In mid-March, three costume dramas were successively released online. The appeal of "Zhao Liying + Xianxia dramas," the freshness of "Ju Jingyi + villain roles," and the uniqueness of the male protagonist work, have firmly secured the top three spots on the popularity chart for the dramas "The Legend of Shen Li," "In Blossom," and "Burning Flames." In terms of data, "Burning Flames," which was first released on iQIYI on March 13th, reached a total of 21.979 million views on the second day of its release, second only to the top-ranked modern puppet drama "Everyone Loves Me." By the third day of its release, it surged to the top, surpassing the starring drama "Simple Days" by Tong Yao and Chen Xiao. However, the first-place achievement of "Burning Flames" was only briefly maintained. "In Blossom," exclusively broadcasted on Youku, rose to the top with 40.071 million views on the second day of its release. "In Blossom" became the dark horse of March. The first two episodes showcased Ju Jingyi's fierce villain character breaking the stereotype of her delicate ancient beauty image, which was deemed as the most suitable role for her by netizens. The character of the villainous supporting actress seemed…

In comparison to the vast number of literary work adaptations, there are relatively few cdrama adaptations based on games or comics as the source. This is partly due to the scarcity of game works or comic works that are suitable for visual adaptation, as well as the undeniable challenges of adaptation. However, this has not dampened the industry's enthusiasm for the development of game adaptations and comic adaptations, as the traffic effects and audience influence of these two special works far surpass those of ordinary literary works. Especially in the current wave of online literature work adaptations, game adaptations and comic adaptations are becoming increasingly lucrative. Just from the end of last year to the beginning of this year, we have seen the release of game adaptations such as "Sword and Fairy" and "Sword and Fairy 4," as well as comic adaptations like "The Hope" and "White Cat Legend," among others. Additionally, there are highly anticworkated upcoming series such as "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact," "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Love in Pavilion," and "Fox Spirit Matchmaker 3," indicating the enormous commercial value of game adaptations and comic adaptations. While there have not been many game adaptations and comic adaptations in the…

The martial arts film "The Wild Blade of Strangers" officially landed on iQIYI. From its theatrical release on March 2nd to its online debut on March 8th, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" only took 6 days. However, unlike previous films that quickly made their way online, the release of "The Wild Blade of Strangers" was a strategically planned proactive move. According to the creators, from the inception of "The Wild Blade of Strangers," they aimed for a release on the streaming media. After the film was completed, many audience representatives and industry peers were invited to watch it. While they praised the quality of the film, they also suggested the idea of trying to enter theaters. It has been a long time since such an exciting Wuxia action film has graced the big screen. Subsequently, with the introduction of the concept of "theatrical release," and after rapid preparations, "The Wild Blade of Strangers" finalized its strategy of releasing in theaters and then transitioning to online streaming on the streaming media. Since iQIYI launched the "Master of Action Season" on January 18th, the film and television industry has been closely watching iQIYI's next moves. In recent years, martial arts films have…

In Jin Yong's world, the jianghu transcends its origins as a realm outside the law in traditional knight-errant novels, evolving into a timeless symbol of order and spirit. The role played by actual locations and scenery in live-action filming is not merely decorative - rather than being extravagant landscape promotion, it serves as a probing and revisiting of the order and chivalrous spirit of the jianghu. As a self-contained realm of power, the jianghu has dissipated after a long period of decline. In recent years, a wave of Jin Yong dramas and films born out of the overflow of the film and television industry has made it increasingly challenging to authentically capture even the superficial aspects of the martial arts jianghu. From 1957 to 1959, Jin Yong, after leaving the "Ta Kung Pao," joined the Great Wall Movie Enterprise as a screenwriter and director. His two years of foray into the film industry may be considered insignificant in his lifetime. However, in terms of the influence of Jin Yong's works in the Chinese-speaking world, the credit cannot be overlooked for the film and television adaptations based on his novels. Since the two-part film adaptation of "The Legend of the Condor…

People are always curious about history, wondering about the appearance of famous figures from the past. Today, with the help of AI technology, the face of the emperor of the Song Dynasty has been recreated. The Song Dynasty was an important era in Chinese history, with its territory expanding and contracting, divided into the Northern Song and Southern Song periods. The capital of the Northern Song was in Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), while the capital of the Southern Song was in Lin'an (modern-day Hangzhou). The Song Dynasty was a time of prosperity in commercial economy and cultural education in Chinese history. During this period, there was relatively enlightened politics, agricultural development, thriving commerce and urban centers, social changes, the revival of Confucianism leading to the formation of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, rapid technological advancements, flourishing poetry, and high achievements in calligraphy and painting. Scholars estimate that the Song Dynasty's GDP accounted for 22.7% of the world economy at that time, and the total population in 1124 reached 126 million. Some scholars praise the cultural achievements of the Han Chinese, culminating in the Song eras after thousands of years of evolution.   Zhao Kuangyin Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin (960-976), reigned…

The historical fantasy drama "White Cat Legend" adapted from the highly popular anime "Da Li Si Ri Zhi" has a strong lineup of familiar actors, such as the male lead Ding Yuxi, along with Zhou Qi, Wei Zheming, Ren Min, and others. In this series, these actors have broken through their previous images and portrayed different roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the audience. The storyline of this drama itself is quite innovative. The male lead in the series witnesses his father's murder, which leads him to premature aging overnight. However, during his father's funeral, he is once again attacked but this time he is transformed into a cat. After years of wandering, he returns to Dali Temple to uncover the truth and explain his new identity to others. Ding Yuxi rose to fame through his collaboration with Zhao Lusi in the historical drama "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," which was not a traditional costume drama. He has since ventured into various genres of film and television, working with outstanding actresses such as Yu Shuxin and Zhang Yuxi. The role he takes on in this new drama presents a significant challenge for an actor, requiring not only acting skills…

The notion that a popular cdrama drives tourism to a corresponding Chinese city has become commonplace in the past two years. Whether it is the popularity brought by "The Knockout" to Jiangmen, "Meet Yourself" to Dali, or "Blossoms Shanghai" to Shanghai, once a drama breaks free from its usual boundaries, a wave of enthusiastic followers is bound to emerge. In the realm of film and television catalyzing cultural tourism, there are typically three approaches. The most direct approach is through filming location sightseeing tours. The three aforementioned dramas fall into this category. According to the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Cultural and Tourism Bureau, following the success of "Meet Yourself," Dali received a total of 4.2393 million visitors during the 2023 Spring Festival holiday, representing a 219% year-on-year increase. However, such following the trend phenomena require a strong sense of authenticity; once the illusion created by the series shatters, the audience may easily lose interest. The second approach involves film and television base tours. This type needs no elaborate explanation, with places like Hengdian World Studios, Xiangshan Film and Television Town, and the recent output from Oriental Movie Metropolis drawing substantial profits from holiday tourism. The third approach revolves around immersive…

From the Spring and Autumn period to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, from idealism to realism, the first two seasons of the epic documentary "China" made a strong entry into the realm of high-scoring documentaries, receiving unanimous acclaim. Unexpectedly, the "China Season 3" took a different approach, starting from mythology and embarking on a reverse journey through time: from early myths to ancient history, from primitive society to agrarian civilization, the establishment of the state, and the development of rites, allowing us to glimpse the civilization codes shimmering in the galaxy of history. What is even more noteworthy, the "China Season 3" incorporated a large number of the latest archaeological discoveries and invited 183 outstanding young artists to create 443 Chinese paintings. Through special effects, the paintings came to life, combining storytelling and aesthetics to provide us with an artistic feast.   Unique realm of romantic imagination Every civilization has its own creator god. Just like a prelude to life, in Chinese mythology, Pangu is the god who broke the chaos, bringing light to the world, creating the first mountain and the first river. Nuwa, with a human head and a snake body, represents the gods of eternal life and reproduction,…

The historical costume mystery drama "Judge Dee's Mystery" is currently airing on Youku. In recent years, there have been two main trends in historical costume mystery dramas. The first is to extract intriguing stories from the obscure corners of history, with a stronger focus on historical details rather than dramatic conflicts. A typical example is Youku's popular summer drama in 2018, "The Longest Day in Chang'an". The second trend is to blend traditional costume detective dramas with the style of road movies, adopting an episodic format where the investigation and personal growth intertwine. These works are highly dramatic and can be considered legendary tales with a down-to-earth touch. "Judge Dee's Mystery" is a standout in this regard. This highly anticipated drama has garnered over 7 million reservations on Youku prior to its release, and as of now, the number of viewers "following" the show has soared to 9 million. The brain-teasing suspenseful detective genre has also won the favor of male viewers, making it the most anticipated series for 2024. "Judge Dee's Mystery" lives up to these expectations. It is adapted from the eponymous novel by Dutch diplomat Robert van Gulik, and since its premiere, it has shown great potential.…

For the audience, Chinese dramas base on history have been absent from the screen for a long time. In the early 21st century, historical dramas once dominated the scene. From "The Yongzheng Dynasty" to "The Kangxi Dynasty," from "Han Wu Da Di" to "The Rise of the Tang Empire," historical dramas have always been a popular and successful genre. However, with the shift in audience interest, the influence of historical dramas has gradually declined. Additionally, due to the involvement of significant historical themes, the lengthy review process and the difficulty in getting approval for such projects have further hindered their development. Under various constraints, historical dramas have entered a period of decline, with a limited number of productions and less enthusiastic market response compared to before. However, it is gratifying that in 2023, a number of historical dramas have been approved, started filming, or obtained shooting permits, indicating a revival of historical dramas. These 11 upcoming historical dramas in 2024 are expected to reignite the audience's enthusiasm for the genre. These works can be roughly divided into two categories, one focusing on historical figures and the other on significant historical events. Whether it is about individuals or events, these works…

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…

In the realm of television, Chinese historical dramas stand as towering monuments to the country's rich heritage and storytelling prowess. As we step into 2024, the anticipation for new narratives that intertwine historical intricacies with the art of modern filmmaking has never been higher. With leading platforms like iQIYI and Mango TV at the helm of broadcasting, viewers worldwide are on the edge of their seats, waiting to be transported back in time through the lens of these forthcoming masterpieces. This article aims to shed light on the most anticipated Chinese historical dramas of 2024, promising a blend of majestic settings, intricate plotlines, and characters that embody the depth of China's historical tapestry.   1-iQiyi: The Trend is Unstoppable Unexpectedly, iQiyi is the platform with the most upcoming period dramas among the four major platforms, reaching a whopping 30. With rich themes and a powerful cast, it can be said that most highly discussed period dramas are here.   "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" Series First is the "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" series. Adapted from the manga of the same name, it tells the love story between humans and spirits in a episodic format. As of now, the original manga has a popularity…

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,…

The wuxia drama, which used to dominate the screen for many years and had a deep audience base, has entered a low tide due to repeated remakes and lack of innovation. However, to the surprise of the audience, the wuxia dramas in 2023 brought some long-lost brilliance. The release of a batch of works such as "The Ingenious One" which focuses on "martial arts mysteries", "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" which combines suspenseful detective stories, and the wuxia comedy "Legend of the Undercover Chef" once again proves that wuxia dramas still have the ability to stand out. In 2024, there are 12 upcoming wuxia dramas that have great potential in terms of cast and audience expectations. Let's speculate, which work will become the blockbuster wuxia drama of 2024? The most anticipated upcoming wuxia dramas in 2024 are definitely the sequels of popular IPs. With their previous performance being generally good, serialized dramas come with built-in popularity and are more likely to become blockbusters, achieving great success once again.   Joy of Life Season 2 With the popularity of the first season, there should be no doubt about the expectations for "Joy of Life" Season 2. Currently, the number of pre-orders of season…

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…

The year 2023 witnessed the emergence of mystery dramas as the undisputed delicacies of the Chinese television industry. The inaugural production of Tencent Video's X Theatre, "The Long Season," set the stage with a resounding success, garnering an impressive rating of 9.4 on Douban. It has transcended the boundaries of the suspense drama genre, becoming the highest-rated cdrama in the past eight years. The subsequent series, "Ripe Town," may not have garnered as much attention, but it has received equally high praise, setting a positive tone for X Theatre. iQiyi's Mystique Theatre, now in its fourth year, may not have produced a mega-hit like "The Bad Kid" this year, but it maintains a stable output. "Thirteen Years of Dust" demonstrates ingenuity in its suspenseful plot and character development, while "Why Try to Change Me Now" boldly combines artistry and mystery, achieving commendable results. Youku and Mango TV, on the other hand, have fewer mystery dramas with average quality. "Who Is He," despite benefiting from the popularity of its cast, only managed to secure a disappointing score of 5.6. "Desire Catcher," with its attention-grabbing dual male leads, failed to live up to its promising premise, ultimately receiving a score of 5.5. Overall, 2023…

"The Rise of Ning" is a historical drama that combines elements of love, power struggles, family conflicts, and rebirth. Produced by Huace Film & TV, directed by Mai Guanzhi, and starring Zhang Wanyi and Ren Min. The drama is adapted from Wen Tan's novel "Shou Fu Yang Cheng Shou Ce", with the reincarnated female protagonist Luo Yining at the center of the story. It tells the story of how she gradually helps the originally destitute male protagonist Luo Shenyuan become the powerful Prime Minister of the Imperial Court, while maintaining a kind and pure heart. Luo Yining, the daughter of the Luo family, has lived a life free from the constraints of formalities and traditions since childhood. She repeatedly lends a helping hand because she cannot bear to see others bullying her "third brother" Luo Shenyuan. As time goes by, she gradually discovers that Luo Shenyuan, who appears to be down and out, is actually talented in both literary and martial arts. Having been hurt in love, Luo Yining is determined not to be confined to the mansion and be at the mercy of others. She aspires to break away from old conventions and start her own business using her…

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 Tang Dynasty was known for its admiration of plumpness and loose clothing style, which emerged after the appearance of Yang Guifei. By examining these reliable historical materials, we can discover that the Kaiyuan and Tianbao periods were the fastest-changing phases in fashion during the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, we will use Yang Yuhuan's life as a reference to explore the history of women's fashion during the flourishing Tang Dynasty, focusing on four stages: her childhood in the early Kaiyuan period, her time in Luoyang during the middle of the Kaiyuan period, her status as a noble concubine in the early Tianbao period, and her tragic end in the late Tianbao period. From the early Tang Dynasty to the Wu Zhou period, the trend of women's fashion can be summarized as follows: from the slender and conservative style at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, to the gradually opening up under the reign of Emperor Dezong, and finally to the magnificent and flourishing Wu Zhou era. This was a time when the aesthetic ideals of Tang Dynasty women were characterized by elegance, confidence, and the willingness to showcase their figures. It was closely related to the influence of Empress Wu Zetian,…

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…