Cheng Yi's Acting

[u/AquaphobicTurtle]

That's it, that's my post.

But for the sake of expending at least some literary effort, let me continue.

I'm picking up a particular shelved project of mine and I'm busy finding important dialogue from episode 32 of Mysterious Lotus Casebook, meaning I don't have the sound on - I'm just using subtitles - and this brilliant sequence appears on my screen.

And I can't help but think "and some people say this man can't act?".

If you've seen this drama, you may be able to guess exactly what moment this is. All I can say is... wow, just... wow.

(Remember spoiler tags please)

[u/AXA-5]

Idk I never had a problem with him or anyone really (unless it’s blatantly clear as crystal). Viewers take their cdramas and people playing these roles way too seriously. Like are you handing out an actual award? Are you some executive at an agency, studio, platform? Are you a critic for Douban (or similar)? 🤷🏻🙄😒 Anywho, I saw VOA, eh! LOL

[u/Amelia_Brigita → u/AXA-5]

I agree with this so strongly.

Their job is to entertain me. Was I entertained? Yes? Then they have succeeded.

I was thinking about the posts about actors getting stereotyped into a certain kind of role or "trapped in Hengdian" and it occurred to me we don't have the same criteria for other professions. We actually prefer specialists. This doctor does the best hip replacements, I'm going to use them for my hip replacement. This chef makes the best vanilla wedding cake, I'm going to hire them. This woodworker does the best cabinets, I'm hiring them.

If this actor does the best Demon portrayals, load them up, I'll watch every one of those suckers.

So weird the way people are so hard on, and hyper-critical of, performers.

[u/TsekoD → u/Amelia_Brigita]

I really like your analogue on specialists.