A review from film bloggers at the IQIYI event today.
"I met Hou Minghao up close on iQiyi today, and after hearing his two-minute speech, I'm even more excited for his portrayal of Xiao Wuyi.
From the leaked photos and promotional materials, it's clear he's completely immersed himself in the role once again. On the outside, he's a decisive and ruthless general in a chaotic world, his red robes worn and tattered, conveying a strong sense of battle. Yet, hidden in his eyes is a restrained, resentful, and deeply tender side—a perfect balance he strikes.
What's most captivating about Hou Minghao's acting is his dedication and meticulous craftsmanship. Every glance, every moment of emotional restraint leading to an explosion, reveals his deep understanding of the character. He doesn't try to be cool or superficial; instead, he imbues Xiao Wuyi's contradictions, struggles, and integrity into his very being.
Looking at his previous roles, his acting has steadily improved, consistently delivering new surprises. The drama "KEY TO THE PHOENIX HEART" is so compelling, from its characters to its story. Coupled with Hou Minghao's nuanced yet powerful performance, it's hard not to eagerly anticipate its release. We can't wait for Hou Minghao to bring a three-dimensional and vibrant Xiao Wuyi to life!"
Q: “Was there any particular scene that made you truly step into his (Xiao Wuyi) heart, where the sense of belief suddenly surrounded you?”
🐱: “Can I say…every scene? Honestly, because this character, for me, is actually a very heavy one. His ‘weight’ doesn’t come from being difficult to portray, but from the identity and mission he carries. I would say he is an extremely, extremely, extremely important role at this stage of my life. I worry about him and feel heartache for his devotion to his country and people. I also feel pain when he fights on the battlefield, losing his life, his eyesight, and his comrades. I feel like I empathize with him all the time.
Our drama includes many battlefield scenes—fighting in the rain, in flames. Every time, it pulls me deeper into becoming this character. I remember in the first episode, there was a scene involving a flaming blade. We used real fire on set. Since the flame couldn’t burn continuously, for every close-up or wide shot, we had to apply fuel to the blade and light it with a lighter. Because the flame would only last about 2–3 seconds, we had to complete each shot within that short window.
But to achieve this effect, I didn’t really feel any hardship or exhaustion. Because with every take, I felt myself becoming more of the character, like we were shaping each other. And I think that’s also a kind of strength that Xiao Wuyi has given me.”
Hou Minghao about Xiao Wuyi : A man burdened with many shackles, who nearly lost his life in a battle, but that didn't affect his dedication to protecting his country and its people. He'd rather suffer any hardship and injury than compromise his principles to get everything he wanted!
Remember to complain at the correct place. Her agency: Tianhao Shengshi Entertainment Link : https://m.weibo.cn/u/1832181671?luicode=10000011&lfid=100103type%3D1%26q%3D%E8%89%BE%E7%B1%B3%E6%9C%BA%E6%9E%84&launchid=10000360-page_H5Steps…
Remember to complain at the correct place. Her agency: Tianhao Shengshi Entertainment Link : https://m.weibo.cn/u/1832181671?luicode=10000011&lfid=100103type%3D1%26q%3D%E8%89%BE%E7%B1%B3%E6%9C%BA%E6%9E%84&launchid=10000360-page_H5Steps…
Don't worry. I will try to guide everyone who will be making the wrong decision here from now on🤍 But remember to complain at the link above as it matters the most, right? I believe a sensible person shouldn't ignore this most effective method.
Remember to complain at the correct place. Her agency: Tianhao Shengshi Entertainment Link : https://m.weibo.cn/u/1832181671?luicode=10000011&lfid=100103type%3D1%26q%3D%E8%89%BE%E7%B1%B3%E6%9C%BA%E6%9E%84&launchid=10000360-page_H5Steps…
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Xiao Wuyi's Costume No.17 💚
https://x.com/i/status/2046153108653482286
"I met Hou Minghao up close on iQiyi today, and after hearing his two-minute speech, I'm even more excited for his portrayal of Xiao Wuyi.
From the leaked photos and promotional materials, it's clear he's completely immersed himself in the role once again. On the outside, he's a decisive and ruthless general in a chaotic world, his red robes worn and tattered, conveying a strong sense of battle. Yet, hidden in his eyes is a restrained, resentful, and deeply tender side—a perfect balance he strikes.
What's most captivating about Hou Minghao's acting is his dedication and meticulous craftsmanship. Every glance, every moment of emotional restraint leading to an explosion, reveals his deep understanding of the character. He doesn't try to be cool or superficial; instead, he imbues Xiao Wuyi's contradictions, struggles, and integrity into his very being.
Looking at his previous roles, his acting has steadily improved, consistently delivering new surprises. The drama "KEY TO THE PHOENIX HEART" is so compelling, from its characters to its story. Coupled with Hou Minghao's nuanced yet powerful performance, it's hard not to eagerly anticipate its release. We can't wait for Hou Minghao to bring a three-dimensional and vibrant Xiao Wuyi to life!"
https://x.com/i/status/2046227590978118132
https://x.com/i/status/2046062097659015402
🐱: “Can I say…every scene?
Honestly, because this character, for me, is actually a very heavy one. His ‘weight’ doesn’t come from being difficult to portray, but from the identity and mission he carries. I would say he is an extremely, extremely, extremely important role at this stage of my life. I worry about him and feel heartache for his devotion to his country and people. I also feel pain when he fights on the battlefield, losing his life, his eyesight, and his comrades. I feel like I empathize with him all the time.
Our drama includes many battlefield scenes—fighting in the rain, in flames. Every time, it pulls me deeper into becoming this character. I remember in the first episode, there was a scene involving a flaming blade. We used real fire on set. Since the flame couldn’t burn continuously, for every close-up or wide shot, we had to apply fuel to the blade and light it with a lighter. Because the flame would only last about 2–3 seconds, we had to complete each shot within that short window.
But to achieve this effect, I didn’t really feel any hardship or exhaustion. Because with every take, I felt myself becoming more of the character, like we were shaping each other. And I think that’s also a kind of strength that Xiao Wuyi has given me.”
https://x.com/i/status/2046658015982674239
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5290080089670176
[KTTPH weibo update]
"A set of behind-the-scenes photos randomly dropped, and I caught a boss who only focuses on his work"
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5290116270000766
[Hou Minghao Studio Weibo Update]
A man burdened with many shackles, who nearly lost his life in a battle, but that didn't affect his dedication to protecting his country and its people. He'd rather suffer any hardship and injury than compromise his principles to get everything he wanted!
https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5289753465328522
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXVjAAHERxe/
Her agency: Tianhao Shengshi Entertainment
Link : https://m.weibo.cn/u/1832181671?luicode=10000011&lfid=100103type%3D1%26q%3D%E8%89%BE%E7%B1%B3%E6%9C%BA%E6%9E%84&launchid=10000360-page_H5
Remember to ask her agency this exact question. Just open a weibo account and give a message.
Xiao Wuyi's Costume No.16 🤎🖤
But remember to complain at the link above as it matters the most, right? I believe a sensible person shouldn't ignore this most effective method.
Remember to drop your concern here:
https://m.weibo.cn/u/1832181671?luicode=10000011&lfid=100103type%3D1%26q%3D%E8%89%BE%E7%B1%B3%E6%9C%BA%E6%9E%84&launchid=10000360-page_H5