon its release, the drama immediately dominated the hot search lists and broke historical records on Tencent Video, earning the title of "Drama King" officially certified by Tencent itself. Currently, "Joy of Life Season 2" has set a new record for the highest heat value in Tencent Video's history, claiming the top spot in viewership ratings during its time slot, truly deserving the title of a "hit drama." Since the airing of "Joy of Life 1," it has been five years, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger: Fan Xian (played by Zhang Ruoyun) was sent on a mission to the Northern Qi, one of his tasks being to retrieve Yan Bingyun. However, during the negotiations, he was betrayed by Yan Bingyun and collapsed after being stabbed, coughing up blood. As the protagonist of the series, we all know Fan Xian won't easily die, but how he dies and how he survives are intriguing questions. The beginning of "Joy of Life Season 2" briefly callbacks to the past, quickly refreshing the memories of the audience. Afterwards, Yan Bingyun personally sets fire to the corpse in front of the…

On the afternoon of May 22nd, "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" held an advance screening in Beijing. Five specially invited experts, along with media representatives and 300 audience members, gathered to watch the exciting first two episodes of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" on the big screen. They engaged in in-depth discussions with the executive producer of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact" and senior vice president of iQIYI, Dai Ying, as well as directors Mai Guanzhi and Du Lin. The five experts were Wang Yichuan, Vice Chairman of the China Literary Critics Association; Kang Wei, Editor-in-Chief of China Art News; screenwriter Song Fangjin; renowned director Lin Nan, known for his expertise in fantasy genres; and Li Yinghui, an expert in filigree inlay and lecturer at Zhejiang International Studies University. Li Yinghui was also involved in the prop production for the series and shared the rich history of filigree inlay craftsmanship with the audience, highlighting its clever application in the show. The experts provided immediate feedback and shared their impressions and evaluations of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact."   Wang Yichuan: Embodies the chivalrous spirit of traditional Chinese culture I've had limited exposure to fantasy dramas in the past, so I…

After countless calls and anticipation, Fan Xian has returned. On the evening of May 16th, after a 5-year hiatus, "Joy of Life 2" premiered online, skyrocketing in viewership and popularity. With a peak viewership rating surpassing 2.2 and a market share of 10%, it secured the top spot in viewership during the same time slot. On Tencent Video, its internal heat index reached 32,906, making it the first series in history to enter Tencent Video's hit club on its premiere day. On the second day of its release, the heat index surged to 33,636, breaking the platform's historical record held by "A Dream of Splendor" for two years (33,520). The actual views exceeded 29 million, setting a new high for the first-day views of new dramas in 2024. Topics related to "Joy of Life 2" dominated various social media platforms, with 16 trending searches within two hours of its premiere, almost monopolizing the charts. These impressive figures have solidified "Joy of Life 2" as the "King of Dramas". From a male-oriented work adaptation into a commercialized benchmark five years ago, to leading the entire online drama landscape with a bang upon its return, "Joy of Life" not only ignited another…