[C-Drama]: Li Xian's Acting in Go Go Squid! Draws Mixed Reactions From Viewers

Jul 13, 2019

Whether you're a fan of Yang Zi, Li Xian or the sweet love story of Stewed Squid with Honey by Mo Bao Fei Bao, the wait has finally ended as its drama adaptation entitled Go Go Squid! premiered this Jul 9.

From the moment the cast was announced, one can argue that Yang Zi's bubbly image is perfect for the part and that Li Xian's cool aura makes him the uncontested God Gun. True enough, Li Xian trended shortly after the series premiered but seemingly for the wrong reasons. While people have praised Yang Zi for her portrayal of Tong Nian, it was a different story for Li Xian who played Han Shangyan.

Netizens have criticized Li Xian's acting, which is odd considering the praise he won for Tientsin Mystic, but many had a bone to pick with how he delivered his lines. Some found it awkward and claimed that Li Xian was monotonously reciting his lines without any energy or motivation behind it. Some even wondered why a voice actor wasn't hired to do the dubbing.

Despite the criticism, there are those that defended Li Xian by saying that he is the perfect Han Shangyan, staunch and handsome. His low, baritone voice is fitting for his character who is older and more mature than the heroine, turning him into the exemplary cold, domineering boss with a foul temper. For others, his furrowed brows and constant brooding is simply depicting the character in the novel.

With anything you put out there, there's always gonna be those who love it or hate it. Episode 1 saw the heroine meeting Gun for the first time at the internet cafe. Yang Zi plays off the deer in headlights persona adorably. Even with her, there are some complaints that she's playing the same role again and employing the same method of acting so it really seems like it's gonna be impossible to please everybody.

The drama currently has Douban ratings of 6.7/10. For a fluff drama, it seems to deliver on that end, and I'd bet there's bound to be more sweeter, cuter interactions between the two. With such mixed reviews, how did you guys find Go Go Squid?