A good drama requires the tacit cooperation of actors, directors, and screenwriters, and each is indispensable. However, in "Chun Yuan She Xiang Zhuan," I saw the application of traditional culture.
Take chrysanthemums as an example. In traditional culture, chrysanthemums carry many meanings, such as homesickness, respect for the elderly, gentlemanly virtues, and reclusion. This drama, through Zhen Huan's dialogue, touches upon all of them. Furthermore, chrysanthemums have an extremely obscure allusion that this drama also mentions. When Concubine Hua was favored, Zhen Huan sighed, "As autumn arrives and all flowers wither, only Concubine Hua stands alone in her glory." This line is a variation of Huang Chao's poem about chrysanthemums: "When autumn comes on the eighth month of the ninth day, my flowers bloom and kill all others. Their fragrant aura permeates Chang'an, and the whole city is adorned with golden armor."
The adaptation of traditional culture in "Chun Yuan She Xiang Quan" is truly brilliant. Every viewing brings new surprises. Classical poetry, opera, Kunqu opera, artifacts, and historical figures—almost everything usable has been incorporated, and the transitions are seamless, with no trace of forced integration. Modern television dramas should truly learn from this.
I want to rave about the makeup in "Chun Yuan She Xiang Zhuan." It's charming without being seductive, alluring without being vulgar. Setting aside other aspects, consider Jiang Ling's portrayal of Concubine Hua. This character favors luxury, adorned with kingfisher feathers, jewels, and gold ornaments, giving a very opulent impression. However, her makeup is not heavy. She uses gentle bean paste, plum, and dry rose shades for her lipstick, unlike the malicious supporting female characters in other dramas who opt for fiery red lips or dark purplish-black, making them look as if they've been poisoned. When the outfits are luxurious, the makeup is light. When the outfits are simple, a touch of makeup is used to brighten the complexion. The balance between intensity and subtlety is perfectly managed. This kind of styling is highly worthy of emulation by modern women.
Concubine Hua, who monopolized the emperor's favor, can undoubtedly be called the foremost fashion master in the harem. I adore every outfit she wears, and her lipstick shades are also my favorite. For sisters who prefer a more vibrant style, I suggest learning from Sister Hua; this is the correct way to approach it.
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These film critics, from their respective viewpoints, have highlighted various merits of the drama.
As the audience's recognition grew, their affection for this conscientious masterpiece deepened.
When other dramas become popular, it's usually the male and female leads who gain the most attention.
The explosive popularity of "Chun Yuan She Xiang Zhuan" not only caused the actress playing Zhen Huan, Sun Li, to experience a surge in popularity but also brought significant attention to the supporting cast.
This includes Jiang Yu Shuang's portrayal of Concubine Qi, whom netizens have dubbed the drama's comedic relief and the number one poisoner, with fans jokingly referring to her as "Fen Jiao Ni Ji" and her son's constant growth, and how she occasionally, when unable to win an argument, has to borrow Cui Guo from Concubine Qi to shut the other person up.
Perhaps due to Jiang Ling's already high popularity and immense following, the attention she received from "Chun Yuan She Xiang Zhuan" was not as substantial compared to other actors.
For this reason, Sister Sa complained to Jiang Ling, "You acted so well, why is everyone else becoming so famous, and you're barely making a ripple?"
Jiang Ling, however, simply smiled and said, "Acting in 'Chun Yuan She Xiang Zhuan' is like winning the lottery. A ten-million-dollar jackpot is a considerable sum for someone with only tens of thousands in savings, but for someone with billions in assets, it's merely ordinary."
However, this also indirectly proves that her status as a top-tier, first-line actress is genuine and without any pretense.