Who says emotional dramas are a thing of the past? Liu Yifei’s debut in “The Rose’s Tale” proves that it’s not the path that’s rough, but the lack of skill that’s to blame for market failure.
According to data, the TV series “The Rose’s Tale” became a hit with ratings exceeding 1% upon its release. As the plot developed, the topics derived from it also gained traction, with Liu Yifei’s portrayal of Huang Yimei at the center of the discussion.
Initially, viewers focused on Liu Yifei’s beauty.
Even at 30+, Liu Yifei doesn’t show the fatigue of her contemporaries from the ’85 Flowers’ generation. Instead, she exudes vitality, with abundant collagen, looking stunning in still images, and even more so in motion compared to her peers.
Now, viewers are not just captivated by Liu Yifei’s beauty in the series.
Liu Yifei’s character, Huang Yimei, is vibrant and full of life. She is young, beautiful, and wholeheartedly devoted to love, which inevitably leads to a tumultuous journey in romance.
Huang Yimei falls for Zhuang Guodong, much to the audience’s dismay.
Huang Yimei’s heartbreak due to Zhuang Guodong’s emotional neglect deeply moves the audience.
When Huang Yimei and Zhuang Guodong reconcile, viewers feel a sense of frustration, akin to seeing a prized possession wasted.
Throughout her emotional turmoil, Huang Yimei’s beauty doesn’t shield her from suffering; on the contrary, it attracts more trouble, with a series of problematic suitors.
Nevertheless, “The Rose’s Tale” has sparked reflection on female growth among viewers.
The harsh realities of love and marriage shatter Huang Yimei’s expectations of romance, mirroring the experiences of many girls in real life. Youth and beauty often bring unwarranted troubles and baseless accusations.
Even Huang Yimei faces constant online controversy, with netizens criticizing her for not maintaining distance from married men and accusing her of having no boundaries in relationships. Her liveliness and friendliness are misinterpreted as flirtation because of her beauty.
Additionally, Liu Yifei’s brief swimsuit appearance in the latest episode has sparked judgment.
In the scene, Liu Yifei wears a misty blue one-piece swimsuit, showing off a healthy, full figure. Her curves are natural, not extreme, and her body type is more relatable to the average girl.
However, some netizens harshly comment:
“Her figure is mediocre.”
“Her waist is too thick.”
“There’s no need to showcase this body in a TV series.”
Compared to models and athletes, Liu Yifei’s figure might not stand out. Her hips are not prominent, and the swimsuit makes her appear somewhat flat. Her slightly protruding stomach is noticeable, especially when she bends over.
While Liu Yifei’s figure may not be extraordinary, it represents a healthy and natural body image, challenging the prevalent thin ideal in the entertainment industry.
The figures of models and athletes are admirable, but Liu Yifei’s body type deserves encouragement and promotion. The entertainment industry often glorifies an extreme thinness that distorts fashion, making it difficult for average girls to find suitable clothing.
No one, except perhaps a rival, wishes for you to be excessively thin. Liu Yifei’s flat hips, thick waist, and thick legs are the best counterattack against distorted beauty standards.
Comparing Liu Yifei to other female stars in the industry, many conform to the “white, thin, young” aesthetic but lack on-screen charm.
For instance, in recent years, Jin Chen’s increasingly flat figure in swimwear has drawn more attention to her extreme thinness than the storyline or her character’s appeal.
Similarly, Zhang Tianai, once as beautiful as a young Cecilia Cheung, now pursues a sharp-angled shoulder look. On a variety show, her face appeared gaunt, and her shoulder blades looked like sharp tools.
Gulnazar, known for her stunning exotic looks, appeared overly thin on the DQ red carpet, with her skeletal arms and hands drawing disturbing attention.
Wu Jinyan, who recently gained fame through “Mo Yu Yun Jian,” also had a skeletal figure early in her career, looking disproportionately head-heavy in photos, even in thick sweaters.
Fortunately, some viewers appreciate a fuller, healthier beauty. Under the topic “Liu Yifei in a Blue Swimsuit,” many netizens praised her figure:
“This is what healthy beauty looks like.”
“These are the curves of a normal woman.”
Some even thanked her for showcasing a “normal” female body on television.
The writers and directors of “The Rose’s Tale” deserve praise too. Those familiar with the original work can see that Huang Yimei’s character in the adaptation reflects the writers’ affection and the director’s appreciative lens.
Unlike many similar dramas where “swimsuit” scenes are synonymous with sexiness, “The Rose’s Tale” portrays Liu Yifei’s swimsuit scene with simple, unembellished shots, focusing on her character’s liveliness rather than objectifying her.
Currently, “The Rose’s Tale” is still airing. Both Huang Yimei’s on-screen experiences and Liu Yifei’s off-screen scrutiny highlight the female-centric themes the series aims to convey. No other drama has so thoroughly encapsulated the challenges women face, both within and outside the narrative.
What do you think of Liu Yifei’s swimsuit figure in the series? Are there any other female stars whose natural, healthy bodies you admire? Share your thoughts in the comments.