The Dream of Red Mansions (2010 TV series)
| Company type | Television drama series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Han Sanping (producer) |
Key people | Li Shaohong (director), Han Sanping (producer) |
| Products | Television drama adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber |
| Parent | Hualu Baina Film & TV |
The Dream of Red Mansions () is a Chinese television drama from 2010, produced by Han Sanping and directed by renowned Fifth Generation filmmaker Li Shaohong. This series, consisting of 50 episodes, is an adaptation of the classic 18th-century novel Dream of the Red Chamber and debuted on 6 July 2010, broadcasting simultaneously on nine terrestrial channels throughout China.
Plot
Following the passing of her mother, the delicate Lin Daiyu is sent to reside with her maternal relatives in the prestigious Jia family. There, she forms a close connection with her cousin Jia Baoyu, a young man who remains largely detached from family responsibilities. Baoyu maintains a secret relationship with his maid Hua Xiren and navigates intricate interactions with various female family members and household staff.
The Jia family's status is closely linked to Baoyu's sister, Jia Yuanchun, who serves as an imperial consort. The household maintains alliances with influential Jinling families such as the Xue and Wang clans. Among them, Wang Xifeng, the strong-willed aunt of Daiyu and Baoyu, oversees family management but endures significant hardships, including the tragic suicide of a concubine. The Xue family is marked by corruption; Xue Pan engages in violent acts to secure slaves, while their matriarch remains indifferent.
Romantic complications intensify as feelings develop between Daiyu and Baoyu; however, Baoyu’s marriage is arranged by his mother and grandmother to Xue Baochai, which leads to Daiyu’s emotional decline. After Yuanchun’s death, the Jia family's imperial favor diminishes amid mounting debts and scandals. The household gradually falls into disrepair as servants leave and despair deepens.
The demise of Grandmother Jia symbolizes the collapse of the family. Wang Xifeng meets a tragic end, and her daughter Jia Qiaojie narrowly escapes being sold into concubinage thanks to servant Ping'er, who entrusts her to visitor Granny Liu. The young women of the Jia clan are compelled into marriages with wealthier families, accelerating their downfall. Ultimately, Baoyu departs alongside two enigmatic men introduced earlier in the narrative, leaving Baochai and Lady Wang awaiting his return.
Cast
- Yang Yang portrays Jia Baoyu
- Yu Xiaotong plays young Jia Baoyu
- Jiang Mengjie as Lin Daiyu
- Lin Miaoke depicts young Lin Daiyu
- Michelle Bai in the role of Xue Baochai
- Li Qin as young Xue Baochai
- Yin Yezi as Xue Baoqin
- Xu Lu plays young Xue Baoqin
- Yao Di portrays Wang Xifeng
- Yang Mi as Qing Wen
- Zhao Liying in the role of Xing Xiuyan
- Huang Xuan as Xue Ke
- Song Yi portrays Xiangling
- Zhou Caiqin as Grandmother Jia
- Ding Li plays Jia Tanchun
- Ma Xiaocan as Shi Xiangyun
- Zhang Di in the role of Jia Yingchun
- Xu Xing portrays Jia Xichun
- Tang Yifei as Qin Keqing
- Cheng Yuanyuan plays Ping'er
- Ye Linlang in the role of Granny Liu
- Li Yan as Xiren
- Gao Liang portrays Jia Lian
- Gua Ah-leh as Lady Wang
- Wu Xiaodong plays Jia Yun
- Yang Junyong as Jia Rong
- Wang Fuli portrays Lady Xing
- Jia Ni in the role of Lady You
- Gao Yang plays Miaoyu
- Cai Feiyun as Yuanyang
- Xu Huanshan portrays Jia Zheng
- Xuan Lu as Xue Yan
- Kan Qingzi depicts She Yue
Production
Ranked among the priciest television projects in China, the series commanded a budget of RMB118 million (approximately US$17.55 million). In contrast to the 1987 adaptation, this version draws from the Cheng-Gao version, faithfully incorporating extensive portions of the novel’s pre-modern Beijing vernacular and utilizing a male narrator’s voice-over to convey much of the storyline.
Initially, Hu Mei was designated as director; however, due to disagreements regarding casting decisions, Li Shaohong took over the role in 2007. Upon its premiere on July 6, 2010, the series encountered controversy related to its casting choices and the use of stylized hairstyles inspired by kunqu opera, resulting in predominantly unfavorable media coverage.
Reception
From its debut, the 2010 remake generated debate, with many critics doubting its ability to rival the highly regarded 1987 production. The director Li Shaohong’s decision to incorporate stylized kunqu-influenced hairstyles for female leads was met with criticism for lacking authenticity.
The overall critical reaction was mixed but tended toward negative assessments. Various media sources highlighted dissatisfaction with the show’s aesthetic style, musical selections, and makeup artistry. Additionally, several Redology experts voiced their disappointment regarding both the performance caliber and the adaptation of the script. Amid mounting criticism, director Li experienced significant emotional strain and notably broke down during a press event held in Beijing on July 7, 2010—coinciding with her birthday.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2nd China TV Drama Awards | Best Producer | Li Xiaowan | Template:Won |
| Best New Actress | Jiang Mengjie | Template:Won | ||
| 2011 | Seoul International Drama Awards | Popular Actor Award | Yu Xiaotong | Template:Won |
External links
- The Dream of Red Mansions, official streaming platform by CNTV (in Chinese)
- Coverage by Ent.163.com