On August 20, the website 163 reported that the film Dream of the Red Chamber: Golden Jade Duyền has become a controversial work in recent times. This is due to director Hổ Mai and the production team making significant alterations to the original script, resulting in a version that is poorly crafted, often referred to as a “disaster” as the characters exhibit excessive emotional distress.
In particular, several scenes such as Giả Bảo Ngọc meeting Tần Khả Khanh, and the relationship dynamics between Giả Liễn and Vương Hy Phượng during the filming process have been modified in a peculiar manner.
Tần Khả Khanh is characterized as a figure with a powerful aura yet does not embody the typical demeanor of a traditional noble. In the original narrative, this character has a complex backstory, being a victim of familial pressure. However, in the 2024 film version Dream of the Red Chamber, Tần Khả Khanh has been transformed into a flamboyant character, even exhibiting behaviors that perplex audiences.
Tần Khả Khanh’s regal presence creates a stark contrast with Giả Bảo Ngọc’s demeanor. In previous versions, this scene was briefly touched upon, lacking depth. However, in Golden Jade Duyền, director Hổ Mai has made the character’s emotional struggles more prominent, leading to a mix of admiration and confusion among fans of the original Dream of the Red Chamber novel.
In addition, the scenes featuring Giả Liễn and Vương Hy Phượng communicating have also been altered, with the director emphasizing the need for the characters to wear extravagant outfits, although this was not necessarily required.
According to ticket sales platform Maoyan’s projections regarding the ticketing situation, Dream of the Red Chamber: Golden Jade Duyền is expected to earn only about 7.6 million RMB. As a result, the production team is anticipated to incur a loss of around 200 million RMB (approximately 700,000 USD), not including other expenses.
However, director Hổ Mai finds himself facing criticism for his work while also preparing to travel abroad. During a press conference introducing the film, the director stated: “On the 16th, the film will premiere, and on the 17th, I will fly abroad. As for the rest, let the ticket sales speak for themselves. Despite the 18 years it has taken to bring Dream of the Red Chamber to life, I do not wish to fail.”
“I began writing the script back in 2006, as it is a cultural heritage that took a decade to adapt, and filming took another eight years,” Hổ Mai commented, highlighting his dedication to the project.
However, current audiences are debating: It is difficult to hold the director accountable for going abroad when it is clear that the production has underperformed, leading to a loss of revenue.
Dream of the Red Chamber: Golden Jade Duyền may be met with external disapproval, but internally it is certain to leave a mark in the annals of cinema history, as the classic work faces severe production challenges.
Currently, the cast members including Biên Trình (Giả Bảo Ngọc), Trường Miểu Di (Lâm Đài Ngọc), Hoàng Giai Dung (Tiết Bảo Thoa), and Lâm Bằng as Vương Hy Phượng are reportedly facing public backlash due to their perceived inadequate performances.
