Zhang Ziyi’s “Monarch Industry” Lowers Viewing Fee
International actress Zhang Ziyi’s (章子怡) first television series Monarch Industry <上陽賦> is nearly halfway through airing, but it’s not receiving a lot of love given the negative reviews. Usually, online viewing platforms will allow users to pay an additional fee of about 3 Chinese yuan to watch ahead toward the end of a hot drama’s broadcast. However, this feature is already available midway through airing for Monarch Industry, indicating that things are not looking good. Viewers can now pre-order the drama’s next 10 episodes every week for a considerably low rate of CNY 1.
Not only has the series been criticized for being too “girly,” but Ziyi’s acting has also been questioned. Netizens are also puzzled about the casting because most of the stars’ ages differ greatly from their actual characters, besides Hewei Yu’s (于和偉) role as Ziyi’s father. On top of that, viewers bashed the drama for having too many loopholes and confusing scenes.
Netizens commented that they would not be paying for this drama and expressed, “The plot is so dumb that it is ruining such a good production team.”
Some have also mentioned that they would be giving up on the show. Others have said the viewing platform is slowing down the broadcasting time to secure an audience.
Source: HK01
This article is written by Hailey for JayneStars.com.
Didn’t realize if you pay extra you can see it sooner, hilarious money grab.
@exodus yup, it’s the new trend in China, I think it started about half a year or so ago. Apart from the yearly subscription (normal subscription), ppl have to pay more each week to watch 6 new episodes. I think this is where they really make money
Can’t wait to watch:)
The article failed to accurately list the old cost of watching ahead for rebel princess, it’s used to be 3RMB for each new episode (up to 6 each week), which is amount (the total cost by the time you finish the drama, starting from ep24) to about the same subscription for a whole year for 1 of those channel if you buy on sale day. And now it’s lowered to 1RMB per 10eps, it’s so low, and that just shows how desperate they are!!!