Famous Chinese producer Yu Zheng has shared his glowing review of the South Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, praising it for capturing nearly every element audiences crave today.
In a lengthy post on his social media, he expressed how the show effectively blends emotional depth with the new wave of social media viewing habits, moving beyond the traditional narrative structure.
According to Yu Zheng, one of the standout features of the drama is its emphasis on emotional development rather than relying on the usual story arcs.
He believes this approach resonates with modern audiences, who are more inclined towards emotional storytelling due to the influence of social media.
Yu Zheng also highlighted the trials faced by the female lead, whose struggles are central to the plot, but the overall vibe of the drama remains uplifting, providing solace and hope to many, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
One of the key aspects Yu Zheng pointed out was the portrayal of the male lead, who, in his opinion, represents an almost fantastical ideal – a character who simply doesn’t exist in real life.
This "unreal" presence adds a touch of allure and mystery to the storyline, drawing viewers further into the narrative.
Yu Zhsng didn’t stop at just the storyline and characters; he also applauded the show's use of music and sound effects, which, according to him, do much more than just complement the plot.
They enhance the emotional depth of the characters, making it easier for the audience to connect and empathise with their experiences.
In a comparison to his own previous work, The Double, Yu Zheng reflected on how this emotional-driven approach to storytelling has evolved in his career.
He sees his earlier project as the initial foray into this unique narrative style, one that is not just suited for a specific genre, but rather, can be applied to all types of stories – no matter their complexity or length.
Yu Zheng also noted the shift in acting styles necessary to adapt to this new trend in the entertainment industry.
He argued that traditional acting styles in long dramas often fail to build an emotional connection with viewers, which can make them feel stagnant.
In his latest project, Yu Ming Cha Gu, he has experimented with actors from short-form series, adjusting their performances to better connect with modern audiences.
Yu Zheng concluded his post by emphasising the importance of change and innovation in the entertainment industry.
He’s excited to continue exploring new methods and styles in his upcoming projects, confident that each new endeavour will be an improvement on the last, all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in drama and film.