Synopsis
Overview
Sic Teng is a 2021 Chinese mainland fantasy romance drama, adapted from the web novel Half-Demon Sic Teng by author Wei Yu. The series was directed by Li Muge and stars Jing Tian and Zhang Binbin in the lead roles. Consisting of 30 episodes, it premiered on March 8, 2021, on Youku, Tencent Video, iQiyi...
Overview
Rattan is a 2021 Chinese mainland fantasy romance television series, adapted from the novel Half-Demon Si Teng by web novelist Wei Yu. Directed by Li Muge, the series stars Jing Tian and Zhang Binbin in the lead roles. Consisting of 30 episodes, it premiered on Youku, Tencent Video, and iQiyi on March 8, 2021. The series blends fantasy, mystery, and romance, garnering widespread attention and discussion during its broadcast for its unique Eastern aesthetic design, exquisite costume styling, and gripping storyline. It holds a rating of 7.6 on Douban and is considered a successful work among domestic fantasy dramas in recent years.
Plot
The story revolves around Si Teng (played by Jing Tian), a woman of the "Yaizu" (a non-human intelligent race set in the drama) who has been dormant for decades. In 1939, Si Teng was mutated by the Taoist priest Qiu Shan and later split into two separate entities, "Si Teng" and "Bai Ying," due to internal power conflicts. Si Teng fell into a deep slumber until the early 21st century when she was accidentally awakened by the blood of Qin Fang (played by Zhang Binbin), a young designer who fell off a cliff. Qin Fang's blood not only revived Si Teng but also inextricably linked their fates, creating a peculiar symbiotic relationship—Qin Fang cannot stray more than a certain distance from Si Teng.
The revived Si Teng appears cold, elegant, and noble, yet feels alienated from and curious about modern society. She is determined to uncover the truth behind her past betrayal and find her other half, "Bai Ying." Qin Fang is forced to become Si Teng's "servant," accompanying her on this decades-spanning quest. Along the way, they encounter descendants of the Xuanmen (a sect specializing in dealing with the Yaizu), other Yaizu, and various supernatural events. As the truth is gradually revealed, the relationship between Si Teng and Qin Fang evolves from forced bondage to mutual understanding, dependence, and deep love. The narrative alternates between the Republican era and modern times, piecing together a grand story about loyalty, betrayal, humanity, and identity.
Cast
| Actor | Character | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Jing Tian | Si Teng / Bai Ying | A powerful woman mutated from the Yaizu, appearing cold and elegant with exceptional intelligence. Later splits into two distinct personalities, Si Teng and Bai Ying, due to a division of her power. |
| Zhang Binbin | Qin Fang | A kind and upright young architectural designer. Accidentally revives Si Teng and becomes fatefully linked to her. Through their companionship, he gradually becomes her most steadfast support and lover. |
| Li Muchen | Shen Yindeng | A descendant of the Shen family of the Xuanmen, actually the hidden-identity "Red Umbrella" (a Yaizu). Holds a grudge against Si Teng from the past and serves as a key antagonist in the story. |
| Wu Junyu | Yan Furui | A descendant of the Xuanmen and disciple of Qiu Shan. Simple, honest, and kind-hearted, he is a good friend to Qin Fang and provides crucial assistance and comedic relief throughout the series. |
| Zhang Yichi | Shan Zhigang | Qin Fang's business partner and friend. His true identity is mysterious and intricately connected to events from decades ago. |
| Jin Zehao | Wang Qiankun | A legitimate heir of the Xuanmen and a doctor in modern society. Initially dedicated to dealing with the Yaizu, he later experiences events alongside the main characters. |
Cultural Impact
The broadcast of Rattan had a significant cultural impact on multiple levels. Firstly, in terms of visual aesthetics, the series set a new benchmark. The costume styling of the female lead, Si Teng, was particularly distinctive. Dozens of cheongsams and outfits blending Republican-era and modern styles not only perfectly complemented the character's temperament but also sparked a trend of "New Chinese Style," becoming a hot topic on social media and praised by netizens as "Miracle Teng Teng's Fashion Week Tour."
Secondly, the series successfully combined Eastern fantasy elements with a modern urban setting, constructing a "Yaizu" worldview that felt both unfamiliar and familiar. This innovative use of traditional cultural elements provided new creative ideas for domestic fantasy dramas. The series' exploration of themes like identity, the boundaries of good and evil, and the relationship between humans and "non-humans" also prompted deeper reflection among viewers.
Finally, the outstanding performances by Jing Tian and Zhang Binbin made the "Fang Si Teng Ni" CP (the couple's name from the series) deeply resonate with audiences. Their on-screen interaction, evolving naturally from master-servant to partners, was moving and garnered a massive fanbase. The popularity extended from online to offline, boosting the actors' public recognition. Overall, with its high-quality production and captivating story, Rattan solidified its status as a hit series of 2021 and continues to have a long-tail effect.
References
- Douban Movie. Rattan Entry. https://movie.douban.com/subject/30488638/
- Baidu Baike. Rattan Entry. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%8F%B8%E8%97%A4/23538822
- Wikipedia. Si Teng (TV series). https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8F%B8%E8%97%BB_(%E7%94%B5%E8%A7%86%E5%89%A7)
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