The VI Group of Fatal Case, a long-running crime investigation drama franchise that first aired in 2001, has returned with a prequel (重案六组消失的警号) starring Zhang Yishan and Daisy Li Muchen as younger versions of the main characters, “Da Zeng” and “Ji Jie.” Set in the 1990s, the series follows the two detectives as they investigate various cases. However, the prequel has faced significant backlash, with criticisms aimed at both its plot and cast. Much of the attention has centered on Li Muchen’s portrayal of Ji Jie, ultimately leading the actress to issue an apology.
Comparisons Against the Original
The original Ji Jie was played by veteran actress Wang Qian, whose calm, capable portrayal was considered a benchmark for female police characters in Chinese crime dramas. It prompted longtime fans to demand that the show give “Ji Jie” back since Li Muchen’s younger version has been criticized for being a far cry from the original, too emotional, glaring, shouting and lacking the composed presence of a criminal police. Many felt that Li Muchen’s acting was “bad” as it was exaggerated and superficial, a style common in short dramas where she is a leading star.
Still, others defend that stepping into an established role was never going to be easy. The situation has drawn comparisons to the backlash Zhang Miaoyi faced over her role in The Dream of Red Chamber remake, where audiences also had strong expectations based on an iconic previous portrayal.
Li Muchen Issues an Apology
The backlash has resulted in The VI Group of Fatal Case prequel wrapping its run with an apology from Li Muchen. She wrote, “Since the drama aired, I have sincerely accepted all the criticism and questions directed at me. It has been an honor to play Ji Jie, and I have always carried a deep sense of responsibility, afraid that I might let everyone down. With the previous portrayal being so highly regarded, I still have many shortcomings in my own performance, and I wasn’t able to live up to the expectations people had for this character. For that, I sincerely apologize. “
She also said the criticism would motivate her to approach future roles with greater humility, respect, and dedication to improving her craft. Li Muchen concluded by expressing her respect for real-life police officers and thanking viewers for their criticism and support.
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HL
There has been other rumours about her lack of humility, respect on set etc.. I have watched a number of her projects and even a variety show. I really feel there are better suited actress who deserves the role…
Wendy
Why are the C-entertinment audiences so open to ‘growth-type’ actors/actresses?
Forgive me, I have to rant here: there are movies/dramas that I’ve watched (or at least *tried* to watch) where all the surrounding character actors/actresses are on point and fantastic *except* for the main leads. Those stories still anger me to this day!
Every time I remember how excellent the plot would have been except for the terrible acting of the main leads I can feel my blood pressure start rising; I actually get so mad.
I can’t tolerate it when a sh*tty performance ruins an otherwise excellent show. Mostly because I know that the likelyhood of a remake is nil.
If you suck, you suck. Why should I tolerate sitting through a performance where obviously only one (or sometimes two) people don’t belong there? You are wasting and downgrading everyone else’s efforts! Is this not the meaning of the one bad apple ruining the whole barrel? Or the rat poop destroying the whole pot of porrridge?
It seems like so many actors/actresses are expecting the audience to stay with them while they fumble the ball over and over again as they ‘learn on the job’. I don’t want a surgeon whose never worked on a human or even gone through medical school to operate on me; in a way, it’s similar! Respect the job! Be prepared for the job! Don’t claim you’ll do better next time… do better NOW! Don’t take any more jobs about acting until you’ve learned how to act and have improved drastically! Otherwise you are NOT an actor/actress; you are an incompetant bloodsucker enriching yourself while harming others.
Sorry; it just makes me so mad when this happens. This is not directed at this actress personally, I have not seen her performance in anything. I just hate it in all professions but especially when there should have been so many ways to prevent it from occuring in the first place in filming. What is the point of auditions, acting coachs on sets, acting classes on your own time, directors actually refusing to let bad takes go through, the reviewers on set and before release, and the CCP governmental check system? Does no one have eyes?
I seriously feel this is the true reason why AI is so severely damaging the C-ent filming industry. When an AI generate is acting better than the ‘star’ who would choose the worse performance?
Arduinna
That’s the consequence of traffic-dominated casting choices. The useless idols get the lead roles while the real actors linger in the supporting cast. It’s annoying and an insult to the audience.