Yang Mi, William Chan and Xu Kaicheng’s fantasy series Novoland: Pearl Eclipse 斛珠夫人 just started airing last November 10, but in a short span of a mere three days, the series has already garnered more than 360 million in viewership on the Tencent platform. Once its hits primetime on Beijing TV this November 13, can you imagine how much higher it would be? The series also consistently nabbed the top #1 spot based on Vlinkage rankings since its premiere.
In Novoland: Pearl Eclipse, Yang Mi stars as a young merwoman named Ye Haishi whose entire village was slaughtered because of people’s obsession with the pearls created from merpeople’s tears. Luckily, she happens upon court official Fang Zhu (William Chan) who takes her under his wing as his disciple. Haishi disguises herself as a man and eventually ends up as the emperor’s (Xu Kaicheng) personal guard.
“Faithful to the Original”
As far as first impressions go, reception is split between those who say there’s nothing interesting about the story line and those who say it’s pretty good. In fact, a quick look at Douban sees votes that are either on the low end (1-2 out of 5 stars) or on the high end (4-5 stars). However, response from fans of the original Xiao Ruse novel from where the series is adapted from appears to be mostly favourable.
According to book fans, Pearl Eclipse has managed to remain faithful to the original storyline thus far and that whatever “add-ons” written in served to enhance the plot quite well. Moreover where as worldbuilding can sometimes take too long, the writers were quite intentional and were able to explain the heroine’s background without taking more than 40 minutes to lay it all out. Then there’s the relationship between the hero and the heroine which viewers say developed quite naturally. It wasn’t too weird or too abrupt that it appears quite forced.
Visually, Novoland: Pearl Eclipse has been described to be a feast for the eyes with the character’s exquisite costumes – not to mention fish scales and mermaid tails, the perfect foil for the story’s aquatic theme. Likewise, the drama’s special effects seem to have been well done and realistic. Mind though that these are impressions based off of the few episodes that have aired thus far. Whether the series can keep up its momentum is a different matter.
Pearl Eclipse also marks Yang Mi’s return to the costume drama genre after three years making fairly modern-ish dramas (although she did feature in a few episodes of Eternal Love of Dream), not to mention a drama reunion for her and William Chan 7 years since both starred in Sword of Legends.
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Seriously
What is the obession with the mer-people, this is the umpteenth plot line with either mermaiden or merman. I don’t know what standard the author is using to describe the “special effects” CGI as “well done and realistic” or the costume as a “feast for the eyes”. The special effects are, as always with Cdramas cringe worthy, exhibit A screen shot of mermaid (yikes). As for the wardrobe costume, it’s nothing extraordinary that you have not seen with any other XianXia series. And if I’m not mistaken the last two period drama Yang Mi has done started out with her in male identity as well, Eternal Love & Legend of Fu Yao? This storyline is almost a carbon copy of Eternal Love, teacher/student relationship. But like the old adage goes, if it’s not broken why change it. Btw, William Chan has to be the MOST unattractive male actor to grace the screen.
Garfield
That’s what I wanted to say about the drama too. But you said it first & better. Thanks!
William Chan has good luck on his side…with his looks & acting, I really don’t understand how he can still be main lead for so many TV series & movies. As, I can see China does not lack good actors around his age.
Dee
Then why bother watching it ?
Garfield
Do you give out review without watching the drama?
Xena
Seriously has no credibility to review anything about YM, she is a well known YM hater cause she has an idol she likes to compete against YM.
Seriously
LMAO, 1st sweetie, “she” is a HE. That’s a bit sexist of you to assume only females are opinionated. 2nd, I did NOT make a single disparaging comment of your beloved YM. All criticism were based on the article and show quality. Finally I DO NOT have “idols”, if I did have any they surely would not be an entertainer. If I have any “idol” who were Chinese, it would be people like Dr Li Wenliang, who sacrificed his life to alert the world of the Covid virus and ultimately was killed by his own government. But you keep being a messy nutcase, 😂.
Anon
Miss HE, nobody in this world wants to speak with you. All you can do is talk behind a screen, if you can’t even get along with people behind a screen too, what are you going to do? I’m sure you already know you won’t even talk to your own self when you become your only last resort.
If your rule is to hurt others because others will hurt you, then get out of here already because the world here is, if you can’t grow up everyone will tell you to get lost. Like everywhere else. Go live in your own tiny little selfish world that can only fit you. I’m sure everyone you spoke to told you these same words already. You can’t even reflect on your own self and look at your own image in the mirror. Narcistic but can’t even face yourself, very pitiful.
Seriously
I would have a witty reply (my usual) but your comment was filled with incorrect grammar that it was incompressible to an intelligent mind. But DO NOT fret, I am isolated in my bitter world contemplating why I am such a narcissistic individual, mind you, I will be doing this as a ponder myself in the mirror. And to clear up any confusion, “Miss HE”, is a male, a cisender male. If you need to address me, I prefer the title of arrogant jackass sir, lol.
Anon
This is the first time in a long time I’m watching a drama and I feel like I’m looking at flesh and blood. All the characters are so complex and the CP of all three couples are developing naturally. The CGI is eye catching for a Chinese drama so I think it’s a commendable step forward. The sets and cinematography are obviously top notch. As for costumes YM has always stuck to simple styling. In general the production value can only be compared to Rebel princess or can be considered to be even better.
The production obviously highlighted some points from YM’s previous hits to cause a stir but this drama is so much more. It’s very focused on the characters which I like. The acting from the entire cast is just flawless and nuanced and does justice to their characters…ok I have to stop gushing.
Anon
YM haters in 1,2,3…
carmen
Hay gente que odia YM, como si ella hubiera matado un pariente, realmente vi un solo drama de ella Eternal Love, me gusto despues no visto otro mas, vere este que tal.
Hunter2020
Yawn. William Chan is the token HKer in Chinese dramas. In the USA, they cast black actors and actresses to maintain political correctness. In China its the same. They will cast HKers Taiwanese Uyghurs with absolutely no acting skills in Chinese dramas simply because political correctnes demands it.
Hunter2020
BTW, guys dont be fooled by the so-called high quality CGI/exquisite production sets/costumes etc. All that comes from Tencent money. Being such a rich company that wants to maintain their reputation, they will even throw money at crap productions. There’s a saying, if u cant make it good at least make it look good. If I see Tencent as being the production company behind something, I tend to be very skeptical. Sure that something will look good but it aint necessarily good… Money can buy everything except love and that includes the viewers awe!
Good Chinese dramas lover
Nothing new under this sky. YM natural voice make my hears grinky. More she lisp a little. I concede she is a bit better than DD as acting at least better at perform the same role again and again.
If to be realistic and critical is to be a hater so lovers are just blind brainless morons.
Do I see correct it’s seems to me that YM use botoxt her face doesn’t move a bit, his eyes, lips and cheeks are frozen, she can’t even stick up is eyesbrow.
WC naked upper body doesn’t feet with is corporel figure, have they use also a body armure or a double, I am more about a double.
Xena
When will ZLY fans stop blaming YM about things ZLY got criticize on? They always give themselves away. The whole world knows already, the only actress with lisp and stuttering is ZLY. Blaming YM having lisp when she doesn’t have it, but their idol does, and blaming YM doing plastic surgery when their idol did it to look like YM. Shameless.
Good Chinese drama lover whose not a paid anti
YM’s lines are strong and clear, the only problem is that people don’t like her voice and haters are currently trying to exploit every loophole they can find. Her acting is very nuanced and every emotion is expressed clearly. For anyone saying the special effects are bad (especially after watching episode 14) I’d love to hear one Chinese drama that can rival this one in that aspect. Nobody is saying it’s the best but it’s an obvious step forward. All complaints I hear about this drama are obviously ungrounded and biased, WC is ugly? That guy is obviously the finest piece of flesh YM has ever cooperated with, all the actors in this drama are visually stunning. The only thing that’s over botoxed on this page is the brain of hater and mouths of paid antis repeating themselves over and over again.
Congrats on hitting over 500M today by the way.
Violette
I am really enjoying it and it’s exceeded all my expectations. The production is amazing and so far the story is solid. Complex characters (layers and depth!!) with really complicated relationships and no silly immature filler episodes. YM and WC’s acting and chemistry are good; fits their characters and done with good nuance.
Nano
Yep … I’m blow away by the productions and the casts…bravo hope it keeps going strong til the end …mute the
Anonymous
Impressive first three episodes. The CGIs are realistic, the actors performance natural and nuanced; which makes the viewer is immediately immersed in the plot. And it is a high quality production. With Yang Mi as leading lady and the caliber of the production, I expected no less. Just hoping that future episodes live up to its momentum. C-dramas are notorious for starting out with a bang, fizzling mid-way into its run, and ending on a questionable note. The only thing I found distracting was Yang Mi’s lower lip. She seemed to have used fillers that makes her face seem unnatural sometimes. Does anyone know how many episodes are released a week? I hate waiting for new episodes for a drama I’m really interested in; I tend to lose interest and passion if I have to wait too long; at the same time when I choose to wait until I can properly marathon a drama, the internet is abuzz with spoilers which sort of ruins my enjoyment of the show. A double edged sword, no matter what I do, lol. It’s an interesting problem to have. At times, I often hope that popular dramas can pull a ‘Netflix’ and release all episodes at once. But I understand why they can’t. Lol
Violette
I’m so addicted already and have watched all 13 episodes already. The restraint chemistry is good between WC and YM. I’m interested to see where it all goes as their feelings are intensifying but not validated by each other yet. It’s airing 2 episodes per day from Wednesday to Sunday.
Anon
Uhhm, guys just bcoz a persons face bears certain characteristics doesn’t mean there were cosmetic procedures involved, you do realize that your opinions are slanderous and harmful to a persons wellbeing, right?
Seriously
Hmm you don’t seem to have a grasp of the meaning of slanderous. Thinking or having an opinion is EXTREMELY different than stating an actual fact. People should be allowed to share their opinions without being forced to filter it for your own sensitivity. People aren’t nice, you should learn this and build life skills to manage your own well being. Society should not tiptoe around because you may be fragile, life does not work this way.
Anon
Really, then I guess i am stating a fact when I say you are sad little narcissistic idiot and a nuisance to this website, your entire existence should be wiped off from internet history because you are not worthy to use anything with keyboards, when these things were invented you were one the most bothersome cons to consider. You are so dedicated to hating someone that doesn’t even know you exist, have you no life to live🙃
Seriously
OMG NOW that is slanderous … you should be careful, as a supposed “narcissistic idiot” I am extremely ligitious, and it would not be difficult to confirm your ISP and true identity “Anon”.
Anon
Now you know the feeling douchebag. But following your logic I’m stating FACTS not an opinion or slander, Ciao.
Turn off comments admins
I think the comment section on this website should be turned off. I see so many haters camping on this site ready to attack popular female actresses. Since admins are too busy to moderate the comment section they should simply turn it off. Another option is to make them log in from some social media account before commenting. I know fanwars bring traffic to the site but this is promotion of unhealthy toxic culture. Some of the names I’m seeing are regular haters so it’s ridiculous they haven’t been blocked from commenting yet.
Seriously
Oh you’re so silly censorship like that ONLY exists in Communistic China. As far as I have read there are not being “toxic” comments in this thread, but an exaggerated attempt by oberly sensitivite snowflakes that cannot distinguish harsh criticism exists and not everyone need or has to be gentle in their criticism. You might want to get thicker skin, the real world is far more blunt and pointed, there are no law that requires anyone to be nice. My advice grow up.
Anon
@ Seriously seems really pitiful. A person that hangs around this website and obviously has no love for dramas but enjoys slandering successful people is not normal. He/She does not even see the fine line between expressing opinions and cyber bullying. I think it’s best to ignore people like this both for his/her sake and for a healthy atmosphere. Maybe then he/she will leave his/her keyboard and find a life. NPE is the best drama I’ve seen this year, I hope they keep up with the momentum.
Seriously
You know it’s not necessary to “@“ me since you directly replied to my comment. That’s my only response since everything after that is repetitive of your 5 other’s comments about me in this thread.
Anon
If it makes you feel better to think there’s only one person that dissatisfied with you on this page then sure, I’ll allow you to link all Anons to me.
Anon
They didn’t name anyone but you already know the hater is you. Jerks like you deserve big brother watchin cause you can’t grow up.
Chinese drama lover
Xena, Amon,
Your comments reflect lack of education, life experience and commun sens.
Go educate yourself is the best way to ensure you will become a better person.
Is a long journey, but try it, it can be full of surprises.
Anon
Keep your biased and double standard lectures for your children dear, you didn’t seem to want to use them when all this people were making malicious comments on an another human, why? is YM not a person? Does she deserve to have cowards write bullshit about her behind her back which she can’t control, you only understand how it feels when it’s being done to you.