Jade Dynasty — the Noble Aspirations drama
At a glance73 episodes
In 2016 Zhu Xian became Noble Aspirations (青云志), a live-action series broadcast on Hunan TV. It brought together three of China's biggest stars of the time: Li Yifeng as Zhang Xiaofan, Zhao Liying as Lu Xueqi and Yang Zi as Bi Yao. The series has 73 episodes split into two parts.
Production and behind the scenes
Noble Aspirations, also known as The Legend of Chusen, was one of the big productions of summer 2016. The Chinese title, Qing Yun Zhi, refers to the Qingyun Sect, where most of the plot unfolds. The production bet on special effects that were ambitious for the time and on a star cast at the height of its popularity. The first part aired on Hunan TV, the second on streaming.
How it differs from the donghua
The series follows Zhang Xiaofan's childhood and youth but develops the romances far more than the novel and invents subplots to fill its 73 episodes. The tone is lighter, less dark than the book and the donghua. The female characters, played by Zhao Liying and Yang Zi, take on a bigger role. The 2022 donghua is much more faithful to the spirit of the novel.
Reception and success
The series drew very strong audiences thanks to its cast. Readers of the novel criticised some liberties and a second part considered weaker. It remains one of the best-known Zhu Xian adaptations and a landmark of the golden age of Chinese fantasy dramas.
Trivia
- Zhao Liying and Yang Zi were among China's most popular actresses in 2016.
- The alternative English title, The Legend of Chusen, uses an old romanisation of the title Zhu Xian.
- The second part of the series was released only online.
- Yang Zi, who plays Bi Yao, went on to lead Ashes of Love (2018), another big fantasy drama hit.
My take
Noble Aspirations is a pleasant drama with a solid cast and beautiful sets. But it turns a tragedy into a light romance, and the script additions weigh down the story. I recommend it to fans of its actors and lovers of fantasy dramas rather than purists of the novel.
Who is it for?Fans of Li Yifeng, Zhao Liying and Yang Zi, and lovers of 2010s fantasy dramas.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan