The historical fantasy drama “White Cat Legend” adapted from the highly popular anime “Da Li Si Ri Zhi” has a strong lineup of familiar actors, such as the male lead Ding Yuxi, along with Zhou Qi, Wei Zheming, Ren Min, and others. In this series, these actors have broken through their previous images and portrayed different roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the audience. The storyline of this drama itself is quite innovative.
The male lead in the series witnesses his father's murder, which leads him to premature aging overnight. However, during his father's funeral, he is once again attacked but this time he is transformed into a cat. After years of wandering, he returns to Dali Temple to uncover the truth and explain his new identity to others.
Ding Yuxi rose to fame through his collaboration with Zhao Lusi in the historical drama “The Romance of Tiger and Rose,” which was not a traditional costume drama. He has since ventured into various genres of film and television, working with outstanding actresses such as Yu Shuxin and Zhang Yuxi. The role he takes on in this new drama presents a significant challenge for an actor, requiring not only acting skills but also agility in performance.
His character in the series is both human and feline, demanding a portrayal that captures the essence of his character while incorporating feline traits. Similar characters have appeared in previous TV dramas, such as Tian Xiwei starring in the web series “Be My Cat,” where the male lead's character had a comparable setup.
Viewers of the drama can appreciate the meticulous details Ding Yuxi has put into his performance, down to the fine details like his nails resembling a cat's claws. His nuanced expressions and attention to detail convey his sincerity through the character he embodies. Alongside Ding Yuxi, Zhou Qi's portrayal of Chen Shi in the series has also received high praise for its authenticity to the original character.
Zhou Qi is recognized as a promising actor, previously showcasing a remarkable performance in the modern family drama “A Little Reunion,” playing a character vastly different from Chen Shi in this new period drama. Chen Shi is depicted as a kind-hearted and honest individual, evident from his interactions with the male lead, displaying his benevolent nature even in the face of adversity.
His kindness leads to the male lead saving him in a critical moment, and their encounter is destined to be a journey of redemption for both. Over the years, the male lead has rarely encountered genuine care from others, making their relationship compelling to watch. When Chen Shi is wrongfully imprisoned, the male lead Li Bing actively intervenes to rescue him, showcasing unwavering loyalty.
Ren Min plays a colleague of the male lead in the series, having previously collaborated with Ding Yuxi in the film adaptation of the popular novel “Ten Years of Loving You.” Despite the lukewarm reception of their previous work, Ren Min's character in this drama has a more successful aesthetic, contributing positively to the overall quality of the production. There were also rumors that neither of them wanted to continue working together in this new drama because their first collaboration didn't go too well, but then Ding Yuxi herself responded to this, claiming that all of this news was false.
Ren Min and Xiao Zhan previously collaborated in the costume drama “The Longest Promise,” where Ren Min's portrayal received criticism for her appearance, affecting the overall impact of the production. Fortunately, lead actor Xiao Zhan's strong acting skills contributed to salvaging the show's performance. In this new drama, Ren Min's appearance is more successful, enhancing the overall quality of the work.
For actors, selecting the right script is paramount, as evidenced by Ding Yuxi's latest drama, which has garnered mixed reviews. Some fans of the original work may not be entirely satisfied with the adaptation, given the higher the original work's popularity, the greater the controversy. For many devoted fans of the original work, the characters from the book are irreplaceable. For Ding Yuxi, dedicating himself to portraying his chosen role with sincerity is paramount.
This drama is definitely worth watching, primarily due to its innovative storyline. It seamlessly blends elements of comedy and mystery, inviting interested viewers to personally delve into the captivating series.
