Chinese Netizens React to 'Longing for You' Drama Series
The ongoing Chinese drama series, "Longing for You" (长相思), is stirring up a digital storm on Weibo, the popular Chinese social media platform. Notably, the characters and acting performances are making waves among the online community, sparking intense discussions, fan theories, and widespread adoration.
25 July 2023
"Longing for You," a blend of fantasy and romantic drama, features renowned Chinese actress Yang Zi (杨紫) and actor Tan Jianci (檀健次). Yang Zi plays the character 'Xiao Liu' while Tan Jianci takes on the role of the nine-headed hydra monster 'Xiang Liu'.
Recent comments on Weibo reflect the show's soaring popularity. A user called 'Backyard Garden' applauded Yang Zi's enchanting performance, while another user humorously quoted a line from the drama, mentioning that all nine of Xiang Liu's heads were 'queuing for food', adding a dose of levity to the dramatic fantasy narrative.
Fans have not only appreciated the performances but have also dived into detailed analysis of the characters' personas. Some have praised Tan Jianci's exquisite depiction of a complicated character like Xiang Liu, appreciating the fine balance he has struck between the eccentricities of a monster and the subtleties of a nuanced, multi-dimensional character. A Weibo user named 'One Tangerine from the Capital' humorously suggested that one of Xiang Liu's heads could work while the others rest, adding another layer to the character's already rich characterization.
Furthermore, the relationship between the characters Xiao Liu and Xiang Liu, charmingly named as 'XiaoLiu' by the fans, is highly admired, showcasing the series' effective romantic chemistry.
Actress Yang Zi's commitment to her role has won admiration from her fans. A user shared a video of Yang Zi discussing her deep emotional investment in the series, revealing that she had a hard time detaching herself from her character after filming.
Users are not just engrossed in the drama's narrative but are also captivated by the show's visual aesthetics. For instance, a status update featuring animated GIFs of the cast, including Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Tan Jianci, Deng Wei, Dai Luwa, and Wang Hongyi, drew massive attention.
Intriguingly, product placements within the series, like the sour yogurt from 'Pure Zhen,' the series' main sponsor, are also being embraced by viewers, proving the effectiveness of this marketing strategy.
This digital fervor underscores the power of online platforms like Weibo in shaping public opinion and fostering community engagement around popular culture phenomena in China. It also reflects the immense popularity of domestically produced dramas and the significant role they play in contemporary Chinese entertainment.