Yang Mi ‘s name is synonymous with stardom in China. Audiences have seen her meteoric rise from child actress to top-tier celebrity.
That’s right. With a career spanning over three decades, Yang has captivated audiences with her roles in iconic TV dramas like “Chinese Paladin Season 3“, “The Palace: The Lock Heart Jade“, “Ten Miles of Peach Blossom“, Legend Of Fuyao, etc. However, the last few years have seen a decline in the critical reception of Yang Mi’s acting performances. Once hailed as a powerhouse, Yang Mi is now facing questions about the longevity of her career.
Since all three projects released in 2023 fell below expectations—Nothing Can’t Be Undone by a Hotpot (movie), Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pact, and In the Name of the Brother, considerable pressure has mounted on the actress. Yang Mi has been trying to transition from an idol actress to more serious/demanding roles.
However, her performance in the spy Republican drama “In the Name of the Brother” was met with criticism. Many viewers felt her acting was forced and unnatural. Some netizens attributed this to her extensive work period in idol dramas, suggesting that it hindered her growth as an actress.
Can Yang Mi’s Upcoming Drama, “This Thriving Land,” be the catalyst for a triumphant comeback?
iQIYI’s life drama “This Thriving Land 生万物” is adapted from the novel “Qian Juan Yu Jue Jue” (缱绻与决绝) by Zhao De Fa (赵德发) and stars Yang Mi and Ou Hao in the lead roles.
In the drama, Ning Xiu Xiu (played by Yang Mi) is the daughter of the village’s wealthiest man. However, on her wedding day, she is kidnapped by bandits. To her shock, her greedy father refuses to rescue her and instead marries her sister to her childhood sweetheart. Xiu Xiu cuts ties with her father and marries a farmer, Du Chun Lin (played by Ou Hao). Through this experience, she gradually learns about farming and develops a deep understanding of the land’s importance to rural communities. Together with the villagers, she works to reduce robbery and fight for their country.
After recently wrapping up filming, the drama team released new special wrap-up videos and stills showcasing the extraordinary lengths Yang Mi went to fully embody her character. She boldly transformed into a peasant woman, donning an old-fashioned cotton-padded jacket. Appearing bare-faced, she bravely confronted the aging process and imperfections. This departure from her idol image is evident.
In one particular scene, her eyes were filled with heartbreak, and her acting was so moving that it sparked heated discussions among netizens, making each eagerly anticipate her transformation. To fully immerse herself in this role and prevent distractions, Yang Mi turned down all other works for the past four months, even temporarily leaving her long-running variety show, “Escape Room.” Reportedly, she will appear as a guest in a few episodes as the drama has completed filming.
The success of ‘This Thriving Land’ is pivotal for Yang Mi’s career resurgence, as it could redefine her acting image and elevate her status.
