Dream of the Red Chamber
Synopsis
The definitive 1987 television adaptation of Cao Xueqin's masterpiece, widely regarded as the greatest Chinese classical novel. Directed by Wang Fulin, starring Ouyang Fenzhen and Chen Xiaoxu. Douban rating: 9.7.
Overview
Dream of the Red Chamber (1987) is a 36-episode Chinese television series adapted from Cao Xueqin's Qing dynasty novel of the same name, considered one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. Produced by China Central Television (CCTV) and directed by Wang Fulin, the series holds a Douban rating of 9.7 from over 320,000 reviews, placing it among the highest-rated Chinese television dramas of all time.
The production was unprecedented in scale. Casting took three years, filming took two years, and the entire production cycle spanned five years. The screenplay was developed with input from leading Redology scholars, including Zhou Ruchang, and the ending departed from the standard Cheng-Gao edition to reflect what scholars believe was Cao Xueqin's original intention.
Plot Summary
Set against the decline of four great aristocratic families — Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue — the story centers on the tragic love between Jia Baoyu (Ouyang Fenzhen) and Lin Daiyu (Chen Xiaoxu). Baoyu, born with a jade stone in his mouth, is the pampered heir of the wealthy Jia household. Daiyu, his sensitive and poetic cousin, comes to live with the Jia family after her mother's death.
Their love blooms amid the splendor of the Grand View Garden, but family politics and feudal customs conspire against them. The Jia family arranges for Baoyu to marry Xue Baochai (Zhang Li), the practical and beautiful daughter of the wealthy Xue family. On what he believes is his wedding day to Daiyu, she dies of grief and illness, and the Jia family's fortunes collapse shortly after.
The series is more than a love story — it is a sweeping portrait of feudal Chinese society, exploring themes of fate, illusion, and the transience of wealth and beauty.
Cast
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ouyang Fenzhen | Jia Baoyu | Heir of the Jia family, sensitive and rebellious |
| Chen Xiaoxu | Lin Daiyu | Baoyu's cousin, a poetic and melancholy beauty |
| Zhang Li | Xue Baochai | The practical, composed rival for Baoyu's hand |
| Deng Jie | Wang Xifeng | The sharp-tongued, formidable manager of the Jia household |
| Gao Hongliang | Jia Lian | Baoyu's cousin, a charming rogue |
Production
The casting process alone took three years, with nationwide auditions held across China. Selected actors underwent a year of intensive training in Redology, calligraphy, guqin (classical zither), dance, and etiquette before filming began. Costume designer Shi Yanyan created over 2,000 historically accurate costumes, each tailored to individual characters.
The music, composed by Wang Liping, includes iconic songs such as "Hongdou Qu" (Red Bean Song) and "Fengu Rou" performed by singer Chen Li. "Hongdou Qu" remains one of the most recognizable pieces of Chinese television music.
Cultural Impact
The 1987 adaptation is universally regarded as the definitive screen version of Dream of the Red Chamber. Its costumes, music, set design, and performances set a standard that no subsequent adaptation has matched. For many Chinese viewers, the actors in this version are the characters.
Chen Xiaoxu, who portrayed Lin Daiyu, passed away in 2007 at the age of 42. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief across China, with fans noting the parallel between her brief, emotionally intense life and that of the character she immortalized.
References
- Douban: Dream of the Red Chamber (1987)
- Wikipedia: Dream of the Red Chamber (1987 TV series)
- IMDb: Dream of the Red Chamber
- Baidu Baike: 1987版红楼梦
Stills & Gallery
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