The evening of June 25th saw the premiere of the TV drama \"Peach Blossoms Reflect the River\" on Tencent Video, with four episodes released in one go. Starring Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi, the story is set in a fictional ancient world, where the male and female leads first scheme against each other before falling in love. This type of drama, clearly crafted for fans of historical romance, is a classic example of a costume idol drama, tailored for a specific audience. However, upon its release, the show received almost unanimous negative reviews on Douban, with the bulk of the criticism directed at the two main leads.
The complaints, though varied, can mostly be boiled down to two points. The first is the male lead’s looks and acting skills, with many viewers commenting that he was unattractive and lacked the necessary acting chops for the role. The second point focuses on Meng Ziyi’s performance, with several viewers criticizing her lack of depth in acting. Fortunately for Meng Ziyi, her appearance was not as heavily criticized, so at least that aspect was spared. However, the criticism of Liu Xueyi went further, with some viewers remarking that his age made the pairing with the female lead look more like a relationship between an uncle and his niece. This particular comment seemed especially harsh. Clearly, the majority of the negative reviews were aimed squarely at the two lead actors.
Beyond this, some criticisms centered on the show's generic nature, labeling it as a typical product of the \"costume idol drama assembly line.\" These critiques, though still critical, were a bit more reasonable, targeting the lack of originality rather than the actors themselves. In fact, the structure and character development of Peach Blossoms Reflect the River are exactly what we’ve come to expect from a drama in this genre, and the fact that the plot follows a well-trodden path of hatred evolving into love is an indication that the drama's narrative lacks the spark of innovation. Such feedback is perhaps a little more objective compared to the more personal attacks on the actors’ appearances or performances.
As for Liu Xueyi, at over thirty years old, he is certainly no longer a young newcomer. His age is evident, and while it may contribute to some criticisms—especially with certain viewers labeling him as an “uncle”—it’s not entirely fair to claim he lacks attractiveness. Nor is it entirely accurate to say that he lacks acting talent. In the context of a historical romance drama like this, Liu’s performance is exactly what the role demands: a somewhat stoic, emotionally complex character who must navigate the twists and turns of a narrative built around clever scheming and eventual romance.
The critique of the show as a typical product of the historical idol drama genre is, however, spot on. Peach Blossoms Reflect the River doesn’t bring anything new to the table, particularly when it comes to character dynamics. The personalities of the male and female leads, driven by suspicion and calculated moves, are reminiscent of many similar characters in online novels that have been recycled in television form over and over again. In this respect, it’s understandable why so many viewers would be frustrated with the lack of fresh content. The formulaic nature of these stories has clearly worn thin with many. As a whole, the world of Chinese television dramas needs to step up and offer new, innovative storylines.
Still, despite these criticisms, I wouldn't go so far as to say Peach Blossoms Reflect the River is a poor show. It certainly isn’t groundbreaking, but within the confines of its genre, it executes the material well. The show’s greatest strength lies in the depth it gives to its lead characters. Both Liu and Meng’s characters are intricately drawn, with their cleverness and strategic minds being central to the plot. The male lead exhibits a ruthlessness that contrasts with the female lead’s apparent fragility, which is actually a fa?ade hiding her inner strength. This dynamic between the two leads, as they move from animosity to affection, is engaging enough to keep viewers interested.
The tug-of-war between the two leads in terms of romantic feelings is another highlight of the show, and while the storyline may not be original, the dramatic pull between these characters has been executed well. Fans of historical idol dramas will find plenty to enjoy here, as the characters are distinct and the conflicts are sharp. Even though the overarching plot is not fresh, the drama does provide ample moments of intrigue and tension that are perfect for fans of the genre.
In terms of acting, Meng Ziyi’s portrayal of her character stands out for its complexity. She plays a woman who is both calculating and soft, capable of projecting vulnerability and charm while also hiding a sharp, strategic mind. This duality adds a layer of intrigue to her performance and brings a certain depth to her character that the viewers can appreciate. As the series progresses and the leads develop a genuine emotional connection, the show is likely to become even more appealing, with fans of the couple eagerly anticipating their onscreen chemistry.
Peach Blossoms Reflect the River is, at its heart, a drama designed for fans. It’s a fan service piece, and it requires an audience that is willing to support it wholeheartedly. The negative reviews on Douban likely reflect the fact that Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi's fanbases are relatively well-behaved, without the kind of aggressive, spammy online presence that can skew ratings and reviews. Still, one has to wonder whether the two stars are in the midst of a career shift, perhaps leaving the strict control of their fanbases behind.
Some idol dramas, upon first airing, don’t make a splash but gradually attract a steady audience as the show progresses, sometimes becoming unexpected sleeper hits. I believe that Peach Blossoms Reflect the River falls into this category. It may not break any new ground, but as a commercial drama, it’s still worth watching. It doesn’t require much mental effort and provides light entertainment for a younger audience, particularly women, who may find it a good way to pass the time. If you’re someone who enjoys this type of drama, it’s definitely worth giving it a chance.
