The story of the drama series "Snow Labyrinth" begins in 1998, set in the fictional northeastern industrial city of Halan. It unfolds as a homicide case uncovers a secretive and cunning large drug trafficking organization. Led by Zheng Bei (played by Huang Jingyu), the captain of the Halan City Public Security Bureau's criminal police team, elite detectives from various departments quickly form a special task force to combat drug trafficking. They delve into danger, negotiating and fighting with various drug dealers, ultimately wiping out the ecstasy trafficking gang entrenched in the city. This leads them to investigate the hidden methamphetamine criminal syndicate, unraveling the criminal chain from drug production to trafficking and sale, and bringing all criminals to justice.
The original novel is titled "The First Shot," written at a time when the State Council had yet to officially approve the establishment of an anti-drug bureau under the Ministry of Public Security. As the title suggests, "The First Shot" signifies the moment when northeastern anti-drug police fired their first shot against drug traffickers.
"Snow Labyrinth" is currently airing hot on the Youku platform. Recently, a on-site viewing event took place, attended by the show's director Lu Xing and lead actor Zhang Yu, who shared insights with the audience.
Poster for "Snow Labyrinth"
Lu Xing: Recreating the Idealized Northeast
Lu Xing began by sharing his feelings when he first read the script: "When I first read this script, they had already gone through many drafts; it was a very mature script. The narrative centers around detective work, featuring complex cases but also including the everyday life filled with local flavors. Balancing these elements was a challenge we all faced."
To achieve this, Lu explained that the series utilized extensive research and real-life case studies, drawing on authentic character prototypes. He aimed to realistically depict the 1990s while presenting a dramatically engaging story to deliver an immersive viewing experience to audiences.
Director Lu Xing of "Snow Labyrinth"
During the previous sharing event, actor Huang Jingyu noted that "Snow Labyrinth" endeavors to create a culinary representation of the Northeast, joking that the lead actors collectively gained a hundred pounds after filming. Current episodes feature various northeastern delicacies such as pork stew with vermicelli, fried chicken, chicken with mushrooms, guo bao rou (crispy fried pork), and northeastern sauerkraut, all served in large portions rather than in small dishes.
Still from "Snow Labyrinth"
Lu Xing shared, "I am from Northeast China. Although we conducted a lot of research, we cannot completely recreate the Northeast of that era. I hope to extract and enhance those nostalgic feelings and visual symbols from my memories of the Northeast to present an experience that matches the audience's recollections. 'Snow Labyrinth' is filled with delicious food; our crew indulged in various delightful dishes daily, and those memories of eating and drinking connect closely to my ideal vision of life in Northeast China."
While the theme of drug enforcement dramas naturally carries a sense of seriousness and brutality, Lu believes that various television series face their own choices. "You can choose to tell a story deeply or present it in a warm and humorous way."
Still from "Snow Labyrinth"
Although many cheerful and warm scenes are included, "Snow Labyrinth" does not shy away from the harsh realities and dangers of drug enforcement. "If you’ve watched (television shows from the) 1990s, especially detective dramas, you’ll notice that police weapons and equipment, their vehicles, were not well-equipped. Consequently, when they confronted criminals, they were taking significant risks. During the climactic moments, there are intense confrontations between police and criminals, and that aspect is intriguing," Lu stated.
The cast of "Snow Labyrinth," featuring Huang Jingyu, Wang Ziqi, and Xie Keyin, forms a task force that unravels layer upon layer of mystery. Amid laughter and conflict, they also grow together. The character played by Zhang Yu attempts to break free from his limitations but finds himself stuck in place, highlighting the complexities and darkness of human nature. The inclusion of seasoned actors like Liang Guanhua, Liu Wei, and Ding Jiali adds depth to the straightforward plot.
Regarding the performances, Lu Xing mentioned that Huang Jingyu, being a native of Northeast China, found comfort in portraying Zheng Bei. Zhang Yu, who has previously crafted many successful roles on the big screen with great expressiveness, shared with Lu his apprehension about stepping into a new domain, which ultimately helped him deliver a nuanced portrayal of Jiang Xiaohai. "Without a desire to explore and a thirst for learning, one cannot effectively convey complex emotions," Lu noted.
Still from "Snow Labyrinth"
Zhang Yu: Hoping Everyone Unravels Jiang Xiaohai's Secrets
The first episode of "Snow Labyrinth" sets a rich atmosphere of both the era and the Northeast: the vibrant dance floor, where members of the anti-drug task force disguise themselves to infiltrate the den of criminals. Amid the lively and bustling dance floor lies hidden danger, as the audience senses that a fight is about to erupt, feeling tense yet relieved when it concludes with Zheng Bei leading the suspect back to justice.
The scene shifts to a snowy day typical of Northeast China, where people bundled in thick clothing crowd into a vehicle. Following the sound of a broken watch, a more horrific murder scene unfolds amid howling winds and splattering blood, revealing one of the show's most mysterious characters—Jiang Xiaohai, portrayed by Zhang Yu.
Zhang Yu
Zhang Yu expressed that what drew him to the character of Jiang Xiaohai was his multifaceted and complex nature. "I’ve infused this character's experiences into every detail of Jiang Xiaohai's appearances, hoping that audiences will patiently uncover the secrets of this character layer by layer."
Still from "Snow Labyrinth"
Reflecting on the filming process of "Snow Labyrinth," Zhang Yu recalled a particular scene that required three consecutive overnight shoots. "Since I'm not a young, buff guy and have never undergone any professional martial arts training, it was quite challenging for me. The fight choreography was extremely realistic, with every punch landing, which meant I had to give it my all."
Still from "Snow Labyrinth"
One audience member asked Zhang Yu about balancing critical acclaim with box office success. He responded, "All creators want their work to be well-received and commercially successful. However, achieving both can be very challenging because individual expectations vary. For instance, who defines what is well-received? Who decides which box office counts? Each person's inclinations differ. Some write for a broader audience, hoping for better sales, while others write for their own guiding principles, even if it's merely in memory of a cherished mentor. For such individuals, a million applauses may not hold the same value as the personal satisfaction of meeting their own moral compass."
