“Dajiang Dahe 3” Quietly Launched in the Shadow of “Flowers” Ratings Boom
While “Flowers” continues to dominate the television drama ratings and box office, “Dajiang Dahe: Time Cantabile” (referred to as “Dajiang Dahe 3”) was quietly launched as a sequel to the once “national drama”. Despite being overshadowed by the success of “Flowers”, “Dajiang Dahe 3” has been gaining attention from viewers, particularly those who appreciate its more realistic and earthy narrative.
The drama, which is set in the same historical period as “Flowers”, offers a contrast to the romantic and heroic epic depicted in the latter. “Dajiang Dahe 3” is named “Song of Time” and despite its quiet arrival, it holds the potential to explore the shift from romanticism to realism. As the audience eagerly awaits the answers, it is important to reflect on the significance of “Dajiang Dahe” in the emergence of mainstream reality-themed drama series.
In 2018, “Dajiang Dahe” marked a milestone in the television drama market as the representative work of reality-themed TV series. At a time when the market was dominated by ancient costume and fantasy dramas, “Dajiang Dahe” offered a unique narrative strategy that linked individual characters with the era of reform and opening up. This approach not only provided a new direction for television dramas but also integrated historical reality into the narrative structure, leading the way for similar TV series to respond to historical reality.
The success of “Dajiang Dahe” paved the way for a wave of mainstream reality-themed drama series such as “Mountains and Seas” and “The Age of Awakening” and established a cultural and market space for realism in Chinese TV dramas. The significance of these dramas lies in their ability to integrate reality and drama, connect history with the present, and resonate with the audience in profound ways.
As “Flowers” continues to captivate audiences with its all-star cast and film-level production, it is worth noting the cultural and aesthetic reference provided by mainstream drama series with realistic themes. While “Flowers” has achieved widespread acclaim, it is the accumulation of film and television culture rooted in history and reality that has allowed for more stable core values in mainstream dramas.
In “Dajiang Dahe 3”, a new exploration of the era is expected as the characters navigate the challenges and opportunities of the times. The drama serves as a testament to the growing recognition of the times and the maturation of the mainstream audience, offering a diverse exploration of styles, themes, and aesthetics.
As the audience eagerly awaits the next phase of “Dajiang Dahe”, it is clear that the influence of mainstream reality-themed drama series has transformed the landscape of Chinese TV dramas, enriching the cultural tapestry and establishing a deeper connection with the audience.
This article was authored by Zhao Yi, Associate Professor at the School of Film and Television, Shanghai Normal University, and edited by Xu Luming and Shao Ling. When reprinting this article, please indicate the source.
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