The finale of Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Ⅲ: Chang'an (唐诡3) has sparked vibrant discussions, particularly around its female characters. Many viewers argue that the supporting roles outshine the lead, creating a rich tapestry where each woman possesses a distinct and compelling beauty defined by her unique styling and narrative purpose.
Vitality and Ingenuity
Pei Xijun (裴喜君), portrayed by Gao Siwen (郜思雯), captivates with her signature "bunny" hairstyle. This look, featuring twin buns resembling rabbit ears, falls under the broader category of Shuangji (双髻). It perfectly mirrors her clever and lively personality. Her wardrobe, dominated by Qixiong shanqun (齐胸衫裙) robes in soft yellows and pinks, enhances a youthful, delicate charm.
The costume design employs a clever color strategy. While the base palette is gentle, stylists introduced subtle contrasts with muted reds and blues or yellows and greens. These accents add visual pop without overwhelming the character's sweet essence, making her outfits both period-appropriate and strikingly modern to the eye.
This thoughtful styling extends to Chu Yingtao (褚樱桃), played by Sun Xuening (孙雪宁). Her character's martial prowess is reflected in modified Yuanling (圆领) robes with detachable sleeves and turned-down collars, offering a practical yet elegant silhouette. The dominant deep hues of her attire underscore her serious, capable nature.
Elegance and Poise
In contrast, the characters of Wu Yang and Hong Yao explore different facets of Tang femininity. Wu Yang, acted by Ma Fanding (马凡丁), is noted for her Luoji (螺髻), a spiral-shaped chignon. Her clothing leans into youthful styles with Tanling half-sleeves, projecting a sweet, maidenly image.
Her color scheme of yellow-greens and pinks is brightened by a vermilion hair comb, a detail hinting at latent courage. Hong Yao (红药), brought to life by Xu Lingyue (许龄月), wears her hair in a soft Huanji (鬟髻), a looped bun that frames her face gracefully. Her costumes are daring in color, often a rich, potent red.
Detailed accents on her garments feature striking clashes of red-green or red-blue, visually narrating her allure and hidden complexities. These choices move beyond aesthetics, using color and form to silently convey each woman's inner world and social standing.
Strength and Mystery
The series also presents women of formidable strength and enigmatic backgrounds. Ju Niang, played by Lu Jiani (鲁佳妮饰), maintains a dignified Huanji hairstyle. Her mature stability is conveyed through deep, saturated colors like peacock blue or plum, hues that require a certain presence to carry effectively.
Jiao Nu (娇奴), portrayed by Mao Linlin (毛林林), presents a fascinating duality. As a killer, she sports a practical low bun and clean, pale accessories, creating an almost ethereal appearance. Her functional, wide-sleeved white robes facilitate her sword dance and symbolically reflect a purity of essence beneath her profession.
Brief yet memorable appearances, like the dancer played by Xu Jiaqi (许佳琪), leave a lasting impact. One moment she shines in exotic Hufu (胡服), the next she mesmerizes in traditional Han attire with a Woduoji (倭堕髻) and vibrant clashing colors. Even the coroner Su Chan (酥蝉), acted by Cao Yueru (曹悦如), uses her youthful double buns and green-yellow robes to subvert expectations, highlighting her clear-eyed competence.
From the enigmatic Chong Shisanniang (虫十三娘) to the poignant Xiao Jiao (小娇), each woman's distinct visual identity is a crucial brushstroke in the series' captivating portrait of Tang Dynasty life, proving that beauty and narrative power come in many unforgettable forms.
