Chinese version of korean drama Dae Jang Geum. Liu Shishi and Wallace Huo join hands once more in the Ming dynasty for upcoming Tangren/NewBeauty series The Imperial Doctress. Luckily, her outfits this time is actually more reflective of fashion of the era, with plenty of aofu (upper jacket + lower skirt) and bizi (the outer jackets). Liu Shishi plays the historical figure of Tan Youxian, one of the four famous female doctors of ancient China. Wallace Huo and Huang Qian play two princes who probably via for her love, with Wallace Huo being the eventual Zhengtong Emperor. Filming begun March 25th in Hengdian.
Character posters below.
The Imperial Doctress tells of how a young woman named Tan Yunxian (Cecilia Liu) succeeds in becoming a doctor during an era when females were considered of low status and barred from studying medicine. For generations, her family served as court physicians, but the tradition came to a halt after they were framed by a crafty scoundrel. However, Yunxian secretly learned the science of Chinese medicine from her grandmother and went on to become one of the most beloved doctors of her time.Hua
Qian Gu recently held a press conference in Guangxi Province. In an interview, Wallace Huo supposedly revealed that he and Liu Shi Shi do not have any intimate scenes in The Imperial Doctress. The love relationship is unfortunately one-sided. Wallace Huo's Zhu Qizhen is completely enthralled and lovelorn over Liu Shi Shi‘s Tan Yunxian. On the other hand, she is in love with his younger brother, Zhu Qiyu, played by Huang Xuan.
Zhu Qizhen will spend most of his screen time in The Imperial Doctress pining over Tan Yunxian. Sounds like The Imperial Concubine, aka Qin Shi Huang Fei, anyone? This bit of news is quite disappointing. I was wishing for some great romance between Wallace Huo and Liu Shi Shi in The Imperial Doctress.
Zhu Qizhen will spend most of his screen time in The Imperial Doctress pining over Tan Yunxian. Sounds like The Imperial Concubine, aka Qin Shi Huang Fei, anyone? This bit of news is quite disappointing. I was wishing for some great romance between Wallace Huo and Liu Shi Shi in The Imperial Doctress.
I don't mind if it's an adaptation of Dae Jang Geum. As long as the story and characterization is good. I'd also be expecting some good chemistry with pros like Wallace and Liu Shishi .
I think Liu Shishi has come full circle. Her break out role in Young Yang Warriors was also a physician. I thought she did rather well as one.