From the imperial capital to Jinyang, following the footsteps of Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, the audience who are deeply concerned about the fate and destiny of the Hua and Gu families breathe a sigh of relief. As far as the eye can see, the most common sentiment expressed by the audience is, “This is a work that brings a sense of happiness.” Since the premiere of “Blossoms in Adversity,” the accumulated valid viewership has reached a staggering 1.133 billion according to data, with an average valid viewership per episode ranking among the 30 million+ club, securing the top spot on the weekly popularity chart for web dramas.
Undoubtedly, in the Q2 2024 drama market, this ancient costume legendary drama, which is based on the grand theme of “family and the country” and takes root and sprouts under the nourishment of traditional culture, has resonated with both the audience within and outside the play, reaching a mutual understanding and achieving a two-way convergence at the peak meeting. Leading in both word-of-mouth and popularity dimensions, it brings increasingly valuable reflections to the industry: where does the emotional connection between ancient costume dramas and young audiences of today lie? What is the key to maintaining tradition while innovating in creative endeavors?
Ensemble cast, realistic portrayal
One of the new developments in the drama market from last year to this year is the firm support and desire of the audience for the idea that all characters are crucial. An ensemble cast is appealing, but difficult to achieve. “Blossoms in Adversity” starts with the tragedy of the Hua family, depicting a vivid tapestry of life centered around the families of Gu Yanxi, Hua Zhi, the Shen siblings, and the Shaoyao family's younger generation.
In just the first 3 episodes of the drama, viewers not only see Gu Yanxi, who holds his country in his heart without blind loyalty, and Hua Zhi, who is resilient and follows rules but not bound by them, but also Shen Qi, who has the pride of a scholar and a sense of justice without being pedantic. Wherever the camera goes, there are also characters like the dignified Hua Yizheng, the sensible grandmother of Hua Zhi, the noble Lin Wan, and a colorful and lively female ensemble of the high-ranking noble ladies from the inner courtyard: such as the first lady who prioritizes her husband, the second lady who only has eyes for her children, the third lady who is skilled in managing the household, and the gentle and graceful fourth lady, and so on.
If a vibrant ensemble cast is the basic configuration for attracting viewers, then the key to “Blossoms in Adversity” winning the hearts of the audience lies in giving a diverse range of characters unique and vibrant vitality. The audience knows that the high-ranking noble ladies are a group, but they may not expect that among these individuals, some eschew embroidery and teachings, excelling in history and strategy; some are skilled in calculations, and others in singing and dancing. Beyond the typical stereotypes, there are individuals who shine brightly, making them not only impressive but also real, relatable, and endearing.
It is often said that “every family has its own troubles,” and the tension within a household often arises from conflicts of private desires, justice, and the intertwining of good and evil. What is commendable is that “Blossoms in Adversity” has abandoned struggle and instead embraced harmony in the face of common challenges faced by family members. Despite the adversity faced by the Hua family, the Shen family, who had a good relationship with them, maintained their dignity; internally, the Hua family quickly regrouped after a brief panic, displaying unity and a familial spirit, interpreting the spirit of the literati as a family with a reputation for prosperity with precision, becoming increasingly heartwarming and touching.
In stark contrast, the emotional relationships within the imperial family are more complex and deeply rooted. Gu Yanxi faces the complexities of familial ties and power struggles as he deals with his uncle from the official family, balancing deep familial bonds and nurturing against the etiquette of rulers and subjects. This also aligns with what the director Zhu Ruibin stated: the drama focuses on the growth of each character while also depicting the growth of a family.
By grounding the characters between family and national affairs, insightful observations of daily life are made during a down-to-earth flight, and the solid character development stems from the creators' precise grasp of everyday details. Another refreshing highlight of “Blossoms in Adversity” lies in its unique language system, where the semi-literary and semi-vernacular dialogues not only highlight the personalities of the characters but also present traditional culture in a flowing manner, embodying ritual in the details and giving shape to righteousness.
Visual novelty, beauty with solid foundation
As a perennial favorite genre, the visual style and costume design of historical dramas are equally captivating to the audience, whether they are elegant or magnificent, simple or innovative. The visual aesthetics complement the essence of the dramas themselves. Historically, the visual presentation of historical dramas has been heavily influenced by the popularity of fantasy martial arts dramas, focusing on beauty but lacking a solid sense of life and a distinctive identity integrated with the drama.
During an interview, the producer of “Blossoms in Adversity” mentioned that the core essence of the visual characteristics of the drama lies in solidity. The main setting of the drama, Zihuang Residence, where the core plot unfolds, was constructed using real scenery. The distinctive styles of furniture, screens, and lanterns, as well as the patterns seen in the lanterns hanging in the household, can be traced back to ancient books and paintings, balancing the sense of authenticity with the traditional charm of Eastern aesthetics.
The concept of solidity mentioned by the producer not only manifests in settings like Purple Bamboo Residence and physical props but also in the texture presented through lighting, cinematography, and color combinations. In terms of color, the application of a pinkish tone by the producer and director adds a layer of real-life vibrancy beyond the usual fantasy martial arts style, presenting a meticulous and heartfelt family aura reminiscent of the elegance found in “Dream of the Red Chamber”.
Moreover, in previous historical dramas, exile as a plot and regional symbol was familiar to the audience, such as the poisonous marshes of the south and the harsh cold of the north. However, in “Blossoms in Adversity,” the scene of male members of the Hua family working in the wilderness brings to life the experience of those condemned to exile. The stark contrast between the simple yet neat indoor environment and the hardships faced by the Hua family showcases their unwavering spirit in adversity, instilling a convincing determination in the viewer.
The audiovisual presentation of a drama often reflects the cultural confidence and awareness of the creators. “Blossoms in Adversity” actively incorporates historical and cultural elements. From the detailed depiction of the process of Hua Yizheng wearing Song dynasty official attire to the scenes of the Hua family women enjoying opera performances and daily life, as well as the bustling street scenes and the elaborate rituals during the marriage of Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, the rich traditional cultural atmosphere permeates every aspect, subtly intertwining culture with the narrative.
Expressing the novel, presenting the real
The depth of historical dramas lies in their ability to express progressive ideas and resonate with contemporary issues, capturing the audience's interest. “Blossoms in Adversity” captivates viewers not only by breaking free from feudal customs and traditional ethics but also by presenting modern values of self-discovery and empowerment. The characters redefine the meaning of home, as Hua Zhi tells her grandfather that a home is not just a place to eat and sleep but a place where one can truly be oneself. The characters in the drama depart from traditional family norms, reflecting a progressive mindset in their actions and beliefs.
For instance, the progression of the relationship between Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, characterized by hidden identities, misunderstandings, and challenges, is marked by dignity, understanding, empathy, and resolute clarity instead of typical dramatic conflicts. This unconventional approach not only defies expectations but also showcases the integrity of the characters.
As “Blossoms in Adversity” nears its conclusion, Hua Zhi and Shen Qi, accompanied by the Sixth Prince, stroll through the streets and encounter a young beggar. The Sixth Prince, despite being a child, shows maturity and empathy beyond his years by not only giving the beggar a pastry but also his pocket money. This subtle detail reflects the creators' kindness and hope: the future emperor, witnessing the hardships of the common people in his youth, will carry these experiences in his heart, ensuring the well-being of his subjects in the years to come, intertwining with the characters' vigilance and creating a mutual connection with the audience.
Promoting progressive ideas without losing touch with reality is another aspect where “Blossoms in Adversity” excels. By transcending temporal barriers to resonate with the present while maintaining a balanced approach, the drama navigates the limitations of its era. The evolution of the female characters from self-interest to mutual appreciation in discussions about family management subtly conveys profound insights and strengthens the emotional bond and identification with the audience, transforming didacticism into understanding.
“Blossoms in Adversity” presents a solid narrative and a broader perspective in its creative dimension, bringing traditional culture to life in a vibrant theatrical context and exuding a rich sense of authenticity and cultural heritage. Through its thematic depth, the drama intertwines contemporary resonance with cultural essence, elevating historical dramas to a new level that encompasses individuality, family, nation, and era, taking a step forward in the genre.
