The latest adaptation of The Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦之金玉良缘), directed by Hu Mei, has unfortunately flopped at the box office and received a wave of poor reviews. Despite high expectations, both audiences and critics found the film lacking in several areas. Director Hu Mei has claimed that some of the negative feedback is an intentional smear, adding fuel to the controversy. However, many netizens have struck back, insisting that their opinions are honest.
Different Versions of Dream of the Red Chamber
Zhang Miaoyi, who stars as Lin Daiyu in the 2024 version, has faced significant criticism for her performance. Many netizens argue that she lacks the essence of the character, comparing her unfavorably to previous portrayals. The 2010 TV series The Dream of Red Mansions, featuring Jiang Mengjie as Lin Daiyu, is a more recent comparison. It’s been over a decade, but this version basically had everyone we see in C-ent nowadays as it starred the likes of Yang Yang, Li Qin, Yang Mi and Zhao Liying. However, the most iconic portrayal is widely regarded as the 1987 version of Dream of the Red Chamber starring the late Chen Xiaoxu.
Adapting Cao Xueqin’s classic novel into a film, rather than a TV series, is a Herculean task, and many believe the 2024 movie version failed to capture the depth and complexity of the long source material. The movie’s portrayal of Qin Keqing was earlier criticized for being too provocative, further fueling the backlash.
Zhang Miaoyi Says, “It Doesn’t Matter If You Call Me Ugly”
Zhang Miaoyi, who made her acting debut when she signed on for The Dream of the Red Chamber seven years ago, has since become an up-and-coming actress. However, the recent release of her debut film The Dream of the Red Chamber, which wrapped filming in 2018, has brought a barrage of negative comments toward her performance.
The 25-year-old actress addressed the criticism, saying, “These past few days have been difficult. My mood is very complicated. Everyone feels sad when being scolded. Who doesn’t have a sense of shame if they want to live well? But ask yourself, if you go back seven years, will you still take this role? I can’t deceive myself. I would definitely take it. Ignorance makes you fearless.” To make a point, she said she would’ve taken it even if it were as Zhu Ba Jie (pig character in Journey to the West).
Zhang reflected on her experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work on such a significant project. She acknowledged that her portrayal might not have lived up to the standard set by Chen Xiaoxu but remains committed to improving her craft. “It doesn’t matter if you call me ugly; my appearance is innate and cannot be changed. That was me at that time. It doesn’t matter if you call me superficial; I can only grow through life. The hardships of life will make me grow.”
Most Apologetic Towards the Director, But It Backfires
While Zhang expressed her deepest apologies towards Director Hu Mei, saying, “I think the person I’m most sorry towards is Director Hu Mei. Director Hu Mei has put the most effort into this movie. Everyone knows that Dream of the Red Chamber is difficult to make, but the director still insisted on making it.”
She also praised the director’s dedication to Chinese historical pieces like Yongzheng Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Han, Qiao Family Courtyard, and Confucius, stating that Hu Mei deserves more respect. She acknowledged the debate surrounding The Dream of the Red Chamber, but says if the film encourages more people to read the original, it could still serve a valuable purpose in popularizing Chinese literature.
Zhang Miaoyi’s long response backfired. While she expressed regret towards the director, viewers felt she overlooked the most important issue—their disappointment with her portrayal of Lin Daiyu. Instead of addressing the core criticism that she misunderstood and failed to embody the character, Zhang focused on her own hardships and the director’s efforts, which many saw as deflecting responsibility.
Photo: Zhang Miaoyi, Hu Mei Director / Weibo
nur
The 80s and 90s were such a time for adaptations, weren’t they? From India’s Mahabharat to China’s Dream of the Red Chamber, even to Britain’s Christies and Austens and Conan-Doyles. It must be difficult to take on such a role, on top of the literary significance, because no one will ever out-Daiyu that Daiyu or out-Feng jie that Feng jie. On top of all other production factors which made that period so remarkable for adaptations are the undeniable casting triumphs. Chen Xiaoxu stepping out of a painting as Lin Daiyu, Nitish Bharadwaj as Krishna with that Smile behind which lurks so much. Even works of less significance found similar exemplars: will there ever be a Marple to match Hickson, or a Poirot to match Suchet? I feel sorry for this girl, but I respect the bravery it takes to step into that role, whatever the outcome.
Lisa
Putting Dream of the Red Chamber into a singular movie is a feat. I’m not sure why someone would think they would be able to capture it’s essence in short form like this. This was Zhang Miaoyi’s first role. She’s green. I don’t think it’s fair to critique her now for something that happened 6 years ago. I hope she weathers the bullying bravely. It will pass!
Una
But why would anyone cast a rookie into such a titular role? Dream of the Red Chamber is a classic literature and a number of movies and dramas have been made on it. Comparisons with past productions are inevitable.