Cdrama & hanfu

Romance Xianxia drama "Back From the Brink" will officially launch on May 10th as the follow-up drama to "Till The End Of The Moon". With the overall quality and strength of "Back From the Brink", it may become another dark horse in the May period drama lineup with obvious potential for success. The drama "Back From the Brink" is adapted from the novel of the same name by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The main plot is as follows: twenty years ago, Tianyao (played by Hou Minghao) was stripped of his bones and sealed in the four directions with the power of the five elements by his beloved Su Ying (played by Yang Rong), the master of Guanghan Sects. Ten years ago, Tianyao's soul escaped from the seal by chance and he sensed that his dragon bones were sealed in a mountain village lake. He attached his soul to the body of a dead boy and waited for the opportunity to retrieve his dragon bones. The appearance of Yanhui (played by Zhou Ye) gave Tianyao hope. Originally, she had dragon blood in her heart, which could help him break the seal. So Tianyao began to use Yanhui to help him find…

The new record of the fastest topping on the IQIYI drama list, seven consecutive days of the Chinese broadcast market share of the first, "New Life Begins (卿卿日常)" has become the biggest dark horse in the early winter drama market with its extremely high popularity. "New Life Begins" is produced by New Classics Media. In a marriage election, girls from all over the country gather in Xinchuan to marry the young prince of Xin Chuan. The 6th Prince, Yin Zheng (Bai Jingting), who is hiding his light, and Li Wei (Tian Xi Wei), who just wants to go back home and live comfortably, have a laughable marriage. This drama features a fresh style, a cheerful plot, and delightful characters. It combines love, cuisine, humanities, and history together, supplemented by comedy and laughs, ultimately presenting a life story. "New Life Begins" is different from the usual sweet comedy, the sweetness and joy presented are not a mindless spoof, but a romantic distillation of the fragments of life. Some people think that this drama wins in the background and the freshness of the persona, but after watching a few episodes, you will be able to feel the deep skills of the team…

Period political drama is a popular genre in the Cdrama market, and it has always had extraordinary appeal. From "Legend of Concubine Zhen Huan" to "Nirvana in Fire" and "Story of Yanxi Palace," whether based on real historical events or fictional stories set in an alternate history, the power struggle between characters and the political intrigue in the court always arouse the curiosity and thirst for knowledge of the audience. They hope to see how the protagonists cleverly deal with various challenges. Among them, the genre of alternate history allows for the free play of imagination, creating a unique worldview and story background without being limited by real history. Because the audience does not know how the story will develop, this sense of unknown excites and anticipates them even more. Recently, the period drama "Love of Nirvana," adapted from the alternate history novel by Xiaolou, announced its completion of filming. Based on Xiaolou's novel of the same name, the drama tells the story of Xiao Wuxia, the young lord of the Moonfall City, who disguises himself as Wei Zhao and infiltrates the Liang Kingdom for many years, carrying the stigma of a treacherous minister. In order to uncover the truth…

The summer drama season is in full swing, with various streaming media releasing their long-awaited high-quality drama series, bringing continuous surprises to different genres. Among them, the Xuanhuan drama genre has been shining brightest with the exceptional performance of "Lost You Forever". Since its premiere, this drama has achieved remarkable viewership and has continuously broken popularity records, expanding its influence among the audience and most securing the title of this year's summer popular drama. In a market where excellent films and TV series are frequently released recently, what sets "Lost You Forever" apart from other major productions? What innovations does this work bring to the Xuanhuan & costume genre?   Record-breaking Popularity Since its debut on July 24th, "Lost You Forever" quickly climbed to the top of online streaming indexes. It became the highest-rated drama series for June-July period across all online platforms with an impressive index score of 90.58. This trend propelled it into the ranks of blockbuster dramas for the summer season. Furthermore, it maintained its position at the top of daily charts for multiple days consistently. The unwavering popularity surrounding "Lost You Forever" ignited a fervor among viewers during this summer season. In an era where major…

In 2022, plenty of wonderful Chinese costume dramas accompany us. For example, the military and espionage drama "The Wind Blows From Longxi" based on the Three Kingdoms period; "Luoyang" and "Strange Legend of Tang Dynasty" set in the Tang Dynasty; "A Dream of Splendor" set in the Song Dynasty; "Imperial Cuisine" and "The Imperial Age" with the Ming Dynasty background; and the latest Qing Dynasty theme drama "The Long River". There are still some dramas in the 2022 to-broadcast list that have not yet aired, check them out here. The following is a list of Chinese costume dramas in 2023, as compiled by hanfuhouse . Destined · 长风渡 (Aired) Aired: June 18, 2023 Also known as: Chang Feng Du Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Historical, Romance Main Role: Bai Jing Ting as Gu Jiusi, Song Yi as Liu Yuru, Liu Xue Yi as Luo Zishang Plot summary of Destined The drama "Destined" is based on Mo Shubai’s novel of the same name. Liu Yuru (柳玉茹, played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant, has been suffering from her mother's illness, her concubine mother's lack of mercy, and her father's lack of attention since she was a child, so…

As the highly contested field of costume dramas, this summer season has seen "Lost You Forever Season 2" take an early lead. Last year, "Lost You Forever" dominated the summer lineup, not only securing the highest market share but also launching several newcomers to stardom. This success is a major reason why "Lost You Forever Season 2" has generated considerable buzz even before airing. Before its premiere, "Lost You Forever Season 2" garnered over 9.58 million reservations on Tencent Video, ranking first among upcoming dramas. Within three hours of its release, it reached a popularity index of 28,000 on the platform. According to data, "Lost You Forever Season 2" topped the daily charts for full-episode viewership on its debut day. From a commercial perspective, having numerous advertisements is a hallmark of a hit web drama, and "Lost You Forever Season 2" excels in this area. Each episode features 11 advertisements. According to user-compiled data, "Lost You Forever Season 2" boasts one chief sponsor, five partners, and 70 co-branded business affiliations, setting a new record for advertisement sponsorship in television premieres. Similar to "Joy of Life 2," the premiere of "Lost You Forever Season 2" on Tencent Video also included a…

On the first day of summer, a major fantasy Xianxia drama began airing. On June 1st, "Beauty of Resilience (花戎, Hua Rong)," starring Ju Jingyi and Guo Junchen, premiered online. Since filming started in mid-2021, this drama has garnered attention from both inside and outside the industry. For Ju Jingyi's debut in a fantasy drama like, her character's intense conflicts and growth through multiple reincarnations serve as an advanced test for her acting skills which is highly anticipated by fans. Departing from its original style with light ancient elements, "Beauty of Resilience" ventures into mature genres such as fantasy Xianxia dramas. From the first six episodes aired so far, it seems that "Beauty of Resilience" has indeed found a way to stand out amidst fierce competition within this genre. Although it tells stories within grandiose settings where three realms coexist together, what stands out most prominently are themes of growth challenges, family bonds, romantic feelings, and academy life which cleverly aligns with realism for youth elements that resonate well with viewers while also creating an accessible pathway toward empathy between audiences and characters alike.   Youthful Endeavors in the Academy At the beginning of "Beauty of Resilience," Wei Zhi (played…

In the realm of Chinese animation, where creativity and storytelling converge, a new series has emerged to captivate audiences with its blend of modern intrigue and ancient mysticism. "Golden Silkworm Chronicles," adapted from the acclaimed novel "Miao Jiang Gu Shi" by Nan Wu Jia Sha Li Ke Fo, has made its grand entrance onto Youku Anime, promising viewers an exhilarating journey into a world where supernatural powers and urban life collide. At the heart of "Golden Silkworm Chronicles" lies a narrative steeped in the rich tapestry of Miao ethnic culture and the allure of supernatural abilities. The story centers around Lu Zuo, a young man thrust into the tumultuous realm of these powers after inheriting the mantle of the "Golden Silkworm," a title bestowed upon him by his grandmother. Set against the backdrop of a bustling modern city, Lu Zuo's journey unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, drawing viewers into a universe where ordinary lives intersect with extraordinary destinies. Unlike traditional Chinese animation themes centered on cultivation and martial arts, "Golden Silkworm Chronicles" pioneers a new narrative trajectory with its focus on urban supernatural fantasy. This distinct choice not only broadens the genre's appeal but also injects fresh vigor into…

10 exciting historical series will be broadcast in 2022, tradition history, biography, suspense, what surprises will they bring for us? On the whole, in the past, "romanticism" is the main theme of Chinese costume dramas, but from the list of 2022 historical series, the "realism" genre of historical subjects, may be an important breakthrough in the drama market in 2022. From the market's perspective, differentiated competition is the greatest motivation for the revival of historical series. Not only do viewers want to have other choices than realistic themes, but even historical themes have the expectation of continuous innovation and upgrading. We can see that almost all Chinese mainstream video sites have historical drama projects.   Historical series is now returning strongly Earlier, costume dramas and historical dramas were distinct. Historical dramas were often based on famous historical figures and had a more strict historical basis. The characters in costume dramas, on the other hand, are not strictly limited to whether they are real people or purely fictional, and there is no requirement for the plot to fit with history. Over the past decade, costume dramas have flourished while historical dramas have gradually withered away. The ancient costume dramas: Imperial drama,…

On December 15, the last Xianxia cdrama of 2022, "Song of the Moon (月歌行)", was launched online. The drama is adapted from the original novel "Ben Yue (奔月)" by author Shu Ke, In the drama, Vin Zhang and Xu Lu as the leads, and Wang You Shuo, Zheng He Hui Zi, Riley Wang, and Ma Yue as supporting actors. On the second day of release, the popularity index of "Song of the Moon" has been soaring, ranking first in the broadcast charts of web dramas in mainland China. The netizens' evaluation of this drama: "fast-paced", "sweet but tearjerker", "perfect special effects" all show's production team has put a lot of effort into the production. The original "Song of the Moon" has a heartbreaking storyline in which the female protagonist, under the influence of several male characters, forms her worldview, values and ultimately chooses to move towards a set ending. In the episode, while retaining the worldview of multiple worlds of immortal, human and demon realm, the story of immortal love between the male lead Lu Li (陆离, palyed by Vin Zhang)/Luo Ge (洛歌) and the female lead Liu Shao (柳梢, played by Xu Lu) is told, and the sense of…

The drama "The Legend of Shen Li" starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin is a fantasy Xianxia series. This drama was highly anticipated before its premiere, partly due to the combination of Zhao Liying's talent and popularity playing a fairy character once again, and also because Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin's collaboration resolved the regrets of many fans of the drama "Princess Agents." On its premiere day, it has been leading in viewership ratings in all aspects. In recent years, most fantasy dramas revolve around the basic themes of protecting the people and safeguarding loved ones, and "The Legend of Shen Li" stands out as a unique work in this genre. In terms of the storyline, the female lead played by Zhao Liying, Shen Li, is not just a supporting character who highlights the strength of the male lead. Shen Li, as the Bicang King of the spiritual realm, traps demons and protects her realm. On the other hand, Lin Gengxin plays dual roles, one in the mortal world and the other in the heavenly realm. Each character has their own responsibilities and missions based on their identities. From escaping a forced marriage in the mortal realm to saving a…

On September 2nd, the Jianghu scheme drama "My Journey to You" directed by Guo Jingming and starring Yu Shuxin, Zhang Linghe, and Cheng Lei, with special appearances by Zeng Shunxi, , and Chen Du Ling began airing. As the grand ceremony for selecting a consort approaches, Yun Weishan (played by Yu Shuxin), a skilled assassin, infiltrates the Gong Men sect to gather intelligence. However, unexpectedly both the master of the Gong Men and his designated successor are assassinated. Overnight, Gong Ziyu (played by Zhang Linghe), who has always been marginalized as the fourth prince suddenly becomes the new master of the Gong Men sect. In this twist of fate, Yun Weishan can only redirect her efforts towards capturing and seducing Gong Ziyu anew. After careful planning and manipulation she succeeds in becoming his bride. She had initially thought that once she became Gong Ziyu's wife she would complete her mission and attain freedom; little did she know that even more dangerous challenges awaited her. Her only ally being none other than Gong ZiYu himself who appeared to be an inept puppet ruler. With intricate reasoning consciousness intertwined with gripping plot tension, the mystery genre is becoming one of most significant…

Clothing, food, shelter and transportation, the word clothing is the first. Throughout history, the Chinese have consistently showcased their pursuit of clothing. From the exquisite attire donned by emperors in ancient palaces to the fashionable ensembles spotted in bustling city streets, people appear to consistently have a wealth of commentary regarding fashion trends. Today, a documentary that was specifically created to delve into the rich Chinese clothing culture would be recommended - "Wearing China on the Body". It tells the story of Chinese etiquette, clothing expression, folk art inheritance, and human relationships through vivid clothing, and skillfully reflects the changes in people's aesthetic preferences in the era. The Chinese documentary "Wearing China on the Body" is composed of six episodes, including Sang Ma, Bu Yi, Ni Shang, Jin Xiu, Zi Jin, and Jiang Xin. This documentary interprets Chinese culture through the perspective of clothing, arousing the audience's profound longing for clothing aesthetics from various perspectives such as fashion, elegance, intricacy, culture, humanity, and emotion. Enable them to comprehend the China within which we reside from the dreamlike clothing realm.   Episode 1: Sang Ma This episode will trace the origin of magnificent Chinese costumes, choose the life course of different…

In the vast river of history, each dynasty has left its unique cultural imprint and artistic lifestyle. Among the many dynasties, the Song Dynasty, with its distinctive cultural charm and refined way of life, has become an indispensable chapter in Chinese history. Its delicacy, tolerance, and openness endowed this era with unparalleled artistic and cultural allure. Recently, Henan TV launched "Chinese Banquets." This cultural documentary takes us back to the Song Dynasty, a time filled with cultural atmosphere and artistic lifestyle, where the banquet rituals reconnect us with the ancient tranquility and elegance amidst the modern hustle and bustle.   Background of "Chinese Banquets" From ancient times to the present, whether it is the noble emperors and nobles or the common people, on special holidays or significant occasions, banquets are hosted to entertain honored guests or close relatives and friends as a sign of respect. The Chinese banquet has become an etiquette of hospitality. "Chinese Banquets" extends the concept of Chinese festivals and, as a member of the cultural family, it reconstructs and reenacts Chinese dining rituals, exploring the Eastern sense of ritual, Eastern aesthetics, and Eastern wisdom associated with food. Features of "Chinese Banquets" While recreating the scenes of…

"Till the End of the Moon" can be said to be the most popular Xianxia drama in recent. And the topic of Xianxia styling in cdramas seems to have once again been pushed to the forefront. In more and more Xianxia dramas, the characters have different appearances and rich accessories, the styling of Xianxia dramas no longer seems to be identical.   Classic Xianxia Styling At first, the styling photos of "Till the End of the Moon" were praised for creating a magnificent feeling for Xianxia dramas. However, after the broadcast, some audiences felt that the styling was not as stunning as it was advertised. But most netizens think that this is already an excellent enough styling for Xianxia dramas nowadays. Because for many years, the styling designers of Xianxia drama seem to be obsessed with the light and simplicity. Being immaculate and elegant seems to have become the standard for immortals nowadays. In order to create an atmosphere of "not being affected by the mundane world", the styling of immortals is extremely simple. If you cover the actors' heads, it is probably difficult to tell the difference. Uniform cold-toned clothes, plus a bit of gauze texture, seem to be…

In the realm of Chinese television dramas, few series have captured the hearts of audiences quite like "The Journey of Flower." Centered around the character Hua Qiangu, portrayed by Zhao Liying, the series delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, weaving a captivating narrative that resonates with viewers on a profound level. At the heart of the series is Zhao Liying's portrayal of Hua Qiangu, a character who undergoes a remarkable transformation from a naive and innocent girl to a resilient and determined woman. With each step of her journey, Zhao Liying breathes life into the character, imbuing her with a sense of purity, kindness, and strength that is both inspiring and relatable. From her early struggles to her eventual triumphs, every aspect of Hua Qiangu's growth resonates with audiences, touching their hearts and drawing them deeper into the story. Opposite Zhao Liying is Huo Jianhua, who portrays the enigmatic and complex character Bai Zihua. With his icy demeanor and hidden depths of emotion, Huo Jianhua brings a sense of mystery and intrigue to the role, keeping viewers guessing about his true intentions and feelings. The dynamic between Hua Qiangu and Bai Zihua is at the heart of the…

In recent years, the phenomenon of "live-action adaptations of Chinese comics" has surged in popularity, captivating audiences with its unique blend of comic book narratives brought to life on screen. This burgeoning market offers a diverse range of themes and holds immense potential, attracting significant attention and investment from major platforms in China. However, the journey to success in this realm seems fraught with challenges, with the specter of difficulties in adapting comics to live-action looming over many productions. How can creators navigate the complexities of bridging the gap between two distinct mediums, ensuring a balance between the essence of the original comics and the demands of live-action storytelling? The answer to this question remains elusive, requiring ongoing exploration and innovation. The anticipation surrounding the release of Fox Spirit Matchmaker: "Red-Haired Girl" was palpable, with high expectations from various quarters. Fans of Chinese comics eagerly awaited to see how a beloved IP would transition to the small screen, while aficionados of historical dramas rejoiced at the prospect of encountering the "ancient costume beauty ceiling" once again. Moreover, the production team's announcement of utilizing virtual production technology for the first time in a domestic long-form drama only served to deepen the…

As a highly anticipated and widely discussed drama, "A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality," starring Yang Yang and Gina Jin, has garnered attention from the initial preparations to the start of filming, generating a lot of buzz among netizens. Recently, the production team released new promotional materials, including individual posters of Yang Yang and Gina Jin, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of their character transformations. Undoubtedly, "A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality" has once again become a hot topic, dominating the trending lists and capturing the interest of netizens. In the behind-the-scenes footage, Yang Yang, who plays the male lead, unveiled several new looks after previously impressing audiences with his black attire. With his striking appearance and exceptional command of period costumes, whether it's the elegant and handsome white and yellow ensemble or the mysterious black nighttime attire with a mask, or even the hat-wearing look, his various appearances exude a sense of mystery and demonstrate his excellent integration with the character. Compared to his previous performance in "Who Rules the World," Yang Yang's newly unveiled looks in "A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality" appear more three-dimensional and commanding. While maintaining his refined elegance,…

Combining the elegant tradition of the literati in the Song Dynasty and the natural characteristics of the Qingming Festival, Adventures on Qingming Festival 2022 extends the cultural connotation of the series "Chinese Solar Terms" and takes viewers to a spring elegant gathering with a classical flavor. On April 4, Henan TV's Chinese Solar Terms series, "A Wondrous Landscape of Qingming - Adventures on Qingming Festival 2022" aired, recreating the elegant gathering of the literati in the Song Dynasty, and opening an elegant "Wonderful Tour" in the spring and scenic. Coinciding with the Qingming Festival, the program takes advantage of a wonderful spring elegant gathering to express the multiple meanings and emotional expressions of Qingming again. Join a spring elegant gathering together In ancient times, the gathering of literati was called "Ya Ji (雅集)". In the early years of Yuanfeng, Wang Shen invited sixteen contemporary literati, including Su Shi, Su Zhe, Huang Tingjian, Mi Fu, and Qin Guan, to a gathering in the West Garden. This "Xi Yuan Ya Ji Tu (西园雅集图, West Garden Elegant Gathering)", which took place in Bianjing (now Kaifeng, Henan Province) of the Northern Song Dynasty, is equally famous as the "Lanting Gathering" of the Eastern Jin…

"Back From the Brink" is a youth fantasy Xianxia drama directed by He Shupei, starring Hou Minghao and Zhou Ye, and premiered on May 9th. The drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Jiulu Feixiang and tells the story of a rebellious female immortal practitioner Yanhui and the "evil dragon" Tianyao. The weight of Xianxia drama in ancient costume dramas is significant. Such works often combine Eastern aesthetics with novel stories, featuring both the ethereal beauty of the world of immortals and the romance of mortal love. Xianxia dramas are easily turned popular as long as the story is captivating and popular actors portray fascinating characters. However, the risk of mixed reviews is also common. Among the upcoming costume dramas, several have generated high expectations. For example, the trailer of "Destined", starring Bai Jingting and Song Yi, has already captivated the audience. "The Longest Promise, starring Xiao Zhan and Ren Min, has also become a hit with hundreds of millions of views on its trailer. Although these highly anticipated dramas have not yet aired, "Back From the Brink", which was just released, is also remarkable. It premiered with five episodes and immediately topped the charts, generating…

  What are the 24 Solar Terms The 24 Solar Terms, a supplementary calendar established in ancient China, first appeared in the Han Dynasty. The current "24 Solar Terms" are based on the position of the sun on the return ecliptic, i.e. the annual movement of the sun is divided into 24 equal parts, with every 15° being one equal part, and every one equal part being a solar term, starting from the beginning of Li Chun and ending at the end of Da Han. In traditional farming culture, the twenty-four solar terms occupy an extremely important position, through which the ancients can intuitively and clearly understand the changing patterns of the seasons and climate in a year, so as to master the agricultural time and reasonably arrange farming activities. It not only played a guiding role in agricultural production, but also influenced the ancient people's clothing, food, housing and transportation, and even cultural concepts. The twenty-four solar terms are the product of long-term observation and research on astronomy and meteorology by ancient Chinese people, and they contain a long cultural connotation and historical accumulation of the Chinese nation. After thousands of years of development, the ancients gradually formed many…

Compared to costume dramas and Xuanhuan dramas, the Wuxia and Xianxia genres drama have less momentum in 2022. But there are quite a few that are worth adding to the waiting list for martial arts fans, such as Who Rules The World, The Young Flying Fox, and Heroes. Likewise, there are still some popular dramas still in production on the martial arts to-be-broadcast list for 2022, check them out here. This article summarizes some of the Wuxia cdramas to be broadcast in 2023.   A Journey to Love · 一念观山 Also known as: Yi Nian Guan Shan Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Romance, Martial Arts, Adventure Main Role: Liu Shi Shi as Ren Ru Yi, Liu Yu Ning as Ning Yuan Zhou Plot summary of A Journey to Love The Wuxia cdramas A Journey to Love is Liu Shi Shi playing ancient cdrama again after five years. It tells the story of Ren Ruyi (任如意, played by Liu Shi Shi) and Ning Yuan Zhou (宁远舟, played by Liu Yuning) building a strong alliance, establishing trust, and defending their faith.   The Blood of Youth · 少年歌行 (Aired) Aired: December 26, 2022 Also known as: Song of Adolescence Period Background: Alternative…

The ancient suspense drama "Feng Qi Luo Yang (风起洛阳)", adapted from Ma Boyong's novel "Luo Yang", is well-produced, with ups and downs and a high degree of popularity. Song Yi (宋轶), who plays Liu Qiniang (柳七娘, Liu Ran) in the drama, has also received a lot of praise from netizens for her rich costume styling and exquisite makeup. The drama is about a series of unsolved cases that occurred in Luoyang, during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. Gao Bingzhu, played by Huang Xuan, is involved in a murder case by mistake, and together with Wang Yibo as Baili Hongyi and Song Xi as Wu Siyue, they are involved in investigating the truth of the murder case. In the drama, Song Yi plays the role of Liu Qiniang, the wife of Baili Hong Yi. The audience is not only concerned about whether the mysterious case can be uncovered, but also the daily interaction between Baili Hongyi and Liu Qiniang, who got married first and then fell in love, is one of the main points to watch. Liu Qiniang, who is deeply in love with Baili Hongyi, is bold and courageous, quite likeable. The wedding look in the drama also harvested…

The throne of the hottest TV drama on iQIYI in 2024 has been updated once again, and this time it is claimed by the espionage drama "In the Name of the Brother". Perhaps the initial audience was drawn by the refreshing combination of the lead actors, Qin Hao and Yang Mi, but after watching a dozen episodes, viewers were undoubtedly captivated by the solid performance of the formidable creative duo, director Zhang Li and screenwriter Wang Xiaoqiang. In recent times, several period espionage dramas have emerged on the market, yet "In the Name of the Brother" not only airs simultaneously during prime time on three major TV stations, garnering widespread attention, but its online popularity continues to soar, fueling ongoing discussions and upholding the vitality of classic espionage narratives. A remark from a fervent viewer in the barrage succinctly encapsulates the audience's visceral experience: "Since watching this TV drama, I am always on edge." Despite the buzz surrounding topics like "Qin Hao taking on the challenge of portraying dual roles" and "Yang Mi's debut as a villain in a period drama", "In the Name of the Brother" does not rely on these as gimmicks. Instead, it weaves a tale around…