Zhang Hanyu's Performance Overshadows Yao Anna's Acting in 'Hunting Ice'

The new Chinese drama "Hunting Ice" features Zhang Hanyu, known for his roles in "Operation Mekong" and "The Taking of Tiger Mountain," and rising actress Yao Anna, who gained fame through her role in the popular drama "Nirvana in Fire." In "Hunting Ice," Zhang Hanyu plays an expert chemist who creates drugs while Yao Anna's character infiltrates his operation to take down the criminal empire. The show has been promoted in anticipation of Zhang Hanyu's portrayal of a unique character reminiscent of the hit TV series "Breaking Bad."

However, the focus of attention on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, has primarily been on Zhang Hanyu's performance. One Weibo user noted, "Confessing, I only managed to watch one episode because of Zhang Hanyu. I gave one star to Zhang Hanyu. Who would dare to act opposite Zhang Hanyu? That takes courage." Another user wrote, "I fast-forwarded through the entire first episode just to watch Zhang Hanyu's scenes. Apart from Zhang Hanyu's performance, the rest was unbearable to watch, with the director's quality not even reaching an acceptable level."

Despite the overwhelming focus on Zhang Hanyu, Yao Anna's acting skills have also been a topic of discussion on Weibo. One user described Yao Anna's character as an "annoyingly over-the-top female protagonist" in the first episode, with her portrayal being reminiscent of a "drag queen." Another user commented, "Watching the first episode felt like a punishment. I can't believe I watched it because of Zhang Hanyu. Yao Anna's acting was a disaster."

In response to the criticisms, Yao Anna's fans have come to her defense, urging viewers to be more patient with the young actress. One user wrote, "Yao Anna has always been genuine and hardworking. I hope everyone could be more forgiving and supportive of new talents like her." Another fan added, "Yao Anna was once heartbroken because people only loved her sister character and not her. I think she's been very real and has been honing her craft. Let's give her a little more room to grow, alright?"

In a separate interview with Sina Entertainment, Zhang Hanyu praised Yao Anna for her dedication to improving her craft. He said, "Yao Anna has been working hard to refine her skills. Even with a seasoned actor like myself by her side, I couldn't save her from her lack of talent. This show is proof of that. I hope that the audience can give her some understanding." Zhang Hanyu also compared Yao Anna to his former co-star Huang Xiaoming, who played opposite him in "Operation Mekong" and has since gained widespread recognition for his acting skills.

Controversy surrounding the portrayal of leading female characters in Chinese television dramas has been an ongoing issue in recent years. Critics have called for more diverse and realistic female roles in the entertainment industry. In "Hunting Ice," fans have also been critical of the show's plot and production quality. One user wrote, "The entire drama feels like an ad for Zhang Hanyu. I'm getting tired of this. At least the leading lady's role should have been better written." Another user added, "I watched the first three episodes, and all I can say is that the show is in desperate need of better writing and a higher production budget."

Despite the mixed reception, "Hunting Ice" has managed to capture the attention of Chinese audiences, with many viewers tuning in to see Zhang Hanyu's latest performance. As the drama continues to air, it remains to be seen whether Yao Anna's acting skills will improve and whether the show's plot and production quality will meet the expectations of Weibo's critical viewers.