Above The Clouds Chinese Drama

Overview of "Above The Clouds"

“Above The Clouds” (simplified Chinese: 云巅之上; traditional Chinese: 雲巔之上; pinyin: Yún Diān Zhī Shàng) is a 2017 Chinese television drama series broadcast on iQiyi. The series is divided into two seasons, each consisting of 20 episodes, for a total of 40 episodes. It falls into the genres of romance, drama, and youth, focusing on the cutthroat world of the entertainment industry.

The drama's narrative centers around Jian Xi, played by Yuan Shanshan, an aspiring actress who navigates the complexities and challenges of achieving stardom. Her journey is intertwined with Tang Fei, portrayed by Chen Xiao, a popular and demanding actor. Their relationship evolves amidst professional rivalries, personal sacrifices, and the pursuit of their dreams.

Production and Broadcast Details

Production Companies

The production of "Above The Clouds" involved several companies, demonstrating a collaborative effort in bringing the story to the screen. Key production entities include:

• Yu Zheng Studio
• Hunan TV & Broadcast Intermediary Co., Ltd.

Yu Zheng Studio, led by the renowned producer Yu Zheng, is particularly notable for its involvement in numerous successful Chinese dramas. Their experience and influence contributed significantly to the production quality and overall appeal of the series.

Broadcast Platform and Release Dates

“Above The Clouds” premiered on the iQiyi platform, a major online video platform in China. The broadcast schedule unfolded as follows:

• Season 1: February 23, 2017
• Season 2: March 30, 2017

The staggered release of the two seasons allowed for sustained audience engagement and built anticipation for the continuation of the storyline. The series was exclusively available on iQiyi for its initial run.

Synopsis and Plot Structure

Jian Xi's Ascent

The drama primarily revolves around Jian Xi's ambitions to become a successful actress. She encounters numerous obstacles, including fierce competition, malicious rumors, and the pressures of maintaining a public image. The storyline showcases her determination and resilience as she strives to overcome these challenges and prove her talent.

“Jian Xi's story is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of young individuals pursuing their dreams in a demanding industry.”

Tang Fei's Influence

Tang Fei, a seasoned actor, plays a crucial role in Jian Xi's journey. Their initial interactions are marked by professional clashes and differing perspectives. However, as they collaborate on various projects, they develop a complex relationship that involves both rivalry and romantic interest. Tang Fei's experience and influence impact Jian Xi's career trajectory.

Supporting Characters and Subplots

Alongside the main storyline, "Above The Clouds" features a diverse cast of supporting characters who contribute to the drama's overall narrative. These characters include:

• Other aspiring actors and actresses competing for opportunities.
• Talent managers and agents navigating the complexities of the industry.
• Journalists and media personalities shaping public perception.

These subplots explore themes of friendship, betrayal, ambition, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals within the entertainment world.

Cast and Characters

The success of "Above The Clouds" is partly attributed to the performances of its cast members. Here's a closer look at the main actors and their respective characters:

• Yuan Shanshan as Jian Xi: The determined and ambitious aspiring actress who is the central protagonist of the series.
• Chen Xiao as Tang Fei: The popular and demanding actor who becomes romantically involved with Jian Xi.
• Jiang Mengjie as Ji Qing: A supporting character whose role significantly impacts the lives of the main characters.
• Zhang Zhehan as Ke Luo: Another prominent supporting character who adds complexity to the storyline.

The actors' portrayals effectively captured the nuances of their characters and contributed to the emotional depth of the drama. Yuan Shanshan's depiction of Jian Xi resonated with viewers, while Chen Xiao's portrayal of Tang Fei added a layer of complexity to their relationship.

Themes and Reception

Exploration of the Entertainment Industry

“Above The Clouds” provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the Chinese entertainment industry, highlighting the pressures, challenges, and sacrifices faced by those pursuing a career in acting. The drama explores themes of:

• Competition and rivalry among actors and actresses.
• The impact of media and public perception on an artist's career.
• Ethical dilemmas and moral compromises within the industry.
• The pursuit of fame and recognition at any cost.

While the portrayal may not be entirely realistic, it offers viewers a dramatized perspective on the realities of the entertainment world.

Love and Relationships

The romantic relationship between Jian Xi and Tang Fei is a central theme in "Above The Clouds." Their relationship evolves from initial animosity to mutual respect and eventually romantic involvement. The drama explores the challenges of maintaining a relationship amidst the pressures of their careers and the complexities of their personal lives.

Critical and Audience Reception

“Above The Clouds” received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised the drama for its engaging storyline, strong performances, and exploration of relevant themes. Others criticized it for its melodramatic elements, predictable plot twists, and perceived inaccuracies in its portrayal of the entertainment industry.

The drama's popularity was evident in its viewership numbers on iQiyi. Despite the mixed reviews, it garnered a significant following and generated discussions about the challenges and realities of the entertainment world. Audience reception was generally favorable to Yuan Shanshan and Chen Xiao's performances.

Controversies and Criticisms

“Above The Clouds,” like many dramas dealing with sensitive topics, faced its share of controversies and criticisms. One of the primary points of contention revolved around the perceived inaccuracies in its portrayal of the entertainment industry. Critics argued that the drama exaggerated certain aspects and presented a sensationalized view of the realities faced by actors and actresses.

Furthermore, some viewers expressed concerns about the drama's reliance on melodramatic elements and predictable plot twists. While these elements may have contributed to the drama's entertainment value, they also detracted from its overall credibility and artistic merit. The use of common tropes and clichés in the storyline was another point of criticism.

Key Takeaways

“Above The Clouds” offers a fictionalized glimpse into the world of Chinese entertainment, exploring themes of ambition, rivalry, and romance. While the drama has received mixed reviews, it has also resonated with a significant audience. Key takeaways include:

• A portrayal of the challenges and pressures faced by aspiring actors and actresses.
• An exploration of the complexities of relationships within a competitive industry.
• The importance of perseverance and resilience in pursuing one's dreams.
• The ethical dilemmas and moral compromises that individuals may encounter in the pursuit of success.

Despite its flaws, "Above The Clouds" remains a noteworthy example of Chinese television drama, offering a dramatic and often exaggerated depiction of the entertainment world.