Latest news with #TheFirstFrost
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Chinese hit drama A Better Life, a change from The First Frost and Hidden Love
If you're looking to step outside the familiar world of soft, romantic Chinese dramas like The First Frost and Hidden Love, A Better Life might just be the refreshing change you need. This 2025 hit drama tells the story of Hu Man Li, a 39-year-old insurance practitioner who seems poised to finally hit her professional and personal peak — until life pulls the rug out from under her. Losing both her job and marriage at once, Hu Man Li is devastated to learn that her downfall was orchestrated by 28-year-old Xue Xiao Zhou, a rising star in her own company. What starts as a story of betrayal takes an unexpected turn, as Hu Man Li and Xue Xiao Zhou gradually move from bitter enemies to unlikely allies. Realising that holding onto resentment will only hold her back, Hu Man Li joins forces with Xue to rebuild her career in the cutthroat insurance industry. Xue, meanwhile, proves herself to be a gold-medal seller with skills that command respect. Unlike typical youth romances, A Better Life offers a grittier, more mature narrative about resilience, second chances, and personal reinvention. Reviews have praised the show's sharp storytelling, emotionally complex characters, and standout performances, particularly by leads Sun Li and Dong Zijian. With stylish visuals and a tightly woven plot, the series is a must-watch for viewers craving a drama with both heart and bite. If you're ready to explore a story about starting over at any age, A Better Life should be next on your list.
South China Morning Post
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet ‘born actress' Zhang Ruonan, star of The First Frost: China's new queen of the romantic drama plays opposite New Life Begins' Bai Jingting in the hit Netflix series
Chinese actress Zhang Ruonan finally stepped into a spotlight all her own recently with the leading role in romantic drama series The First Frost – her major career breakthrough after eight years in the entertainment industry. Zhang Ruonan filmed several scenes for The First Frost in Hong Kong. Photo: Weibo The saga hit Netflix 's top 10 television shows worldwide, racking up more than 1.2 billion views in China, according to Sina. Playing Wen Yifan, a character haunted by trauma from her teenage years, Zhang, 28, delivered a deeply moving performance, said critics. Zhang Ruonan struggled to become an actress Inspired by classic Chinese TV drama My Fair Princess, Zhang dreamed of becoming an actress. However, growing up in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, she felt her goals were out of reach. Advertisement Zhang Ruonan was born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, later moving to Shijiazhuang, Hebei, with her family. Photo: Weibo Per Vogue Taiwan, the actress revealed on a reality show in 2022 that her family opposed her acting career. 'They worried the entertainment industry was too complicated and ruthless for someone like me,' she confessed. 'But I had to give it a go. So I flew to Beijing alone and signed my first contract – and only told my mom after the fact,' she added. She's a natural performer Unlike many peers who attended elite academies of performing arts, Zhang studied graphic design at university and was a model before she began acting. The First Frost director Chu Yu-ning has described Zhang Ruonan as 'a born actress'. Photo: Weibo 'Zhang's a born actress,' The First Frost director Chu Yu-ning told Weibo. 'Off camera, she's bubbly, but the moment we started rolling she completely transformed and even teared up spontaneously during rehearsals. That's when I knew – she is Wen Yifan.' She's the queen of romance
