TW & C dramas

Netizens Find Costumes for Male Lead Luo Yun Xi in C-drama Shui Long Yin Unnecessarily Ornate and Flowery From Sneak Peeks in Early Filming

I enjoyed Till the End of the Moon even if the writing went off the rails from time to time and overall it wasn’t a super memorable drama. The multiple lives and arcs freshened segments up and the visuals were top notch in both special effects and the lux costumes for both leads. The costuming in particular got a lot of attention for Luo Yun Xi and I thought it was just the right amount of pomp and circumstance when he went from abused husband to angry ruler of the entire world. But for his next drama Shui Long Yin (Chant of the Water Dragon) the early filming stills are out and I’m with the C-netizens on this one in thinking his costumes are just a tad too much. Too many layers, too high head pieces, too much in extra touches such as feathers and embroidery. I don’t know if it will fit the role and script but from just a no context perspective I wish the drama would let Luo Yun Xi act without needing to swatch him so heavily in extravagant attire. C-netizens are not upset with him just annoyed the production is styling him like Dong Fang Bu Bai but haha such an funny analogy.

ockoala

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  • All the costumes in that drama are like a child's craft project exploded. It way, way too ornate. The LYX one is not the worst but it's close.

    His fans are busy screaming all over Chinese sns how it's the best thing ever. They are even going around attacking other dramas for how boring they are and how their make up too is dull - because of course LYX has five kilos of make up on his face.

  • Reminds me of drag, the wide shoulder pads, feathers, sparkly accessories and the contour makeup. Maybe the designer is a fan of Rupaul's Drag Race.

    • Agreed. I had the unfortunate experience of watching TTEOTM... golly... what a drag (pun intended) it was!
      Too much make up and "pretty" garments. I feel all this styling diminishes the manly quality.

    • I bet your trans and that’s why your jealous. It’s fine to not like an actors clothes, but to be disrespectful is rude. Have you seen this man act? He’s brilliant. Maybe you like dead fish

      • Oi! That was uncalled for! No need to call someone a trans just because they describe an actor looking like a drag... it's not a wrong observation. He has a tonne of make-up on his face, we wears lifts to boost his height, and he is dressed in "pretty" clothes.

      • Dude. Keep your transphobia to yourself. Trans people are ostracized, abused and murdered. Keep them out of your immature drama fights. Thank you.

  • That's how I always feel about LYX. Visually overdone in costume dramas, not something I appreciate. If I needed to see an extravagantly showing peacock, I would go to the local zoo. LOL. I don't need to look at a human face on any busy colors. Besides, the overly decorated costumes look like weighing down on his flimsy physique. It's not aesthetically pleasing to me at all. After checking several dramas of LYX after Ashes of Love, he's on my blacklist of unwatchable actors.

    • I loved him as side characters in Ashes of Love and Princess Silver, but has never been able to complete a drama with him as the male lead. My conclusion is that he just does not have that "manly" energy for him to portray love interests convincingly.

      • So well said. Me too also think he did great jobs in both Ashes of Love and Princess Silver with strong chemistry with his costars. But somehow he's not convincing enough being a ML and I haven't been able to finish any of his dramas as ML.

      • Why does a man have to be traditionally "manly" in order to be a convincing love interest? The fact that he's popular and lusted after by females would indicate that there are many women that find him very attractive and appealing just as he is. Not everyone is going to be attracted to the same attributes. I don't need to personally find someone attractive to buy a fictional love story. There are many dramas with male leads that don't appeal to me for example.

        In terms of acting, I always felt that Luo Yunxi portrayed longing very well. Admittedly there are times where the female lead he's been paired with hasn't been a good match for him for whatever reason (it happens...) but when it has worked it worked well.

      • "He just doesnt have that 'manly' energy for him to portray love interests convincingly" tf that shit you're babbling about?

      • "He just doesnt have tha 'manly' energy for him to portray love interests convincingly" what sht you're babbling about?

      • "He just doesnt have that 'manly' energy for him to portray love interests convincingly" I honestly cant understand how your brain works

      • @Aiamimi

        He doesn't. You are right. But if he is playing certain types, like immortal beings and dragons then he does have to look strong and imposing, which has been traditionally coded for manly.

        He isn't and isn't even close. When he acts in Love is sweet, it doesn't matter. When he acts in dramas like this, it does matter. Which is why they play all these tricks to enhance the visual, from lifts to hairpieces to huge shoulders. They know it needs to look imposing and he doesn't.

        I don't have an explanation for three kilos of make up on his face. It looks terrible and enhances nothing.

      • @Hmm

        There are also lots of different ways of being imposing, not just brute strength. I think he looks otherworldly and to me that works well as a God or as a celestial/fairy being. His movement in his fight scenes is very fluid, almost like a dance. And I've never had any trouble buying him in these roles. There is room for both large masculine immortals and beautiful otherwordly immortals - especially as immortals in most Xianxia gain their strength from cultivation not from muscles.

        Tang Lici, as far as I'm aware, isn't a God in SLY. But he is an extremely wealthy man and he loves to flaunt it. So I don't see a problem with his visuals and costumes at all.

        When it comes to Tantai Jin's appearance in Till the end of the Moon, he was perfectly cast. In that drama Luo Yunxi looks exactly how Tantai Jin is described in the novel. He is described as being incredibly beautiful but very thin and sickly looking (which the makeup was intending to recreate for better or worse) So what's the problem? He fits the character.

        So he's shorter than some other actors. Does it matter? I don't think it really matters what his height is in real life, if he makes it work in the drama. Would I believe Luo Yunxi in every role? Maybe not (perhaps not as a hardened military officer for example lol). But in fantasy and some other kinds of historical dramas - no problem. And for the most part, the modern roles he's taken aren't that much of a stretch either. Investment banker, doctor, lawyer etc.

      • @Hmm

        In Black moonlight holds the BE script (the novel tteotm is based on) Tantai Jin is described as having black hair, red lips and being so beautiful that he could have been a woman. So clearly "manly coded" was never part of that characters design to begin with.

      • @Emi, LYX has never appeared visually "beautiful" to me. His facial features are delicate, yes. But he's not appealing to me as someone handsome or pretty. LOL. It's just in certain beholders' eyes that he fits the definition of good looking, not to mention "extremely" good looking. That's fine. We agree to difference in aesthetic standards.

      • @Aiamimi

        I think he is a dragon in this role but I could be wrong.

        Anyway, his height does matter. His stature matters. If it didn't, then he wouldn't be wearing these huge platforms or have the clothes and accessories that serve to improve it all.

        You can't play someone powerful and look like a child could kick you around. And that is what he looks like.

      • @Somebody

        Well there you go. Subjective opinion. You don't think he's handsome or beautiful. But Many many other people do.

      • @Somebody

        Well, there you go. Subjective opinion. You don't find him handsome or beautiful. But many many other people do.

      • @Shrug

        Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but I believe he's a mortal man who has martial arts skills and powers from years of cultivation. He is the adopted son of the emperor and supposed to be descended from a dragon (can't recall if this is simply legend) What they change and what they keep is anyone's guess.

        Personally, having watched the SLY reuters he doesn't come across as weak or like a child could "kick him around" to me at all. In fact, he looks healthier than he has in awhile. He looks about right for a rich, arrogant man with dragon blood.

        I've never looked at LYX in a costume drama and thought wow he looks so short. So, whatever his height is in real life doesn't impact it that much on screen in my eyes. (not that there is anything wrong with being shorter anyway) If they have tricks to make him look taller - okay? It's not like we can see his shoes in the drama anyway 🤣🤣 So no, it doesn't matter lol.

        He's done other costume dramas without the elaborate head-dresses and ornate costumes and looked just fine too. TTEOTM and SLY have the same costume designer so it doesn't surprise me that there is an aesthetic similarity. In terms of Shui Long Yin, he is not the only character with elaborate ornate costumes and large head accessories. Other characters have them too - in fact some are even MORE elaborate than LYX's. (both Alen Fang and Jeremy's Tsui's costumes for example). Is that because they're short little weaklings too? 🤣

        And as I said in a previous comment, he fit Tantai Jin to a T. He was exactly as described in the novel.

        I don't see why it's seen as miscast just because the visuals don't appeal to everyone. Nor does it make him unconvincing as a love interest. which is what the original post was saying.

      • @Shrug.

        Well then what's the limit then? At what height is one accepted as suitable or unsuitable for a role of this kind?
        Does that rule out Tan Jian Ci? he's on the shorter side too and also wears the chunky platform shoes quite often. Guess he should have been ruled out from playing Xiang Liu too and future roles of that kind. talent be damned.

        Tony Leung is only 5'7, He would have been unsuitable in his heyday too? Or Jet Li at 5'6.

      • @Shrug

        He had his first big break out role at 30. So, in all fairness, I guess he started late to begin with.

        He also isn't my favourite at all. Not even close 🤣 As I said his career is a big failure and I simply can't support that.

        But congratulations to your favourite! You know, for being a real actor and all. That's really great. Your favourite is no doubt superior in every way.

    • @Loveashortking

      You can be ok with it and a section of people can be ok with it but most people aren't. Tom Cruise did only one Jack Reacher because it doesn't work, even with all his popularity.

      No matter who it is, LYX or TJC, if they are supposed to give the impression of power, they don't pass. LYX was a joke in that rescue drama. Huang Jingyu wasn't in his firefighter one. Because one has an appropriate physique, the other doesn't.

      You fans can continue defending LYX as long as you want, it won't change reality. He is still stuck in idol dramas of this type at age 35, think about why.

      • I don't think LYX himself wants to move on from idol dramas, and neither do his fan. His interest seems to be in costume dramas alongside extravagant costumes, effects and makeup; and Otters Studio seems to be very happy with him because they produce one drama per year for him. Its a win-win for everyone. One less actor to vie for serious dramas in the market.

      • 🤣🤣🤣 Okay.

        You say that like Jack Reacher is the only powerful leading man role that Cruise has had in his career.

        It's also hilarious to me to compare a role like Jack Reacher to mystical cultivators like Tang Lici and most of the roles LYX has played when we all know they are not even close to being the same thing. 🤣

        What is there to even defend? He hasn't done anything that needs defending. Just existing, doing his work and being short apparently. 😅

        But you know what, you're actually totally right. LYX's career is a complete failure. I agree. Geez, they should just chuck him in the bin and give the lead roles to your faves instead. But only the tall ones of course. 🤭

        ....but then again your favourite actors are probably too good for the kinds of roles LYX takes anyway, right. Those damn idol dramas. Yuck.

      • @Obv

        Of course he wants to move on from idol dramas, they all do. It's just that it's easier said than done. Looking back, very few actors and actresses have achieved this.

        New traffic is arriving. In five years time do you really think audience will want a 40yo LYX over some 25yo hot young guy? This is why they either move up to serious or slowly disappear. He is not the only one in this situation, I don't have anything against the guy. Take your pick really from older traffic these days, from Yang Zi to Cheng Yi.

      • @Loveashortking

        Your fave is 35 and this is what he is doing. If you consider that success, that's enough I guess.

        My fave started as traffic and has moved on to serious roles. Most likely about to hit Cannes. I have no worries. There is nothing wrong with idol dramas, they are fun. But anyone who is a real actor moves on.

      • @Shrug.

        He had his first big break out role at 30. So in all fairness to him, he did start late to begin with.

        Honestly, he really should just retire. Maybe he can start a business or something with his earnings. Have a nice little pot of gold for his old age. Have some kids etc. Because not only is he never going to break out of shitty idol dramas, In fact, he isn't going to be getting jobs at all going forward.

        He isn't my favourite at all. Not even close. 🤣🤣🤣

        But congratulations to your favourite! You know, on being a real actor and all. That's actually really great. There is no doubt your favourite is superior in every way.

      • @Shrug.

        He had his break out role at 30. So in all fairness to him, he did start late to begin with.

        Honestly, he really should just retire. Maybe he can start a business or something with his earnings. Have a nice little pot of gold for his old age. Have some kids etc. Because not only is he never going to break out of crappy* idol dramas, In fact, he probably isn't going to be getting jobs at all going forward.

        He isn't my favourite at all. Not even close. 🤣🤣🤣

        But congratulations to your favourite! You know, on being a real actor and all. That's actually really great. There is no doubt your favourite is superior in every way.

  • They probably do it on purpose to make him look bigger. Gotta fill those shoulders somehow, or else he won’t come off convincing as the leading man with lots of power etc. I know at my size lol I wouldn’t ever be casted as a female lead of anything, so I try really hard not to focus on his appearance, but it does play a part in the world of acting 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • This is absolute true. He doesn't have the presence so he wears shoes with 10cm lifts (literally, there are photos) and they get him huge shoulders and extreme hair pieces to make it look like he could stand a stronger wind at least.

      I know he is tiny though so this only annoys me. It just looks so forced and exaggerated.

      • I dont get why yall are saying the accessories are extreme. First reading this title's post, I thought it is true for everyone else that'll see, but I cant even see which part thats over exaggerated in these pics. They all r looks normal to me, and I dont even watch C-drama, but I do watch donghua, and reading the CN novels too, to know quite some of their traditional clothing, thus the accessories too. And I dont find any of whats shown here is forced/exaggerated/unnecessary

    • Surely acting skill is the most important asset of an actor. But for certain genres and some characters, visuals including looks and physique are important too, which should do justice to the narratives of a story trying to deliver. For example, in the legendary and critically acclaimed sagas, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, there were NONE among the actors playing Elves who did not look ethereally beautiful close to gods and goddess be they in the main cast or just extras, cos that's how the novel describes. Don't cast anyone who visually don't meet the expectation about the role. LUX's acting is ok to me but he's not visually fitting MLs of idol dramas. He should seek opportunities in non-idol dramas to extend his career life. I'm genuinely fed up with his heavy makeup and unhealthy physique on screen. It's impossible for me to root for him as an attractive hero and it takes away appeal to the drama.

      • To be honest, he might do worse in modern drama. These costume drama are just right up his alley. His visual suits costume drama more

      • @Yuhyi, all his modern dramas flopped so far and that's part of the reasons why he's in my blacklist of unwatchable actors. He looked even worse in suits and office settings. I couldn't root for him in his modern drama with Bai Lu cos he lacks the appeal and presence as a ML. I don't even remember the drama name since it's so forgettable. LOL. I'm sure his lunatic fans are pissed by my criticism of their idol. LOL. But I don't put down actors for no reasons. As I said, his acting is ok but visually, he's unbearable for me to look at. LOL. I think at his age, he should make efforts to stay away from idol dramas and try non-idol dramas. Otherwise, I predict him to gradually become irrelevant as he ages and that could come sooner than expected.

        Some actors who aren't visually fitting the expectation of MLs for idol dramas but are doing pretty well in non-idol dramas. For example, Zhang Wang Yi.

  • Is he a dragon? If he is, then, yeah, ornate costumes is appropriate, esp. a dragon king. Not sure about the feathers because that's birdy, like for a phoenix....

    Personality-wise, I find his voice too gentle and pretty to be anything masterful. But it could also work, like a velvet glove over castiron...but he gotta be able to act that subtly leashed power, which I hadn't seen, even in his most recent role in Till The End of the Moon. He would have made an awesome Lord of the Rings Elf, though, like a rival or lover of Legolas. I'd have chased that* drama....

  • The reason why I couldn’t watch Till the End of the Moon was because of his overtly done makeup and over the top costume. His fans were policing me, arguing that it’s because he was in a car accident before filming and that’s why he had to do heavy make up. Imagine wandering through jianghu with that much pomp. I just can’t take the plot seriously with the ML looking this ornate.

  • If this is not a plot focused drama like Mysterious Lotus Casebook (both share the same author) instead of the usual sappy romance xianxia, maybe I will finally be able to finish a Luo Yunxi drama ever since Princess Silver.

    • It's not a Wuxia. They announced it as such and people got hyped then they quietly dropped that it's not really a Wuxia but a mix with Xuanhuan.

      That ought to tell you everything. Same old bs.

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