Editor's Note: Every week, numerous films, TV dramas, and variety shows are released. If you're unsure what to choose, consider the recommendations from Pengpai Youxi.
【Movies】
Theatrical Box Office
According to the Lighthouse Professional Edition, as of October 11 around 3 PM, "The Volunteer Army: Battlefield of Survival," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and "The Road of Fire" topped the single-day box office rankings for this Friday.
Among them, "Harry Potter" achieved remarkable results with a 6.0% screening rate, capturing 31.6% of the box office from its re-release.
→Exclusive Interview | Director Chen Kaige: Shortening Time, Making a Movie
→"The Road of Fire": A Rampage in the Name of Family Reunion
"Post-National Day Releases"
The excitement of the National Day holiday has come to an end, and a new wave of films is on the way. After a bustling week of domestic films during the Golden Week, October cinemas are now welcoming a mix of new and familiar titles for audiences to enjoy.
→What to Watch in Post-National Day Cinemas: Harry Potter, Joker, and Venom are Coming
German Film Master Exhibition
Curated by the Shanghai Municipal Film Bureau and the Shanghai International Film Festival Center, the "German Film Master Exhibition" will showcase eight films by five renowned German filmmakers in Shanghai.
From October 25 to 27 and November 1 to 3, these eight cinematic classics will meet audiences at the Shanghai Film City. Tickets are expected to go on sale across all platforms on October 18 at 12 PM.
→Preview of 8 Films by 5 Masters at the German Film Master Exhibition
【TV Dramas】
New Series Premiere
The second season of the female-centric emotional mystery web series "Dangerous Her", starring Zhang Xinyu, Zhang Tao, You Jingru, and Liu Kai, exclusively premieres on iQIYI starting October 11 at 12:00 PM.
Series Ratings
"Can't Let Go of the Stars" starring Zhang Xincheng and Wang Yuwen starts with a Douban rating of 6.7.
"Twenty-One Days" starring Ou Hao and Zhang Xueying starts with a Douban rating of 5.3.
"Half-Baked Men and Women" starring Tian Xiwei and Xin Yunlai starts with a Douban rating of 6.4.
"Flowing Waters" starring Ren Jialun and Li Landi starts with a Douban rating of 6.8.
"Beautiful Peace"
This drama stars Zhang Wanyi, Ren Min, Cisha, Zhang Yao, Lu Fangsheng, Zhao Ziqi, Dai Jiaoqian, and Wu Yuheng. Based on the novel "The Manual for Cultivating the Prime Minister" by Wen Dan, it tells the story of the "humble illegitimate son" Luo Shenyuan, who is overlooked yet full of potential, and a "legitimate daughter" Luo Yining seeking freedom and independence. Their relationship evolves from mutual exploitation to genuine affection as they face various challenges together, ultimately leading to a carefree and peaceful life.
This drama marks another collaboration between Hunan TV and online platforms following "To Love as a Camp." After two days of airing, "Beautiful Peace" has surpassed a heat score of 23,000 on Tencent Video and topped the Lighthouse popularity chart.
From audience feedback, the initial episodes follow standard family rivalry tropes, with a blend of dramatic and comedic elements that are indeed eye-catching. The scheming stepmother, foolish sisters, and the abandoned girl with no parental love represent archetypal roles often found in such dramas, but a significant difference is the mystery surrounding the male lead portrayed by Zhang Wanyi.
Nevertheless, without unique features, such formulaic dramas struggle to compete with shorter formats. Many viewers have commented that this looks like a family-friendly version of "Know It About You," mixing celebrity-driven content with standard short drama tropes.
"People's Police"
"People's Police," directed by Tian Yi and starring Lu Yi and Wan Qian, is a contemporary procedural drama.
Poster for "People's Police"
This drama narrates the growth of Zhao Haiyang and Fang Cheng, deputy directors of the Dongzhou City Public Security Bureau, and An Ping, the precinct chief, as they navigate police reform. The storyline involves solving major unresolved cases, constructing a smart policing system, managing dual police family lives, and tackling typical cases like telecom fraud, online pyramid schemes, and cyber gambling. It showcases the significant implications and achievements of police reform in the new era, forming a heroic image of devoted, responsible, selfless, and courageous people's police officers.
The significance of the title is clear, with a peak heat score of over 20,000 on Tencent. With Lu Yi and Wan Qian embodying justice and gentleness, their performances present the essence of the people’s police to contemporary audiences.
"Black Moonlight"
Still from "Black Moonlight"
Since the collaboration between TVB and Youku, a series of co-produced dramas have been launched, with varying quality—some seem routine, while others stand out as exceptional. Based on feedback since its release, "Black Moonlight" is considered a high-quality piece, with both Yang Yi and She Shiman utilizing their advantages as Hong Kong actresses portraying career women seamlessly. The series is fast-paced with substantial content; while character relationships are not overly complex, they are intriguing. Before its premiere, the show garnered over 2.6 million reservations on Youku and ranked first on Douyin’s drama chart on its first day. It has also made its way into the top ten on various popularity lists such as Lighthouse and Yunhe, with potential to reach the top five.
"Seven Nights of Snow"
Starring Li Qin and Zeng Shunxi, this drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Cang Yue. It tells the story of the Medicine Master Valley Master, Xue Ziye (portrayed by Li Qin), who connects with the swordsman Huo Zhanbai (played by Zeng Shunxi) while treating patients. As they develop an unexpressed affection over eight years of companionship, their sense of mission ultimately leads to irretrievable regrets. Since its release, the show has exceeded a heat score of 7,000 on iQIYI and remains second on both Lighthouse and Yunhe charts.
However, there has been significant negative feedback from viewers regarding the show’s poor adaptation. Complaints focus on dull storylines lacking appeal, sloppy sets, lackluster performances, and subpar action effects, leading to a pronounced green screen feel…most clichés in the fantasy period romance genre seem to have been included. Despite decent early ratings, the negative feedback hints at an uncertain future for viewer engagement, with minimal discussions surrounding the series on social media platforms.
Short Drama Trends
On October 9, the female empowerment micro-drama "Village Flower Blooms: Restarting Life", produced by Mango TV and Da Mang Theater, with planning and creation from the team of Cao Yijia at Hunan TV, began production. The main cast and crew, including Wang Nuoyi, Yi Heng, Zhang Tianyi, Hu Wanlu, and related personnel from Mango TV, attended the opening ceremony.
"Village Flower Blooms: Restarting Life" centers around the main character Zhao Xiaohe’s urgent goal of rebuilding her family. As the president of a fashion group, she unexpectedly "travels back" to before leaving home, restarting her life in a 1990s rural setting and attempting to rebuild her family with her ex-husband while trying to rescue her abducted daughter.
Other Recommendations:
Exclusive Interview | Lansi Ya: From "Idol" Stage to "Grain Rain" in the Mountains
"Half-Baked Men and Women": Challenging the "True Love Narrative," Worth Encouraging
【Variety Shows】
This Friday and Saturday, "Sharpening Thorns" Season 4 will hold its "Fifth Public Performance," which is the semi-final. The "Camp Positioning Battle" has begun, with four major camps in fierce competition, presenting unique pair performances and camp showcases.
In the first half, the performance of "Under the Sea," collaborated by Li Keqin and Huang Xiao, portrays the emotional journey of depression among its performers, earning the top spot. Huang Xiao was in tears after the performance, and fellow participant Fu Xinbo also shed tears on site. Fu expressed to Li Keqin during rehearsals that he had once suffered from depression, “It wasn’t very serious, but it happened suddenly.”
As quoted in @Sharpening Thorns: “Life inevitably has its shadows, but there will always be a day when you find the way out.”
Li Keqin
"Comedy King: Stand-Up Season" also enters its semi-finals this week. The team leader of the vibe group, Yu Shuxin, opened with a surprising performance, delivering punchlines that had the audience roaring with laughter. Comedy performers are fiercely competing, with non-stop humorous segments—who will make it to the finals like Fu Hang?
Xiao Lu
Also entering the semi-finals is the competing show "Talk Show and Friends". Of the remaining 12 contestants, who will secure a spot in the finals? The farewell speeches of contestants like Bu Jingyun and Wang Defa who left the show this week brought many participants and viewers to tears, wishing everyone broader opportunities.
