The fantasy drama The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传), starring Yang Yang and Jin Chen, dominates streaming charts with its breathtaking scenery and spellbinding combat sequences. Praised by state media for its profound exploration of self-discovery through cultivation, the show's meticulously choreographed fights and dazzling special effects set a new standard for the genre.
Yet amidst this visual feast, a discordant element emerges: the jarring presence of actresses whose altered facial features disrupt the very Xianxia essence viewers crave. Their performances, while competent, are overshadowed by the unnatural appearance that pulls audiences out of the immersive world.
Technology Face
1. Jin Chen (金晨)
Jin Chen portrays Nangong Wan (南宫婉), a character described as possessing noble elegance and devastating beauty. While her fight sequences are executed with impressive precision and she captures a certain aloofness fitting for a senior disciple, her physical presentation becomes an unintended focal point. An unnaturally sharp chin and sunken cheeks contrast sharply with the character's envisioned lush, majestic beauty. Distracting viewers further, an asymmetry in her mouth becomes noticeable during speech and expressions.
This disconnect transforms what should be a character inspiring awe into one that provokes unintended scrutiny, diminishing the intended impact of Nangong Wan's ethereal presence. Audiences expecting timeless allure instead find distraction.
2. Liu Yan (柳岩)
Liu Yan brings experience to the role of Hong Fu ( 红拂), conveying the character's necessary steadiness and hidden fierceness effectively through subtle shifts in gaze and posture. However, her altered facial structure undermines this performance. Once celebrated for a naturally voluptuous appeal, her appearance in the drama features prominently elevated apple cheeks that remain unnaturally immobile during emotional scenes.
This artificial plumpness creates a mask-like effect, particularly jarring when she shares the screen with actors displaying natural, fluid expressions. The intended gravitas of a seasoned cultivator is compromised, replaced by an unsettling synthetic quality that draws constant, unfavorable comparison.
3. Han Yunzhi (菡云芝)
Playing the lively and innocent cultivator Han Yunzhi, Liang Yongni (梁咏妮) demonstrates commendable emotional range, effectively conveying both vulnerability and youthful exuberance. Unfortunately, her performance is hampered by a face exhibiting significant signs of cosmetic enhancement. Overfilled cheeks create unnaturally high contours resembling "plateaus," lacking the subtlety and mobility essential for genuine expressiveness.
This excessive medical aesthetic treatment strips the character of her needed natural vibrancy, rendering her more akin to a meticulously crafted doll than a spirited young woman. The intended charm of Han Yunzhi is lost beneath a layer of artificiality.
4. Zhao Xiaotang (赵小棠)
Zhao Xiaotang, who has openly discussed undergoing cosmetic procedures, faces the most criticism for her portrayal of Chen Qiaoqian (陈巧倩). Her performance is frequently described as wooden, with expressions oscillating between rigidity and exaggerated intensity, failing to connect with scene partners. Compounding this, her altered features present significant challenges.
A noticeable tendency towards esotropia (crossed eyes), particularly during moments of concentration, creates an unintended look of vacancy. Combined with restricted lip movement that distorts smiles into unnatural shapes, her overall presence feels disconnected and awkward. The visible impact of procedures on fundamental expressiveness becomes a significant barrier to believability.
Natural Face
1. Zhao Qing (赵晴)
In stark contrast to the struggles of the "Tech Faces," actresses with natural features deliver performances that resonate deeply, showcasing the irreplaceable power of authentic expression. Zhao Qing (赵晴), portraying Mo Caihuan (墨彩环) with limited screen time, emerges as a revelation. Her unaltered complexion withstands intense close-ups, radiating a healthy, natural glow devoid of artificial enhancement. Her delicate features, characterized by expressive crescent-moon eyes when smiling and a touch of innate sweetness, perfectly embody Mo Caihuan's quirky yet gentle nature.
Crucially, her emotional range flows effortlessly: tears welling naturally, lips trembling with genuine sorrow, and smiles revealing authentic, shallow dimples. This unforced expressiveness allows audiences to connect immediately with her character's emotional journey without visual distraction.
2. Jin Jiayue (金佳悦)
Jin Jiayue, as Dong Xuan'er (董宣儿), captivates viewers with her harmonious, naturally balanced features. Her face moves fluidly, conveying Dong Xuan'er's coquettish charm and underlying warmth with remarkable ease. Whether flashing a mischievous glint, furrowing her brow in annoyance, or blushing with authentic shyness, every micro-expression feels genuine and integral to the character.
This seamless integration of actor and role creates a powerful sense of realism within the fantasy setting. Her natural screen presence invites viewers into the narrative completely, prompting many to wish she had been cast in a more central role like Nangong Wan, believing her authenticity would have elevated the character further.
The runaway success of The Immortal Ascension underscores viewers' hunger for compelling stories, skilled performances, and actors who authentically inhabit their roles. While cosmetic procedures are a personal choice, their excessive or visible application within the Xianxia genre creates a significant dissonance. This genre thrives on the portrayal of "immortal spirit" and innate vitality – qualities inherently linked to natural grace and spontaneous expressiveness.
A naturally expressive face becomes a powerful asset, enhancing character depth and audience immersion. Conversely, a face restricted or altered to the point of artificiality, regardless of the actor's underlying skill, becomes a barrier that even the strongest performance struggles to overcome. The difference between genuine presence and manufactured appearance is starkly visible on screen, leaving little doubt about who truly embodies the spirit of the cultivation world.
