Zhang Yi

In 2025, the Chinese entertainment industry witnessed a significant shift as performers transcended traditional boundaries, embracing roles that defied expectations and showcased their depth. This year highlighted a move towards authentic storytelling, where actors demonstrated remarkable versatility across television and film. Their journeys from familiar archetypes to complex characters not only captivated audiences but also redefined success metrics, emphasizing artistic growth over mere popularity. 1. Liu Yuning (刘宇宁) - The Prisoner of Beauty, and A Dream Within a Dream Liu Yuning began his career as an online musician, but 2025 marked his emergence as a compelling actor. In the series The Prisoner of Beauty (折腰), he portrayed a leader with a mix of authority and vulnerability. His attention to small details, like subtle facial shifts, brought depth to intense scenes. This performance challenged perceptions about artists transitioning from digital platforms to mainstream media. He further displayed his range in A Dream Within a Dream (书卷一梦), where he took on two distinct roles. Switching between a cunning prince and a carefree swordsman, he used vocal variations and eye movements to differentiate them seamlessly. His dedication to refining each part underscored a self-taught approach that resonated with viewers and critics alike. Beyond…

For two years, Yang Yang (杨洋) seemed to vanish. Following intense criticism labeling his performances stiff and overly self-conscious – even coining him the "Grease King" after the poorly received drama Fireworks of My Heart (我的人间烟火)– the once-bankable star retreated from the limelight. Audiences questioned if he could shed the "oily" persona that had overshadowed his earlier successes, like the breakout role in The Grave Robbers' Chronicles (盗墓笔记). The industry, ever-shifting, moved forward. Yet, Yang Yang chose stillness. He declined new projects, focusing solely on one: embodying Han Li (韩立), the introverted protagonist in the fantasy epic The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传). This deliberate pause, this commitment to craft over visibility, set the stage for an unexpected and powerful resurgence. His return isn't just a comeback; it's a revelation of an actor reborn through patience and purpose. Han Li: The Turning Point The premiere of The immortal Ascension sparked immediate discussion. Viewers quickly noticed something different in Yang Yang’s portrayal of Han Li. This wasn't the perfectly coiffed, posture-perfect star of old. Han Li is reserved, watchful, often overwhelmed by the brutal realities of the cultivation world. In a pivotal scene, Han Li receives news of acceptance into a coveted sect. Yang…