Nepeta 22

Come on, some dramas are like that, just like we expect in Wuxias, people just to levitate onto tops of bushes when the going gets tough during fight scenes, but most of the time, you're thinking why didn't they just do that a minute ago? It's part of the genre.

Think of all the endless year-round peach & cherry blossoms around lush greenery which clearly is an issue for those that need realism. But should C-drama be aping K-drama or Western dramas? I'm not so sure. China has its selling points in these types of dramas, but it doesn't need to be logical in all its forms.

Based on what I have seen so far it's a bit like Xuanhuan. Think of those Tribes & Empires series or Eternal Brotherhood.

Yes I noticed that 😁! But help me here. Did he just commit suicide with all that paperwork?

It certainly made history come to life. The 3 women characters in it were also strong in different ways. I liked how they injected subtle humour here and there. I liked how it didn't try to be all one sided. It was told in a very matter-of-fact way. I too hope this drama turns out to be good and interesting. We'll see...

Yes they do.

In fact, the one other drama I did like was from this same director come to think of it! Fearless Whispers, also set at an interesting time of change. I couldn't get it on English Subs so watched each part and then read each episode from Baike Baidu on machine auto translate. That was my dedication to that drama.

I also enjoyed War of Faith which I thought was entertaining and engaging. Heroes (2024) was very interesting. I think by watching that drama, it's helped me with this drama. I liked how the tone was silly and serious at the same time. The comedy in it was so spot on. I'm only on the early episodes here, so hope this drama can match Heroes in the way it's edited.

The problem is I guess difficult to steer away from the political backdrop. It's too over-bearing that anything else seems almost inappropriate? For me, I want to see stuff "not too" related to all the politics in that era.

I do recommend Detective L, which I was hoping would have a second season by now. There you'll get the sublime to the ridiculous on mystery solving.

Yes, and my earlier comments were about being given the chance through BL (I can see a sensitive subject and seen as some kind of negativity) and then able to be recognised for his work. I get fans will tell me he was super talented already, it was only a matter of time and I don't doubt that, which is why I said an element of luck can propel an actor outside the fan circle.

Zhu Yilong had main roles and taking roles after roles until the low budget Guardian became a success due to the BL adaptation. He was not recognised before that. but after that, he was in demand. But GJ, as seen, the doors also opened, but he has struggled to be recognised for his acting, but still the works come, and that's because his looks is keeping him there for the time being.

It's all fine. Reservations are just another marketing ploy to measure and let others know how interested people are in the drama. There's a chart for everything, especially in China. Once the drama starts, then the next layer of assessment will begin.

There is no attempt on anything. I will watch it because I am intrigued by what this drama can come with on more court intrigue as there seems to be a big demand for this type of content in China.

By saying he has been lucky and he's using this to showcase what talent he has is dragging him down?

Hey, I'm not trying to do anything? I think you have me mixed up with someone else. I am saying, there are a lot of talented actors/actresses in China waiting for their big break and very often it doesn't happen and as someone else said, there is an element of luck. That does not mean XZ got there just for his looks and a bit of acting and BL fans that like to pigeon-hole him.

He was lucky and good for him. And I can see he is utilising the moment to keep his head down and showcase his talents.

I get your point. I am not specifically talking about this drama when I said hits the top spot for first 4 days and then drops afterwards, but just stating a trend I see often nowadays. I too hope the drama lives up to the promotions.

I don't agree on that analysis. Without treading on anyone's toes, there are plenty of talented actors, new and established ones in China, and they do get work, but not with huge fandoms. Those that do are clearly having something else in their armour, and that's above average looks. That extra armour and fandoms that tend to fall in love with the character at first, rather than the actual actor as an individual. This is why you see numerous fans beg that the actor plays another similar role, so they can continue with their fetishisation.

Gong Jun is another example of someone that got instant fame from WOH, and he was offered numerous roles and brand deals and he's still coasting on that even though his acting is very questionable even in WOH. I can see XZ is not resting on his laurels, he's clearly working hard on his image to ensure he's a good role model and choosing his roles wisely. The rest is the passerby audience and of course the industry to decide on his acting.

Yes, I know that reservations are an indicator and my point was it's more of a bragging right. I mentioned Escape from the Trilateral Steps as an example of no big mention of reservations but the drama gained more popularity due to natural word-by-mouth rather than big fan-fare and reservations. I also joined this comment to point out much of this talk is anticipation rather than real drama analysis, plot and acting.

There seems to be more fixation with reservations nowadays. It's a new form of bragging rights. I think the key bit is sustainable watching audiences throughout the drama which should be more important. I have seen many times, the drama peaks in its first 4 days and then drops drastically by the 5th day. I heard Escape from the Trilateral Steps had none of the reservations let alone decent promotion.

I think you misunderstand Kawaine's comments. Young audience is the key part. They try to control the narrative through social media and are key drivers doing data. There is the passerby, if that is what you meant like how The Knock Out became a hit through word-by-mouth.

You are right, CP is not key to success, but there is an element of snobbishness of the "Beijing set" rubber stamping its approval Vs passerbys which will have lasting impact in people's memories.

To me, it's quite obvious since XZ & WYB are of that generation of actors who made their name though a BL drama. There's this unspoken breaking of shackles that comes with that. Both want and have shown they want to be more than just some BL temporary success. This is a good move since during that time, it seems for any star, doing a BL, it guarantees you instant success regardless of plotline or acting skill. Luckily, they can look over and see Zhu Yilong & Bau Yu have used their sudden success and able to be recognised for their acting thereafter.

If this will go the route of history, I hope that Wei DaXun is not going to play the character that ends him! Otherwise that would be just as dramatic as real history.

OK, thanks for that, but no English Subs. I'll just have to wait then.

Edit, it's here now, I just checked Iqiyi again. Thanks, all fine!

Can I ask if you know, how many episodes are supposed to be released because on IQiyi for me, it's just saying coming soon with six trailers but no episodes. I'm in Europe.

Latest melon: MFL - Liu Yi Fei.