CloudFairy

It's from the commemoration drama, Our Times: Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace.

Zhang Huiwen and Ou Hao's characters are romantically involved, but this is primarily a spy drama set in a war-torn era.

Zhang Huiwen and Zhang Yishan's segment in episode one was a tear-jerker. Although it was a short scene performed on the spot, they perfectly expressed the vulnerability of their characters. I was especially impressed by the details and micro expressions in Zhang Huiwen's acting. In just a few minutes, you could see the regret, helplessness, and relief in her eyes. It's ironic how much Zhang Huiwen shined in this 5-minute skit compared to the various works she's been in since Nirvana in Fire 2. The fact that she didn't even need the guidance of a director or any fancy sets/props—just her sweats, disheveled hair, light makeup, and natural talent—proves that she has a hidden potential waiting to be unleashed. Her conversation with Zhang Yishan also displayed her authenticity as an actress. This is someone who's willing to play an unappealing role to hone her craft at the risk of damaging her public image. If that's not passion and dedication, I don't know what is. I really hope a skilled writer realizes what Zhang Huiwen is capable of and gives her a chance to star in a quality script after this.

I demand a full series of Zhang Huiwen in Tang Dynasty attire! She's one of the few actresses in their twenties who embodies the grace and charm of an ancient beauty!

Zhang Huiwen and Jing Chao's characters are paired together.

Manifesting Zhang Huiwen as the female lead in a xianxia drama this year!

Surprisingly, it was the more watchable one out of everything else she was in last year. My issue is, the drama was overshadowed by its controversy, which ultimately affected the cast and crew. Police have since debunked the allegations, but still, the damage is already done.

While fans of well-known actresses wish for better projects for their faves, I'm here dreaming of the day when Zhang Huiwen will be given resources even as good as theirs. To think that at one point, she was regarded as a promising new actress and favorite 90s flower, who was commended by the likes of Zhang Yimou, He Jiong and Chen Daoming...to being stuck in cheap web dramas and one-dimensional roles nearly a decade later. I just can't wrap my head around how someone with Zhang Huiwen's potential and years of experience has not had one big budget production or high quality script as the female lead yet. If there is any underrated or unlucky actress in C-dramaland, it's her. At least her fellow B-list actresses get exposure by consistently starring in high profile/big budget dramas as the main lead, even if the execution doesn't always deliver. C-drama gods, please shower my girl with many blessings and breakout role(s) in 2022!!!

Gong Jun and Zhang Huiwen deserve another chance to work together. They were always in harmony, whether it was on or off camera. Unfortunately, the writing and editing failed them. Not many people know, but a lot of Huo Yan and Yan Lan's romantic scenes were improvised, which shows how well they understand and play off of each other even without a solid script. Chinese directors out there, please cast this pairing in a costume drama in the near future!

My last strand of hope for Zhang Huiwen, since her other three dramas that came out this year were a disappointment in one way or another.

Zhang Huiwen is known for slaying the costume drama look. If you enjoy serious historical dramas with slow-burn romances, give Nirvana in Fire 2 a try. You'll be blown away by her beauty, and most definitely will come to appreciate her acting more compared to The Flaming Heart. Interestingly, she portrays a doctor again.

Would love if you could repost this as a review as well, so it doesn't get lost in the sea of comments. Zhang Huiwen doesn't get enough credit; it's always nice to have some recognition for her. Often times, actors will get a pass for poor scriptwriting, whereas actresses in the same series are held to a different standard and bear the brunt of the criticism.

It's pretty hard to come by hate for Zhang Huiwen on Chinese social media. On the contrary, she's quite well liked for her low-key personality, and her "Lin Xi" from Nirvana in Fire 2 is still a beloved character for many. I have noticed that Chinese drama critics tend to be more appreciative of Zhang Huiwen compared to the international audience. Probably because she hasn't been in a trendy or hit drama yet that appeals to the younger generation here. I think the casual drama watcher would be quick to dismiss Zhang Huiwen based on her recent projects. But there are those who are more well versed in Chinese dramas and actors like AvenueX (blogger on YouTube), one of the dramapotatoe admins on Twitter, and another big C-ent. translation page that adore Zhang Huiwen a ton, and advocate for her.

That's the exact impression I got—like a fangirl imagining herself romancing Zhan Zhao.

So that's what this is about. If you're a true Zhao Liying fan, you would know that the actress widely speculated of trying to steal screen time in Legend of Fei was the third female lead. This is common knowledge within the international and domestic C-drama circles. Zhang Huiwen and Zhao Liying come from the same management company; they wouldn't sabotage Zhao Liying's drama for a fellow artist. Moreover, the two became good friends through the drama.

Zhang Huiwen has only acted in six dramas in five years (including Heart of Loyalty), with only three of these being the female lead. I'm not comprehending how that makes her lucky or heavily marketed. This is an expected—perhaps, even below average—amount of work for someone of her status. In fact, several other B-list actresses are much more booked than her, getting cast in 3-4 projects simultaneously every year in the leading role. Zhang Huiwen is one of the lower profile ones.

For the record, Zhang Huiwen was discovered and highly praised by one of China's most renowned directors, Zhang Yimou. She debuted in his film alongside respected veterans Gong Li and Chen Daoming, with the latter stating that he saw potential in her. She's a Beijing Dance Academy graduate and performed most of her own stunts. Zhang Huiwen's career and acting has been on the decline due to weak character and drama choices, but it's unfair to allege that someone is pulling the strings to make her a lead. Let's be honest, there are many popular stars whose acting skills are on the same level or even below Zhang Huiwen's. She has her shortcomings, but she's certainly not the worst.

Zhang Huiwen has not had a good drama to present herself since her small screen debut four years ago. I envy other actresses who at least have one well-received work, even if their follow-up projects are underwhelming or mediocre at best. Meanwhile, it seems impossible for Zhang Huiwen to come across a solid leading role.

I read a Chinese netizen's review that said it's embarrassing for Zhang Huiwen to be playing a character like this when they know she can act better. I will give Mo Yan more time to develop.

I really want to like Mo Yan for Zhang Huiwen, but the inconsistency in her behavior makes me frustrated. With that said, Zhang Huiwen is managing well in making her character endearing despite the limitations. I laughed out loud at some of her comical expressions. That charming and lively side of Mo Yan is what I want to see more of instead of the constant whining and defiance. Although Mo Yan is the main character, I honestly feel like the author put more love and care into writing Zhan Zhao after watching her interview. It’s almost as if she crafted Mo Yan's existence around Zhan Zhao as his love interest, and forgot that she's supposed to be the smart and capable lead. This isn't to slight the author though, since well-rounded female leads are a rare find in C-dramaland. Yan Lan from The Flaming Heart also suffered from flawed characterization. My girl just can't seem to break free from the repetitive bad roles. 😔

Airing every Monday to Wednesday starting on November 29th!!!