Synopsis
"The Bad Kids" is a 2020 crime suspense web series produced by iQIYI's "Light On" theater, directed by Xin Shuang and starring Qin Hao, Wang Jingchun, Zhang Songwen, and Liu Lin. Adapted from Zijin Chen's novel "Bad Kids," it tells the story of a chain of events triggered by three children witnessing a murder. With a Douban rating of 8.8, which once peaked at 9.2, it was the highest-rated domestic drama of 2020.
Overview
"The Bad Kids" is a Chinese crime suspense web series that premiered on iQiyi on June 16, 2020. Directed by Xin Shuang, it stars Qin Hao and Wang Jingchun in leading roles, with Rong Zishan, Shi Pengyuan, Wang Shengdi, Zhang Songwen, Liu Lin, and others joining the cast. The entire series consists of 12 episodes and holds a Douban rating of 8.8 (once reaching as high as 9.2 after its premiere), making it the highest-rated domestic TV drama of 2020. The series is adapted from Zijin Chen's mystery novel "Bad Kid" and serves as the opening work for iQiyi's "Light On" theater.
With its intricate narrative structure, outstanding performances, and profound exploration of human nature, this drama has become a milestone in the development of Chinese web series. Director Xin Shuang, who previously directed "Phantasia," made his television debut with this series, showcasing remarkably mature storytelling skills and a unique visual style. Qin Hao's portrayal of Zhang Dongsheng is widely regarded as one of the most chilling villain roles in recent domestic television.
Plot
The story takes place in a small coastal city in southern China. During summer vacation, three middle school students—top student Zhu Chaoyang (played by Rong Zishan), orphan Yan Liang (played by Shi Pengyuan), and the girl Pu Pu (played by Wang Shengdi)—are playing in the Liufeng Mountain scenic area when they accidentally record a murder with their camera.
In the footage, middle-aged man Zhang Dongsheng (played by Qin Hao) pushes his parents-in-law off a mountain peak. Zhang Dongsheng is a math teacher at a children's palace, appearing gentle and refined on the surface but actually a cold-blooded murderer who meticulously planned this killing. He murdered his in-laws to inherit his wife's estate, and all of this was captured by the three children.
Instead of reporting to the police, the children decide to blackmail Zhang Dongsheng for 300,000 yuan using the video, intending to use the money for Pu Pu's sick brother's medical treatment. This seemingly naive decision plunges everyone into an abyss. Zhang Dongsheng begins tracking the children to cover up his crime, while the children's actions gradually cross moral boundaries.
Meanwhile, Zhu Chaoyang's father, Zhu Yongping (played by Zhang Songwen), and stepmother, Wang Yao, show far from enough care for Chaoyang. His mother, Zhou Chunhong (played by Liu Lin), deeply loves her son but is extremely controlling. Police officer Lao Chen (played by Wang Jingchun) gradually approaches the truth while investigating the cliff-falling incident. Multiple storylines intertwine, enveloping several families, with each person struggling in the gray areas of morality.
Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Qin Hao | Zhang Dongsheng | Children's palace teacher, a seemingly gentle but cold-blooded murderer |
| Wang Jingchun | Lao Chen | Criminal police officer investigating the cliff-falling case |
| Rong Zishan | Zhu Chaoyang | Top student, outwardly obedient but inwardly complex |
| Zhang Songwen | Zhu Yongping | Zhu Chaoyang's father, favors his stepdaughter over his biological son |
| Liu Lin | Zhou Chunhong | Zhu Chaoyang's mother, deeply loves her son but is very controlling |
Cultural Impact
"The Bad Kids" sparked the most heated cultural discussion in the summer of 2020. The phrase "Want to go mountain climbing?" became the hottest internet meme of the year, originating from the scene where Zhang Dongsheng takes his in-laws hiking. The series also spurred a tourism boom in Zhanjiang, its filming location, with many viewers visiting the show's iconic spots.
Qin Hao's Zhang Dongsheng is one of the most bone-chilling characters in the history of Chinese film and television. He masterfully portrayed a character who appears gentle and cultured on the surface but is profoundly dark within, particularly with those seemingly mild yet murderous smiles that sent shivers down viewers' spines. This role also earned Qin Hao broader audience recognition.
The success of this series ushered in a golden age for Chinese suspense web dramas. iQiyi's "Light On" theater subsequently released multiple suspense works, with other platforms following suit. Xin Shuang's directorial skill, the concise 12-episode format, and the high production quality set a new benchmark for domestic web series.
References
- Douban Movie: https://movie.douban.com/subject/33404425/
- Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/隐秘的角落
- Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/隐秘的角落
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