Comments polarize for Chinese new variety show

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The so-called “summer movie season” sees not only fierce competition in the movie box office, but also between new television programs.

A new variety show, “Phantacity 2018”, aired on Hunan TV, has recently become a trending topic online, after its debut two weeks ago.

The show, boasted to be the first original production combining music, film, musical and live broadcast, vows to bring an immersive experience to the audience.

A high-profile opening

Faye Wong, singer deemed as the diva of the Chinese-language musical industry. /Photo via Phantacity 2018

With “diva of the Chinese-language music” Faye Wong on board, the show did have a high-profile opening.

When Wong appeared on screen, singing one of her iconic tracks, the audience said it took them back to when she first sang the song in the 1994 film “Chungking Express”, exclaiming that her charm has not faded.

Performers in the show are mostly singers and actors. By teaming up with directors, they have to complete an eight-minute drama resembling musical films. The directors, using camera transitions and arranging the lights, would present the performances live to the audience at site.

Director Kubert Leung, a Hong Kong veteran musician himself, said he wants the new show to be a new impetus for the music industry as well as for the audiences.

A still of the host and guests of the show "Phantacity 2018". /Photo via Phantacity 2018

“We hope that this time we can elevate musical programs to a new level, to set a new standard,” said Leung.

The show has been talked about due to the actors’ performances on stage and the top-level crew members including the directors, designers, photographers and musicians the program has gathered.

“It is the professionals that matters, and that is the key to the show. Only the elites in the industry can bring a top-level visualized musical feast to the audience,” Leung said.

Complimentary vs. criticism

However, the high-profile opening drew not only compliments, but also criticisms.

A still of the backstage performance of actress Han Xue and her team. /Photo via Phantacity 2018

The show scored 7.1 out of 10 points on Douban.com, China’s Rotten Tomato-like website, still behind by some of the top-scored shows, such as “Readers Season 2” scoring 9.2 and “The Sound” scoring 8.2.

Some of the audiences questioned the necessity of pouring in so many sources to produce a amass of “music videos”.

“It doesn’t make any difference for the audience sitting in front of the television, with cuts or no cuts, it is not a real live broadcast show anyway,” a Douban user commented.

“It is such a waste of resources. The biggest problem is the curtain hanging between the auditorium and the performances going on backstage. It doesn’t feel real, and can hardly be echoed by the audience,” reads another comment by @Luck.

A poster of the performance by actor Yi Yangqianxi‍. /Photo via Phantacity 2018

But most of the comments still spoke highly of the actors and singer’s performances, saying it is a stage that can test their acting skills. Many complimented the show’s creative thoughts, saying that it has brought a fresh new vibe to the television screen.

“It is a concentration of pursuits for perfection in many industries, and I think it is also a high-level interview to some extent,” reads a comment.

While responding to the controversial comments during an interview, Leung said it is no surprise at all.

“Novelties will always draw controversy and questionings, because people are used to using their past experiences to understand or explain new things. I think it is quite alright to hear different voices,” said Leung.

Contrary to those who questioned resources being wasted, Leung said he thinks that the idea of “one take” is very important.

“It is the rule of the game, which sets boundaries and limits, and the performers, as well as the directors would have to overcome those boundaries and limits, that is the characteristic of the show,” he said. “It is a very important proposition for the show.”

The show has only aired two episodes, and time will tell whether it will become a renowned program of the summer or just a flash in the pan.