Chinese Drama 'Hunting Ice' Sparks Debate Over Acting Skills

"Hunting Ice" follows Zhang Hanyu's character, a chemist creating drugs, and Yao Anna's character, an undercover police officer infiltrating his operation to take down the criminal empire. Zhang Hanyu is a well-established Chinese actor, known for his roles in "Operation Mekong" and "The Taking of Tiger Mountain." Meanwhile, Yao Anna gained fame through her role in the popular drama "Nirvana in Fire." While the series has attracted a significant following on social media, the attention has largely been on Zhang Hanyu's performance.

Some viewers have expressed that Yao Anna's acting skills need further improvement. One Weibo user noted, "I only managed to watch one episode because of Zhang Hanyu. I gave one star to Zhang Hanyu. Who would dare to act opposite Zhang Hanyu? That takes courage." Another user wrote, "I fast-forwarded through the entire first episode just to watch Zhang Hanyu's scenes. Apart from Zhang Hanyu's performance, the rest was unbearable to watch, with the director's quality not even reaching an acceptable level."

In response to the criticisms, Yao Anna's fans have come to her defense, urging viewers to be more patient with the young actress. One user wrote, "Yao Anna has always been genuine and hardworking. I hope everyone could be more forgiving and supportive of new talents like her." Another fan added, "Yao Anna was once heartbroken because people only loved her sister character and not her.

I think she's been very real and has been honing her craft. Let's give her a little more room to grow, alright?" Zhang Hanyu himself has also praised Yao Anna for her dedication to improving her craft, saying, "Yao Anna has been working hard to refine her skills.

Even with a seasoned actor like myself by her side, I couldn't save her from her lack of talent. This show is proof of that. I hope that the audience can give her some understanding." Zhang Hanyu also compared Yao Anna to his former co-star Huang Xiaoming, who played opposite him in "Operation Mekong" and has since gained widespread recognition for his acting skills.

Controversy surrounding the portrayal of leading female characters in Chinese television dramas has been an ongoing issue in recent years. Critics have called for more diverse and realistic female roles in the entertainment industry. In "Hunting Ice," fans have also been critical of the show's plot and production quality. One user wrote, "The entire drama feels like an ad for Zhang Hanyu.

I'm getting tired of this. At least the leading lady's role should have been better written." Another user added, "I watched the first three episodes, and all I can say is that the show is in desperate need of better writing and a higher production budget."

Despite the mixed reception, "Hunting Ice" has managed to capture the attention of Chinese audiences, with many viewers tuning in to see Zhang Hanyu's latest performance. As the drama continues to air, it remains to be seen whether Yao Anna's acting skills will improve and whether the show's plot and production quality will meet the expectations of Weibo's critical viewers. In the meantime, the debate over the acting skills of Yao Anna is likely to continue on China's social media platforms.

As one Weibo user commented, "The new word for her acting style is 'chicken dinner acting' – as in, the performance is so over-the-top that it's like watching someone scarfing down a meal as if they haven't eaten in days." Amid the controversy, it's clear that "Hunting Ice" has struck a chord with Chinese audiences, providing fodder for lively discussions and debates on social media.

While the show may not be universally loved, it has certainly succeeded in generating buzz and keeping viewers engaged – a testament to the enduring power of entertainment to spark conversation and provoke strong reactions. As the drama unfolds, audiences will undoubtedly continue to scrutinize Yao Anna's performance, while also keeping a close eye on the show's plot and production quality. For now, though, it seems that "Hunting Ice" has succeeded in capturing the attention of Chinese viewers, providing a window into the complex and often contentious world of Chinese entertainment.