Jiang Ling used a myriad of subtle expressions to portray Concubine Hua’s beauty, unrestrained spirit, ostentation, wildness, arrogance, passive-aggression, insincere smiles, and the hidden pain of having no children despite being deeply favored, all to perfection.
Moreover, Sister Fen as the Empress and Jiang Yushuang as Qi Erha also performed exceptionally well.
Even those with only one or two lines, observing the scene from the sidelines like Consort Jing, Noble Lady Cao, and Lady Xin, had incredibly fitting expressions.
After this ensemble scene, all actors were on point, the visuals were smooth, and it flowed seamlessly, even more so than a certain brand of chocolate.
What constitutes a great performance?
It’s when one forgets themselves, becoming completely immersed.
It makes those watching forget it’s an act, believing it to be real life unfolding.
Clearly, this scene, the morning greeting, was executed to an extremely high standard.
Jiang Ling’s Concubine Hua and Sister Fen’s Empress were engaged in a verbal duel, launching personal attacks, yet they did so without a single vulgar word, making it truly magnificent.
The film crew members and extras watching were engrossed, captivated.
Even director Zheng Xiaolong, after the scene concluded, forgot to call “cut,” demonstrating the depth of his immersion.
It wasn’t until his wife, Wang Xiaoping, tapped him on the shoulder from behind that he snapped back to reality.
“Bravo!”
Zheng Xiaolong applauded repeatedly.
Following his lead, a thunderous applause erupted from the rest of the crew.
“Cut!”
Zheng Xiaolong shouted excitedly.
Jiang Ling, Sister Fen, Jiang Yushuang, and the others stopped as they heard the command.
“Beautiful, truly beautiful. Jiang Ling, your performance in this scene was absolutely stellar.”
Zheng Xiaolong was so moved he could barely get his words out.
Were it not for the difference in gender, he would have rushed over to give her a hug.
He had seen Jiang Ling perform before and knew her acting was formidable, capable of handling any role, any situation.
He hadn't expected her portrayal of Concubine Hua to be so outstanding.
Her acting was several times stronger than he had anticipated.
If he hadn't witnessed it firsthand, he would never have believed that someone could act with such breathtaking skill.
Zheng Xiaolong didn't know that Jiang Ling's acting was already excellent, and after receiving rewards from the system, it had advanced even further.
At this moment, her performing abilities had reached the highest realm of being able to do as one pleased and achieve whatever one desired.
In her past life in the entertainment industry, very few could reach this level, and usually only for one or two roles.
The few characters like Grandpa You Benchang’s Jigong, Teacher Jiao Huang’s Kangxi, and Teacher Zuo Dabing’s Guanyin, where the actor and character became one, were perfect portrayals.
Besides Zheng Xiaolong, those who hadn’t participated in the scene also praised it highly.
Teacher Jianbing gave a thumbs-up and said to Jiang Ling, “You were amazing. In all my years in this industry, I’ve never seen such a brilliant performance. Every movement, every expression, was precise and impactful. Concubine Hua seemed to come alive.”
Sun Li was also awestruck.
After joining the crew, she had inadvertently overheard two staff members gossiping that the investors were dissatisfied with her and planned to have Jiang Ling play the female lead. It was Zheng Xiaolong who had vehemently insisted on her playing the female lead and assigned Concubine Hua to Jiang Ling.
At the time, hearing this, Sun Li had felt a sense of injustice.
Among the younger generation of actresses, while she wouldn’t claim to be unparalleled, she was undoubtedly a strong performer. How could she be considered inferior to Jiang Ling, a star known for hype and traffic?
Now, after witnessing this performance, she was truly convinced.