The cdrama "Judge Dee's Mystery" became a hit even before its release. It has received over 8 million reservations on the platform, making it the highest-ever reservation record on Youku. Moreover, it marks Netflix's first purchase of a historical suspense cdrama. In recent years, suspense dramas have gained immense popularity, captivating viewers and generating high anticipation, both nationally and globally. The confidence of "Judge Dee's Mystery" lies in its captivating content.   Three new for Judge Dee's Mystery Judge Dee is a well-known figure in China, not only as one of the famous ministers of the Tang Dynasty but also through the portrayal of the righteous and fearless magistrate detective by the renowned actor Liang Guanhua on screen. With the combination of real history and fictional interpretation, the foundation of the audience is solid, and their aesthetic expectations are naturally high. How can the story of Judge Dee be further told? "Judge Dee's Mystery" brings three new dimensions to the narrative. Firstly, it offers a fresh perspective. "Judge Dee's Mystery" is adapted from the eponymous novel written by the famous Dutch writer, sinologist, and diplomat Robert van Gulik. It tells the story of Chinese court cases using the narrative techniques…

Every year, the most explosive, buzzworthy, and actor-elevating genre undoubtedly belongs to costume dramas. This is why every year, costume dramas flood the market, attracting both investors and actors. In the upcoming lineup of Chinese video platforms in 2024, costume dramas have earned an incredibly important position. In this article, the highlights of the costume dramas that will soon be aired on Tencent Video and Youku Video.   1-Costume dramas on Tencent Video Among the upcoming lineup of costume dramas on Tencent Video, they have the fewest number compared to the other four major Chinese video platforms, with only 14 productions. However, there are still plenty of potential blockbusters among them, most of which are sure to become highly-discussed hot dramas.   The Legend of Shen Li Leading the pack is the director Deng Ke's "The Legend of Shen Li," starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin. It is adapted from Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's novel "Ben Wang Zai Ci." The reunion of these two actors reminds people of "Princess Agents," as the second season of that show is still eagerly anticipated. Audiences can only temporarily relieve their longing through "The Legend of Shen Li." Zhao Liying's talent is beyond doubt,…

After the release of "Chinese Paladin Season 5" in 2016, it has been 8 years since the "Chinese Paladin" IP made its appearance. "Sword and Fairy 4 (Chinese Paladin Season 4)," directed by Yang Xuan, starring Ju Jingyi, Chen Zheyuan, Mao Zijun, and Mao Xiaohui, is currently airing on iQiyi. The story tells of the adventures and challenges that Han Lingsha, Yun Tianhe, Murong Ziying, and Liu Mengli face on their journey to protect the world, as well as the friendships and growth they experience along the way. The "Chinese Paladin" IP has a strong fan base, and the adaptation satisfies the nostalgia of a generation. "Sword and Fairy 4" premiered with high expectations from the audience, with over 75 million views on the platform within 24 hours, showcasing the popularity of the "Chinese Paladin" series and the influence of the new generation of actors. However, after a few episodes, many viewers criticized the quality of the series, especially the fans of the original work, who believe that the drama did not fully capture the essence of the original. Additionally, viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the actors' performances. Any work must undergo the scrutiny of the audience, and the reputation of…

If we were to identify some highlights in the 2023 Chinese film market, undoubtedly, the summer release of "Chang An" shone brightly among them. Following the success of the blockbuster "Chang An," the next eagerly anticipated work from Light Chaser Animation Studios is the third installment of the Bai She (White Snake) series, titled "Bai She 3: Fusheng." The film has already locked in the Qixi Festival (August 10, 2024) slot six months in advance. When it comes to the realm of adult-oriented animated films, Light Chaser stands alone as the only series to persist into its third installment, there is no doubt that "Bai She 3: Fusheng" is highly anticipated.   Meticulously considered release date After undergoing the trials of the first two installments, the White Snake series from Light Chaser Animation Studios has firmly established its presence. Not only has it achieved excellent market performance, but it has also become a representative work of contemporary Eastern aesthetics. After a three-year hiatus, the third installment of the series has finally surfaced and become the first film this year to secure the coveted summer and Qixi Festival slots. The audacity to seize the prime time slot six months in advance…

At the beginning of 2024, the television series market was full of surprises, with various genres presenting innovative works. One of them, "Different Princess," which premiered on January 12th, broke the conventional impression of love-centered narratives in similar works. Through the fusion of "fantasy + mystery" elements, it firmly grasped the audience's attention with its highly recognizable and refreshing content.   Unconventional Plot in Different Princess With its fast-paced storytelling and unconventional plot, the series offers a thrilling and satisfying viewing experience. From the first six episodes, it can be seen that "Different Princess" intertwines multiple suspenseful standalone cases within the main story, and its fast-paced narrative and continuous plot twists have become the primary elements for retaining viewers. The series tells the story of the female protagonist, a web novel author, who is punished by a system and transmigrates into her own novel, becoming a supporting character who is supposed to be killed by the antagonist male lead as soon as she appears. In order to survive, the female protagonist, Hua Qing Ge, must escape for her life on her wedding night. Fortunately, with her detailed understanding of the plot, she narrowly escapes the clutches of the antagonist male…

At the moment when the story of "Blossoms Shanghai" is about to come to an end, "Like a Flowing River Season 3" welcomes its final chapter. Both dramas, set against the backdrop of China's society in the 1980s and 1990s, present different facets of that era from different perspectives and expressive styles. They both refine grand themes into the lives of individual characters, stories, and emotions, allowing contemporary audiences to resonate with the era conveyed in the drama.   Two interpreting of the sense of the times Factors such as simultaneous airing, similar time periods, and top-notch production teams make it inevitable to compare "Blossoms Shanghai" and "Like a Flowing River Season 3." It is obvious that although both dramas focus on the background of Chinese reform and modernization, they present completely different sensations. They represent two variations in the torrent of the times, creating different styles of the sense of the times between realism and romance. "Blossoms Shanghai" placing the power struggles of business and the emotional entanglements of relationships in the early 1990s urban Shanghai. Through the fluctuating lives of the young men and women in the business world, it reproduces the appearance of the Shanghai style in…

The broadcast of "Blossoms Shanghai" at the beginning of 2024 has sparked a continuing cultural phenomenon. Netizens have been sharing photos of their grandparents' way of life from the 1970s to the turn of the century, creating a shared resonance. Through the convergence of emotional reminiscence and intellectual questioning in "Blossoms Shanghai," this highly anticipated drama, adapted from the novel of the same name by Jin Yucheng, produced by Tencent Video, directed and produced by Wong Kar-wai, and starring Hu Ge, Ma Yili, Tiffany Tang, and Xin Zhilei, brings the legendary story of the sons and daughters of Shanghai to the public's screens. "Blossoms Shanghai" begins with a depiction of the era and region, unfolding in a unique artistic form that transcends existing film and television genres. It captures the distinct emotional pursuits and interpersonal relationships of the Chinese people, breaking through the barriers of time and space to establish a strong and lasting connection with the present and the masses.   Narrative Landscape: Breaking the Boundaries of Genre As the earliest city of transformation in China, Shanghai is not only a financial, trade, shipping, and innovation center in contemporary China and the world, but also embodies a significant fusion…

Directed by Lu Yang, starring Huang Xuan, Wu Yue, Zhang Rongrong, Lu Fangsheng, Wang Shengdi, Jiang Qiming and others, the ancient fantasy drama "The Mutations" is currently being broadcasted. The plot is set in the Tianqi period, telling the story of a sudden outbreak of a plague on a remote island outside Ningyuan City. Chu Sijing, a member of the Jin Yi Wei, secretly investigates and becomes entangled in a series of mysterious and dangerous events. This drama combines fantasy elements with Eastern culture, creating a unique temperament and style, bringing the audience an ultimate sense of freshness. This drama is based on the historical fact of the rampant plague in the late Ming Dynasty. Through the process of investigating the truth of the typhoid fever in Ningyuan City by the Jin Yi Wei, it involves various forces such as Chu Sijing (played by Huang Xuan), Ba Yan, a official (played by Wu Yue), and Captain Angelica, a foreign ship (played by Zhang Rongrong). From Ningyuan City to Ninghai Fortress, and then to Wumo Island, as the investigation deepens, the level of danger gradually increases, and the truth and secrets behind each key character are about to be revealed. The…

It must be acknowledged that "The Last Immortal" does not belong to the type that amazes people from the beginning. To be precise, the early plot of "The Last Immortal" hard strikes a chord with the audience. In the first episode, the male protagonist, Gu Jin, plays an extremely clichéd scene of apologizing, which results in the dispersal of the fairy essence of Feng Yin that had just helped him. Afterwards, the Feng Yin essence attaches herself to a water condensing beast egg, and after hatching from it, it becomes Gu Jin's fairy servant, A Yin, instead of the noble successor of the Phoenix, as originally intended. This farmer and snake-like beginning makes it impossible for the male protagonist to escape criticism, while the pitiful female protagonist evokes sympathy from the audience. Even though A Yin's magical power is weak after transforming into a water condensing beast, she is still cute in appearance, pure in character, and ambitious in nature. This further highlights the foolish and detestable nature of the male protagonist, who mistakenly admires the supporting female role. Furthermore, the beginning of the story of "The Last Immortal" already spoils the fact that Gu Jin will disperse A Yin's…

Novels with farming themes are common, but dramas with farming as the main theme are rare, especially in the realm of fast-paced and emotionally-driven micro dramas. The fast-paced nature of micro dramas distances them from traditional theater and brings them closer to short videos. Therefore, whether in landscape or portrait mode, revenge, suspenseful twists, and intense tragic love stories dominate, allowing viewers to quickly satisfy their dopamine cravings. However, for creators, it is easy to fall into the vortex of homogenization. Recently, a fresh and uniquely presented micro drama called "Invincible Stepmother" on Youku has caught the attention of many micro drama enthusiasts. As drama fans have said, for the first time in a micro drama, the female protagonist travels back to ancient times not to pursue love or engage in political machinations, but to earnestly raise children and make money through business ventures in the countryside. "Invincible Stepmother" is adapted from the novel "Chuan Cheng Si Ge Tuo You Ping De E Du Hou Niang" by Fanqie novel. It is also a key project of Youku's micro drama development plan. The female protagonist, Chi Yue (played by Jin Meichen), was originally a martial arts star who accidentally transmigrated into…

Recently, the new cdrama "Love Me, Love My Voice" starring Zhou Ye has been gaining popularity. Directed by Sha Weiqi, the drama features Tan Jianci and Zhou Ye as the lead actors, with Hou Wenyuan, Yang Zizi, Cao Enqi, and Chen Haolan in supporting roles. It premiered on November 30, 2023. Gu Sheng (played by Zhou Ye), a talented composer and university student, continues to strive for success in her music career. Her biggest wish is to collaborate with the renowned voice actor Mo Qingcheng (played by Tan Jianci). Unexpectedly, a chance encounter brings them together when Mo Qingcheng recites a recipe to her, stirring Gu Sheng's heartstrings. Ten years ago, Mo Qingcheng co-founded the Wanmei Dubbing Club with his friends, dedicating himself passionately to voice acting. He is also a cardiac surgeon, devoted to saving lives. Gu Sheng is invited to participate in a promotional event for her best friend Geng Xiaoxing's (played by Yang Zizi) company, which coincides with the tenth anniversary celebration of the Perfect Dubbing Club, bringing her closer to Mo Qingcheng once again. As Gu Sheng gradually gains fame, she faces doubts about her talent, but she remains true to herself, focusing on her work…

In this year's Chinese film and television works, a part of them have satisfied the emotional value of the audience. For example, "The Knockout" and "Meet Yourself", as well as "No More Bets" and "Full River Red". The quantification of emotional value is difficult, but works that can be crowned with this concept are either popular or favored by certain groups, at least winning the resonance of some people. Which works belong to this category this year, and why have they conveyed emotional value?   "The Knockout": Confrontation of Emotions and Class Crossing Although it was broadcast in the first quarter, the influence of "The Knockout" unsurprisingly lasted until the end of the year. The success is essentially a triumph of emotional representation. The thrill and satisfaction of crossing classes bring indescribable pleasure to the audience. In the popular comments from the audience, there are many descriptions such as "growing stronger and becoming a big shot" and "step by step towards success". Justice triumphs over evil, and the root causes of evil provoke deep thoughts. The protagonist Gao Qiqiang (played by Zhang Songwen) and An Xin (played by Zhang Yi) complete a dual revenge. Initially, Gao Qiqiang, a fishmonger, was…

Recently, major Chinese video platforms have successively released their reserve drama series lineup for 2024, and a group of costume dramas have appeared, sparking anticipation among viewers. The costume fantasy drama "The Legend of Shen Li" is adapted from Jiulu Feixiang's novel of the same name, telling the love story of the ancient divine lord Xing Zhi and the emerald king Shen Li, who was born with a pearl in her mouth. The costume legendary drama "The Legend of Jewelry" is led by Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning. In the drama resources released by Mango TV, dramas such as "Flourished Peony", "Destiny and Saving", and "The Ming Dynasty Youth" are included. From a comprehensive perspective, a batch of historical dramas such as "The Litchi Road" and "Han Dynasty Epic" will be broadcast in 2024. Previously, concept posters for dramas such as "Feng He Jin Qi Zhang Ju Zheng" and "The Epic of Tang Dynasty" were also released to create early hype. Incomplete statistics show that there are currently more than 10 historical dramas awaiting broadcast, including "Liang Jing Shi Wu Ri," "Silk-Washing Stream," "Legend of Wu Zi Xu," "Peace in Palace, Peace in Chang'An". Among the popular costume dramas aired…

When talking about the characters in the Chinese dramas of 2023, who comes to mind first? The most mentioned would probably be Gao Qiqiang (played by Zhang Songwen) in "The Knockout", or Wang Xiang (played by Fan Wei) in "The Long Season", or the beloved Li Lianhua (played by Cheng Yi) in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook", or the distinctive Cang Xuan (played by Zhang Wanyi), Tu Shanjing (played by Deng Wei), and Xiang Liu (played by Tan Jianci) in "Lost You Forever". The Dusheme has selected six characters, not necessarily the most popular ones, but those that represent a certain trend in the creation of Chinese dramas, reflecting the audience's aesthetic preferences while also considering the personal tastes of the authors. Among them, three female characters together create a character landscape that intertwines fantasy and reality, greatly enhancing the excitement and shock threshold for viewers. As for the three male characters, some have brought new ideas to familiar territories, some have opened up channels to the untapped market, and some have brought new solutions to the construction of dramatic conflicts in the series.   Three-Body: Ye Wenjie When Ye Wenjie appeared, other leading female characters paled in comparison. Over thirty years…

Directed by Ding Hei, starring Zhang Ruoyun and Huang Yao, the drama "The Hope (鸣龙少年, Ming Long Shao Nian)" has sparked a perceptual advancement in the minds of the audience since its premiere on Youku. In the first episode, in a unique form of social news, it was revealed that "Ming Long (鸣龙)" is the new name of the merged schools "Ming Ying (鸣英)" and "Long Hai (龙海)". After watching the process of the formation of Class 11 in the first five episodes, the audience immediately perceives that the significance of the word "Ming Long" goes beyond being just a school name. It symbolizes the voice of the suppressed, unheard, and unseen youth. This sense of advancement is also a shared experience among the audience while following the drama. Whether it is the plot or the characters, the reality-based core or the cinematic quality, "The Hope" is not presented all at once, but emerges layer by layer. As the audience continues to watch, each episode becomes more profound and immersive. This is related to the creative process of the drama. The creative team conducted extensive research and on-site investigations of real-life events before writing the script and shooting, and then…

The drama "A Journey to Love", written by Zhang Wei, directed by Zhou Jingtao and Zou Xi, and starring Liu Shishi and Liu Yuning, is currently being widely watched. Shortly after its premiere, it quickly caught the attention of netizens and received a multitude of praise. It tells the legendary adventure story of a small team led by Ren Ruyi (played by Liu Shishi) and Ning Yuanzhou (played by Liu Yuning), who travel from Wudu to Andu, fighting side by side along the way to ultimately achieve peace. The drama encompasses both court politics and the lives of martial artists, with the road serving as the perfect backdrop for this story. This year's film and television dramas have seen a considerable number of road elements. In addition to "A Journey to Love," dramas such as "Grandma's New World," "Young Blood Season 2," "Fearless Blood," and "Parallel World" can all be considered as broad interpretations of road dramas. The protagonists are always continuously exploring the map, making new friends, and experiencing different landscapes. Life is a wilderness, not a track, and the characters in the drama reflect this sentiment. Whether it is to escape or to pursue, it seems that as…

In the past 40 years, China has been the main market for exporting Japanese and American animations. However, in recent years, Chinese animation works have gradually gained attention in the international market. In 2018, the first Chinese original animation series "Scissor Seven" was launched on Netflix and made its way overseas. After being simultaneously broadcasted in over 190 countries and regions worldwide, the entire animation market has accelerated its pace in going global. In 2019, "White Snake" was nominated for the Feature Film competition unit at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France. In the same year, the phenomenal work "Ne Zha" was released in North America and achieved a box office of 3.69 million dollars, setting a new record for the distributing company. In 2021, "I Am What I Am" participated in the largest animation festival in North America, the AIF Animation Film Festival. This summer, the domestic animated film "Chang An" received both critical acclaim and box office success overseas. In addition to an increasing number of Chinese animation works being available on mainstream international media platforms and attracting attention from the global market, various Chinese video platforms have also made moves to enter the international market.…

Ever since the finale of "Story of Kunning Palace" reached a popularity of over ten thousand, "A Journey to Love" immediately took its place. Just three days later, its popularity skyrocketed to 9500. As a drama that had garnered enough attention even during its preparation phase, "A Journey to Love" is receiving attention from all sides. The opening plot of "A Journey to Love" is captivating enough, with Liu Shishi in excellent form. What's even more important is that, as the story unfolds in several episodes, people are drawn into a world that combines innovative characterizations for both male and female leads, as well as a grand narrative that encompasses both traditional and modern elements. A good start is half the battle won, and "A Journey to Love" has received commendable praise. The identifiable wardrobe and set designs, as well as the thoughtful development of certain storylines, are worth contemplating. Both the industry and the audience need more dramas like this.   The plotline of A Journey to Love The plotline of "A Journey to Love" begins with an action-packed scene. Ren Ruyi (played by Liu Shishi) was originally a high-ranking assassin named Ren Xin in the An Guo Zhu…

"Ripe Town" is the most exceptional Chinese period drama of this year. This drama stands out in the market without any comparable works. It is a period mystery that delves deep into social and historical analysis, offering a captivating deconstruction of complex human nature from different perspectives. In terms of the story, it intertwines a murder case with another arson case from twenty years ago, weaving together a tightly-knit web of revenge with numerous character lines that repeatedly intersect across two timelines. It explores themes of injustice, desire, and regret. Visually, it captures the essence of ancient Eastern paintings and the aesthetics of Jiangnan gardens, constructing a lush and intoxicating small town in late Ming Dynasty. Its English title, "Ripe Town," is fitting, as the entire drama feels like a "fully ripened and almost decaying fruit." Its meticulous attention to detail and profound depth truly make it a standout dish in the autumnal lineup of cdramas. Up to now, "Ripe Town" has received a high rating of 8.5 from over 120,000 viewers on Douban, surpassing the reputation set by "The Long Season" and "Fearless Blood." Many industry insiders believed that such a quality production must have come from an experienced…

Costume dramas have portrayed countless heart-wrenching love stories on the television screen, with an exhilarating and splendid plot. The highly anticipated new drama "Wonderland of Love" has recently premiered. Led by Xu Kai and Jing Tian, this costume drama brings audiences a whole new experience. Unlike traditional costume dramas filled with love and hatred, the biggest highlight of this drama lies in the protagonists' contrasting identities and how they join forces to strive for the well-being of the people in turbulent times. Through the intricate relationships between the main characters, a remarkably captivating plot unfolds, deserving the anticipation of every period drama lover. What fascinating and moving story does "Wonderland of Love" tell? Is it truly worth investing time in? Today, let us delve into a comprehensive interpretation.   The intertwining of palace intrigue and martial world grudges "Wonderland of Love" is set against the backdrop of a turmoil-ridden court, where imperial power is on the verge of collapse. The male protagonist, Li Ni, is a prince with a cold and stern demeanor, yet he fails to gain the affection of his royal father. The female protagonist, Cui Lin, is a princess of the Cui family army, appearing gentle on…