After the Spring Festival in 2025, the movie market has been lackluster. Whether it's short holidays like Tomb - Sweeping Festival and Dragon Boat Festival or the five - day May Day holiday, there have been few good movies. As half of 2025 has passed and the summer movie season is approaching, the first part of the suspense drama Jiangyuan Nong (酱园弄), directed by Peter Chan and starring popular and powerful actors such as Zhang Ziyi, Lei Jiayin, and Wang Chuanjun, was officially released nationwide on June 21. From the preview screening to the official release in just a few days, the movie has gained significant popularity.
The Founding of a Republic
Jiangyuan Nong is known as the suspense version of The Founding of a Republic. It not only has Zhang Ziyi and Lei Jiayin in leading roles but also features well - recognized powerful actors like Wang Chuanjun, Mei Ting, and Fan Wei as supporting roles. With the support of high - profile stars such as Li Xian, Jackson Yee, Zhang Zifeng, and Xie Na, the movie has attracted much attention from its inception to filming and later promotion. Especially, it's rare for Yang Mi and Zhao Liying, two top 85 - generation actresses, to co - star. Any news about them has caused a stir.
Previously, Jiangyuan Nong had its preview screening. Tens of thousands of audiences watched it in advance, and there was a heated discussion about the movie's content and the stars' performances. Since the movie is based on the real 'Case of Zhan Zhou Shi Killing Her Husband' that happened in Jiangyuan Nong, Xinchang Road, Shanghai in 1945, the plot is somewhat predictable. In contrast, the acting skills PK among the stars is the main focus.
Based on the real reviews of many audiences, there's no doubt about Zhang Ziyi's acting skills, and everyone speaks highly of her. Regarding Yang Mi and Zhao Liying, some think this is Yang Mi's chance to make a comeback, while others believe Zhao Liying's lines and acting are better. The comparison between their acting skills is not only a topic for ordinary people but also a battle for their fans.
It's worth noting that as early as the project - planning stage, when the news of Yang Mi and Zhao Liying co - starring came out, their fans argued about whose role was more important and whose name should be listed higher. At last year's Cannes Film Festival, director Peter Chan, along with Zhang Ziyi, Lei Jiayin, Li Xian, and Yang Mi, made a high - profile appearance, but Zhao Liying was absent. Many thought Yang Mi had an advantage.
At that time, many netizens questioned Zhao Liying's fashion sense and her ability to handle big occasions, which led to a lot of criticism. Now, during the public screening stage, whether it's the road shows or the Shanghai International Film Festival, only Yang Mi was seen, and Zhao Liying was nowhere to be found, raising questions about her importance in the movie again.
Sauce Garden Lane Stills
On June 21, the group portrait poster of Jiangyuan Nong was officially exposed. The poster has a vintage film - roll style. There are 11 stars showing their full faces, including Mei Ting, Zhang Ziyi, Da Peng, Yang Mi, Zhao Liying, Li Xian, Lei Jiayin, Wang Chuanjun, etc. Zhang Ziyi and Lei Jiayin, the leading actors, share the C - position, one at the top and the other at the bottom, with the most prominent positions.
On the left and right sides of Lei Jiayin are Li Xian and Da Peng respectively, indicating that they have relatively important roles among the male actors. Looking at Zhang Ziyi, Yang Mi and Zhao Liying are on her two sides. Whether it's the position or the size of their images, they are treated equally, showing that their roles in the movie and the industry's recognition of them are the same. This even - handed approach is quite smart.
Indeed, Yang Mi has been popular for many years, and her top - star status remains stable. Her fashion resources are excellent among the 85 - generation actresses. Zhao Liying has transformed from a walk - on to a leading actress. In recent years, she has had a series of hit works. A Dream of Splendor was a big hit, and works outside her comfort zone like Wind Blows in Banxia and A Lifelong Journey were well - received. She has won multiple acting awards, achieving success in both TV dramas and movies.
In contrast, in the past year, from The Fox and the Hound to Harbin 1944 and One Hot Pot, Yang Mi has faced criticism for her looks, posture, and acting skills. However, in Jiangyuan Nong, the production team treats her equally with Zhao Liying, indicating that they are evenly matched at present.
Finally, whether you're an ordinary person or a star, strength matters. For actors, acting skills are crucial. Instead of arguing about the position in the credits, it's more important to improve acting skills. Friends who have watched the movie, who do you think performed better, Yang Mi or Zhao Liying, in Jiangyuan Nong?
