Northward (北上) has just been released about a week ago with very high popularity and viewership. It is adapted from a novel, Bei Shang, by Xu Ze Chen which has won a literature prize. Coupled with a few veteran actors such as Hu Jun, Li Nai Wen, and Sa Ri Na in the cast, it gives the drama an expectation of quality. Not to mention, the popular Bai Lu and Ou Hao further give viewers much to look forward to. However, it seems the initial hit has not lasted long with some visible negative reviews making their presence felt. So, what is an overwhelmingly positive review for the show has now quickly turned into heated discussions online between supporters and detractors.
Looking at some of the netizens comments, below are my general observations about the negative reviews.
Netizens’ Negative Reviews On Northward
Idol Drama
In general, there are a few common complaints about this drama. Northward is a story that spans more than a century. It has historical and cultural elements in it based on the theme on canal transportation. Hence, the audience is expecting these elements to be the main driver of the story. The significance of the canal history with its ups and downs as well as the national spirit should have been highly integrated into its plot.
However, many viewers are finding these to be lacking in the narrative. Instead, it has degenerated into another idol or youth drama similar to those coming-of-age story. As such, fans of the novel are also not happy as the drama does not truly reflect the weight and spirit of the original work.
Overage Actors Playing Teens
This is not a new complaint as other dramas have also fallen foul with the audience for having matured actors playing teenagers. In Northward, both Bai Lu and Ou Hao who are in their 30’s are seen in school uniforms playing high school students. This story spans different time periods and follows the lives of several characters from young. Thus, some viewers are questioning why the producers can’t use young actors to play the characters’ growing up years rather than trying to use 30-something-year-olds to act as teens?
In other words, the viewers are complaining that the actors no longer have the youthfulness to play the role of high school students. As a result, they look out of place and it mars the enjoyability of the drama.
Poorly Written Characters
Some netizens are also critical of Bai Lu’s performance as Xia Feng Hua in Northward although she may have had success in other dramas such as Till The End Of The Moon. Xia Feng Hua is supposed to be a tomboy and wild. But many have criticized that her styling is too ugly and sloppy that her character has lost its charm. In short, you cannot bring out the essence of the character to fit the story just by making yourself look ugly. It is not as simple as that.
Ou Hao’s character, Xie Wang He, also invites controversy. Xie Wang He is supposed to be young and frivolous but has been mocked for being arrogant instead. Some even view him as brainless!
Not An Easy Adaptation
Personally, I think it is not easy to adapt the novel into a drama. The significance of history and culture is too heavy that it is hard to marry those elements into the plot while making it interesting as a 40-episode TV show. Perhaps it will work better as an artsy kind of production which Northward is not. But it does remind me of Wild Bloom which is another nostalgic China-centric drama that focuses on the steel industry. Coincidentally, it also has Ou Hao as one of the leads.
Having said that, I also need to put on record that I have yet to watch the drama. Hence, I don’t know if it is worth watching or otherwise. The above negative reviews on Northward are not mine but from various sources from Chinese entertainment sites. So, please don’t train your guns on me!
Nevertheless, there are definitely polarizing views out there and I have even seen comments asking for the drama to be stopped! Harsh indeed when it has just been aired for a week. Sometimes, you just won’t know the final verdict until you have watched the drama in its entirety. Unfortunately, the viewership seems to be dropping off after the first few episodes.
Anyway, what are your views on Northward if you have given it a go? Does it deserve all the brickbats it has been getting from some viewers?
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