Editor's Note: With a vast array of films, TV dramas, and variety shows airing every week, how do you choose which to watch? Consider the recommendations from The Paper.
【Movies】
Box Office
According to Lighthouse Professional, as of November 8, 2024, around 3 PM, the top five at the box office this week are "Burning City," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Venom: The Last Dance," "Red One: Winter Operation," and "Volunteer Army: Life and Death Battle." Lighthouse predicts that "Venom" is expected to surpass the re-release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" to claim the second spot by evening.
New releases this weekend include "That Untold Story," "The Last Mile," "Red One: Winter Operation," "Naruto: The Path of Ninja," and "In the Gaps."
→Premiere｜"Red One: Winter Operation": The adorable contrast, Dwayne Johnson portrays a little elf
→Premiere｜From An Lingrong to Li Qingcao, Tao Xinran aims to reinvent herself
Upcoming Films
Later this month, "Good Things" and "Winning Hand" will start screening in limited previews.
"Good Things," a romantic comedy written and directed by Shao Yihui, will be released on November 22. This film acts as a parallel narrative to "Love Myth," telling the story of contemporary urban women in Shanghai: single mother Wang Tiemei becomes friends with her neighbor Xiao Ye, while her ex-husband complicates her life, and her daughter's drumming teacher brings new possibilities. Two women from different backgrounds reflect on growth amid new challenges.
"Winning Hand," directed by Liu Xunzi, known for "Fame and Gain," features stars Deng Chao, Deng Jiajia, and Zheng Yunlong. This comedy follows Bai Sheng, who faces layoffs from a tech company but holds options that he can't cash in. He schemes to return to the company, trying to survive for 100 days and win back 8 million, only to encounter numerous obstacles along the way.
Additionally, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will join the re-released lineup this Friday, while "Léon: The Professional" continues to charm audiences with its classic legacy.
→Looking Back｜"Léon: The Professional": Several reasons it became a classic
The nationwide film "Women's World," provided by National Art Alliance, currently holds a Douban score of 8.4 and is receiving positive reviews.
Other Recommendations:
Female Presidents in Hollywood Productions: From Absurdity to a Step Away from Reality
"Sudden Glance": A Story Dedicated to All Creators
Exclusive Interview丨Actor Zu Feng: An "Old Gun" that Hits the Mark
"Old Gun": Aesthetic Fatigue in Northeastern Scar Literature
【TV Dramas】
New Drama Updates
The 34-episode urban romance drama "Lost Laughs" has exclusively premiered on Tencent Video starting November 8, featuring Lin Yi and Shen Yue in lead roles.
The web series "Double Fugue" held its launch ceremony in Ningbo on November 2 and announced its leading cast, with Liu Yitong and Shen Yujie taking the spotlight.
The web series "Mountain God" held its launch ceremony on November 4, starring Huang Junjie and Ding Xiaoying.
Series Ratings
Yu Shuxin, Ding Yuxi, Zhu Xudan, and Yang Shize’s "Eternal Night Galaxy" scored 7.5 on Douban.
Liu Xueyi and Wu Jinyan’s "Spring Flower Blaze" received 5.7 on Douban.
Yang Qianyao, Wang Haoxin, and Lin Xiawei’s "Black Moonlight" scored 6.3 on Douban.
Zhang Wanyi and Ren Min’s "Beautiful Anning" registered 5.8 on Douban.
Hou Minghao, Chen Duling, Tian Jiarui, and Cheng Xiao’s "Big Dream Returns" got 4.9 on Douban.
Li Qin and Zeng Shunxi’s "Seven Nights of Snow" received 5.7 on Douban.
"Eternal Night Galaxy"
Recently, "Eternal Night Galaxy" has ramped up its promotion with live broadcasts and actor interviews, bringing new excitement to the series. On Tencent, its viewership has surpassed 29,500, showcasing strong market performance. Ding Yuxi's character Mu Sheng and Yu Shuxin's character Miao Miao are prominently ranked on various character lists.
Notably, Mu Sheng, who is typically reserved, has captivated a large audience with his complex emotions hidden beneath a cold exterior. This portrayal fits the "Black Lotus" trope. Ding Yuxi has showcased the character's multifaceted emotional states, earning praise as a talented actor. His previous performances in variety shows and dramas have been revisited on social media, further boosting the show's popularity.
Ding Yuxi
Yu Shuxin's delightful performance closely aligns with her charming personality, adding substantial appeal to the series.
"Foes"
This series is adapted from Lai Ji's novel "Foes: The Nameless Mountains and Rivers," produced by Diao Yinan, with Qi Dao as the director, starring Liao Fan, Zhu Zhu, and Yang Zi. It tells the story of national security officer Wu Yu, who, after being implicated in a leaking case 19 years ago, left the police force and delved into the underworld to uncover the truth, engaging in a battle of wits with enemies while revealing layers of mystery. The unyielding dedication of both new and veteran national security personnel forms a robust "protective wall" for the country.
"Foes" Poster
With a cast and crew full of talent, the series has seen mediocre ratings and is ranking low on various charts. Its understated promotional strategy may have contributed to this, and viewer feedback has been limited. Some viewers find the series thrilling in terms of subject matter and elements, expressing they weren't disappointed, while others criticize director Qi Dao for his self-indulgence, drawing comparisons with issues faced in "Infernal Affairs," claiming that the plot is chaotic and illogical. Fans of detective stories may want to wait and see.
Short Drama "A Comedy About Journey to the West"
Produced by Stephen Chow, with Jiang Long and Zhang Tianai both producing and starring, and directed by Wang Jianhua and Song Tianshuo, the short drama "A Comedy About Journey to the West" premiered exclusively on Douyin on November 8.
The show utilizes the worldview of the classic film "Journey to the West," showcasing the self-actualization journey of Zhi Zun Yu as he transitions from pretending to be the "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" to becoming the real "Great Sage Equal to Heaven."
"A Comedy About Journey to the West" Poster
Other Recommendations:
→"Little Alley Family": A Period Drama, the Cure for the "Islands"
→The 95 Flowers Clash Again, Who Will Ascend First?
→Episode One｜Top Celebs Face Off, A Relaxed and Comfortable Style
→"Good Reunion": The TV Drama Version of "Goodbye, Lover" Is No Match for Reality Show
→"Miscalculation of Myth": The Gateway to Ancient Greek Myths
→Short Drama Enthusiasts｜"Mistakenly Captured": The Former Bedmate Returns as the Sister-in-law
【Variety Shows】
"Goodbye, Lover 4" Episode Four "Invisible" (Part One) has been released, featuring Huang Shengyi & Yang Zi, Mai Lin & Li Xingliang, and Ge Xi & Liu Shuang in a segment about couples’ portraits.
Huang Shengyi has once again chosen divorce. She expressed that although they have been together, she feels they lack a genuine marital status. Since the program's launch, there has been intense discussion among netizens about Huang Shengyi and Yang Zi's marriage. On one hand, many sympathized with Huang Shengyi when she expressed financial distress, considering her a strong and independent woman. On the other hand, a significant number of netizens expressed dissatisfaction with Yang Zi's attitude, accusing him of poor financial management that often places his wife in difficult situations. Additionally, some speculate that their marriage conceals a complex web of interests, suggesting they might be maintaining their relationship for practical reasons.
"Goodbye, Lover 4" Poster
"Comedy Conference" Round One of the Comic Battle has also been released. In this round, De Yun She's Hou Xiaolou, Shang Xiaojun, and Gao Xiaobei are challenging new comedy realms, while other participants, such as Du Xiaomeng, Mr. Li, Ming Lei, and Tian Zeyi, bring workplace humor performances worth watching; Lin Qianduo will portray an NPC in a mystery room drama, resulting in a series of amusing stories; Chen Miaomiao and Lin Daqin will present their first musical theater work, showcasing a distinct comedy style.
→"Comedy Conference": The Last Comedy Variety of the Year, Returning to Life and Laughter
