This is an interesting article that taps into a popular Chinese cultural myth and might have some nuggets of anecdotal truth to it. A Taiwanese newspaper recently wrote about four of the most popular actresses in the Chinese-speaking entertainment world in a different context beyond their own popularity and acting successes. There is a commonly held belief that a man … Continue reading →
Sometimes I wonder if SARFT releases decrees and suggestions and the Chinese networks give a collective shrug and go back to their regularly scheduled programming. A little over a month ago SARFT issued a suggestive letter that it wished all networks aired dramas during the Summer months of July through October that promoted “the Chinese dream” (whatever that means), leading … Continue reading →
First comes marriage then comes baby, or in the case of the just married stars Yang Mi and Hawick Lau it might’ve been the other way around. The high profile celebrity couple tied the knot last week in Bali with a small tight knit group of family and friends, but the C-media has been abuzz since their engagement was announced … Continue reading →
The lead up to the the first big C-celebrity wedding of 2014 has been nothing shy of a media overload. I was getting exhausted by all the Yang Mi–Hawick Lau wedding preparations even though its only been less than two months since they announced their wedding, which we all remember was on the same high profile news day that Nicky … Continue reading →
At this point, it’s going to be easier spotting sad single lonely C-entertainers in the audience because everyone else is hooking up or tying the knot left and right. Today November 13 is going to be a day of threes starting with Bu Bu Jing Xin co-stars Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi confirming their new relationship. Up next to … Continue reading →
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the recently revealed real life relationship between frequent onscreen couple Hans Zhang and Zheng Shuang. It’s not that I thought their onscreen chemistry was all an act, it was how long its been going on before their going public. Their collaboration is going on five years, which you take into account entertainment … Continue reading →
I’ve been trying to retrain my brain to tolerate fantasy wuxia dramas, which to me is like the untalented sibling of the overachieving star of the family. It substitutes special effects for story, dumbing down characters because magic and make believe elements can be thrown in to solve any problem. But once my darling rising young C-actor Li Yi Feng … Continue reading →
I love the filming of C-dramas even if most of the end product is crap. It’s all pre-filmed so the writing doesn’t do crazy about turns due to ratings or audience reaction, though many times it still does crazy about turns but that’s due to simply baaaaad writing. The directing remains consistent and the actors don’t look like half-death due … Continue reading →
I usually embrace change readily but one thing I remain adamantly old school about are wuxia dramas. I don’t do fantasy wuxia or RPG wuxia because it’s like some weird hybrid of silliness without the epic depth. I’ve watched a few of Tangren’s takes such as Chinese Paladin, Chinese Paladin 3, and Xuan Yuan Sword and none of them were … Continue reading →
It’s awards time everyone, and in a few weeks the major networks in Korea will hold their own drama awards and I’ll be checking it out for the fashion and the onscreen couplings while laughing at who actually “wins” an award. On the heels of SETTV holding their drama awards a few days ago, across the strait the TV Drama … Continue reading →
The Summer box office is off to a roaring start in China with the premiere of Painted Skin: The Resurrection setting new box office records this weekend. Reviews are decidedly mixed, from story is flimsy to production is breathtaking. Both are probably true, and is a fine enough reason to tune in. I’ve been dying to check out this movie … Continue reading →
The upcoming C-movie Painted Skin: The Resurrection, the sequel to 2008’s hit movie of the same name with Chen Kun, Zhou Xun and Zhao Wei finally released an official trailer as it ramps up for its June release. I’m on pins and needles, because I really enjoyed the first movie for the great chemistry and gorgeous set design, and the … Continue reading →
Sometimes when you want things done right, you have to go to the big leagues. THIS above is how one plays a rawr general who is so awesome he can vanquish an entire army AND still have time to rescue a damsel in distress. Chen Kun, my good hot hot hot man, I bows to you. Seeing this, how could … Continue reading →