Heads up to fans of Zhou Yi Ran and Chen Du Ling.
Their new C-drama Ashes to Crown has just released the first two character posters of main characters Xie Yan Lai (played by Zhou Yi Ran) and Chu Zhao (Chen Du Ling), and they are pretty darned stunning.
The two vibrant red posters feature the two leads in poses and with a visual design that suggest this historical romance is going to be epic.
Sadly, it will probably be a skip for me as, even though I am an historical romance drama obsessive, I am not a fan of Chen Du Ling.
And as I have recently watched three dramas in a row featuring her one-expression face – Fangs of Fortune, Mysterious Lotus Casebook and The Legend of Heroes — I think I am saturated. For now at least.
I mean, come on, she even has the same expression in the new Ashes to Crown character poster, and in the previously released poster below.
Ashes to Crown will be streaming on YOUKU. If Chen Du Ling is your thing, chances are you will enjoy it, as the plot is full of political intrigue and high drama (see below).
The posters, by the way, came with the message:
“A fingertip stirs the winds of change,
Blood-stained armor stands tall beneath the banner;
In the flicker of their gaze,
A tapestry of storm and upheaval unfolds.”
Reservations are up on YOUKU China now.
Ashes to Crown production details
The Chinese historical romance drama is adapted from the web novel “Chu Hou” (楚后 or ‘The Queen of Chu‘) written by Xi Xing (希行).
It is directed by Yang Long (The Glory), with screenplay by Lee Min.
According to Baidu Encyclopedia, the Ashes to Crown plot goes like this:
“The General’s Daughter: Rewriting Destiny”
Chu Zhao (played by Chen Du Ling), the daughter of a renowned general, refuses to become a sacrificial pawn in Xiao Xu’s ruthless quest for the throne of Chu. She realizes that only by taking the initiative can she alter her tragic fate.
In her tumultuous battle against destiny, she crosses paths with Xie Yan Lai (Zhou Yi Ran), the marginalized illegitimate son of the Xie family. Her resolve ignites a spark in his bleak life, helping him shatter the chains of fate. From a lowly imperial guard, Xie Yan Lai rises to become the Nation-Safeguarding General. Together, they thwart Xiao Xu’s ambitions.
When Chu Zhao is on the verge of escaping the political storm, she witnesses the suffering of commoners ravaged by war.
Defying all odds, she returns to the capital to support young imperial heir Xiao Yu, ensuring his ascension to the throne and guiding him until he secures full governance.
The 36-episode drama is co-produced by YOUKU and China Literature Group.
I will let you know when the C-drama’s premiere date is announced. Who knows, depending on how long that takes, I may be ready to watch Chen Du Ling’s one expression face one more time, eh?
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