The Controversy of the Casting Process in the Chinese Film and Drama Industry: Many Seem Not to Fit

The Chinese entertainment industry often faces sharp criticism from the public, especially regarding the casting process for films and dramas. Many fans frequently feel disappointed because the chosen actors or actresses are considered not to match the original character descriptions.

Interestingly, this often occurs in dramas adapted from legendary novels, especially in the wuxia and xianxia genres. The controversy arises from the mismatch between the actors' appearances and the audience's expectations, who already have an ideal image of their favorite characters.

So, what is actually happening? To find out the clarity, let's directly review the following discussion.

1. Example of Casting Cases that are Criticized

Scene from LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS (credit: mydramalist)

Several popular dramas have not escaped harsh criticism from the public due to controversial casting decisions. Zhuang Dafei received many negative comments for being considered not pretty enough and not visually strong enough to portray Huang Rong in LEGEND OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS.

A similar case occurred with Michelle Chen, who was deemed too sweet and did not exude a "cold" aura while playing Xiao Longnu in THE ROMANCE OF THE CONDOR HEROES. Meanwhile, Ren Min was considered not graceful enough as Zhu Yan in THE LONGEST PROMISE, especially when compared to Xiao Zhan, who was seen as more visually suitable by fans.

2. Acting that Successfully Responds to Criticism

NIRVANA IN FIRE (credit: mydramalist)

Although physical appearance often becomes the main focus, several actors have managed to overturn negative judgments through their impressive acting skills. Xiao Zhan, for instance, faced doubts when portraying Guo Jing because his visuals were considered too handsome, but he later received praise for successfully delivering a strong performance of the character.

Similarly, Hu Ge in NIRVANA IN FIRE and Dilraba Dilmurat in THE LONG BALLAD were initially doubted, yet they proved that acting quality can overshadow visual doubts. Zhao Liying also captivated the audience when playing Chu Qiao and Shen Li, despite initial questions about her casting.

3. Realistic Role Selection Strategy

Liu Haoran (credit: mydramalist)

Unlike actors who are "forced" to play certain characters, there are also several artists who are smart in choosing roles that align with their abilities and image. Names like Liu Haoran, Bai Jingting, and Guo Qilin tend to take on more natural and realistic roles, far from exaggerated characters that could provoke criticism.

The same goes for actresses like Zhou Yutong, Tan Songyun, and Yan Ni, who are careful in selecting roles that match their age, personality, and visual characteristics, making them appear more integrated with the characters they portray.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does the casting process for Chinese dramas often receive criticism?
A: Because often the actors/actresses chosen do not match the physical description or aura of the original character, especially from adaptations of classic novels.

Q: Who are some actors that have been criticized for being considered unsuitable for their roles?
A: Zhuang Dafei, Michelle Chen, and Ren Min are examples of actors who have faced criticism for not meeting fan visual expectations.

Q: Are there any actors who managed to change public perception even though they were initially doubted?
A: Yes, such as Xiao Zhan, Zhao Liying, Hu Ge, and Dilraba Dilmurat who received praise for their outstanding performances.

Q: Do all artists accept roles without considering visual and character factors?
A: No. Some actors like Liu Haoran and Tan Songyun are selective in choosing roles to ensure they align with their image and abilities.

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