Controversy Surrounding New Film Adaptation of Classic Novel “Dream of the Red Chamber”

“Dream of the Red Chamber,” a monumental work from the Qing Dynasty era (1644-1911), remains not just an epitome of Chinese literature but also a popular subject for adaptations in the realm of cinema and television. Through the centuries, this intricate love saga has beckoned numerous filmmakers to its tapestried narrative, but not without challenges. The recent film adaptation titled “The Story of the Stone” has stirred significant debate among the Chinese online community, especially after the release of its official trailer.

Social media platform, Sina Weibo, became a hotbed for discussions and critiques soon after the trailer’s launch. The casting decisions, in particular, faced backlash. Many believed that the chosen actors lacked the traditional, classic allure befitting characters like Xue Baochai and Lin Daiyu, the iconic figures from the novel.

One user lamented, “These actors don’t possess the classical look and the casting seems mismatched, especially for roles as pivotal as Xue Baochai and Lin Daiyu.” Meanwhile, others reserved judgment, commenting, “It’s too soon to say.”

The legacy of “Dream of the Red Chamber,” being one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, means its adaptations are met with both anticipation and apprehension. Past interpretations have seen varied receptions. For instance, the 1962 Yueju Opera film adaptation stands tall as a celebrated confluence of 18th-century literature and 1960s cinema. It was lauded and embraced wholeheartedly. Decades later, in 1987, a drama series adaptation was described as “a splendid chapter in the annals of Chinese television” and as an “unmatched classic.”

However, every adaptation hasn’t basked in acclaim. The television series from the 2010s, helmed by director Li Shaohong, was met with mixed reactions. Critics argued that the actors lacked the required gravitas and the overall styling seemed drab and uninspired.

Amidst this backdrop of varying receptions, “The Story of the Stone” comes directed by the esteemed Hu Mei, a beacon of China’s “Fifth Generation” filmmakers, a cohort of young visionaries who emerged from the Beijing Film Academy in the 1980s. Hu’s filmography boasts celebrated projects, notably the 1999 historical television series “Yongzheng Dynasty.” The latest film adaptation reportedly focuses on the novel’s stories of youth.

While initial reactions indicate skepticism, there remains a buoyant sense of curiosity and optimism. Given the novel’s global renown, it is anticipated that audiences, both domestic and international, will flock to theaters. A Sina Weibo user summed up this sentiment by sharing, “Despite the initial reservations, I’m eagerly waiting for the film, primarily because it’s a Hu Mei project. The glimpses from the trailer promise stunning visuals.”

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