“The Flaming Heart” Director Praises Gong Jun and Zhang Huiwen

Starring Gong Jun (龚俊) and Zhang Huiwen (张慧雯), firefighting-themed romance The Flaming Heart <你好, 火焰蓝> started airing on Youku on July 8. With its story crafted around how firefighters and emergency personnel work seamlessly to save lives in pressing situations, the drama is filled with adrenaline-fueled moments while exploring courage, love, and what it means to be human.

Gong Jun and Zhang Huiwen, who had breakthrough performances in Word of Honor <山河令> and Coming Home <归来> respectively, impressed director Zhang Lichuan (张力川) with their dedication. Due to the strenuous rescue scenes, Gong Jun worked so hard he was hospitalized for his irregular heart condition. The long filming hours also affected Zhang Huiwen, who lost her voice on set.

The director shared Gong Jun and Zhang Huiwen’s desire in perfecting their craft, “No matter how hard or late the filming was, they would come to me, often chatting [about their scenes and lines]. I would see tears in their eyes–they have a sense of faith and awe of the profession. These actors are very rare. “

Gong Jun Impresses Crew With Thoughtful Acts

However, it turned out that Gong Jun was initially not their first choice for male lead character, Huo Yan. Producer and scriptwriter Han Peijun (韩沛均) shared, “He has a firefighter’s good looks, a sunshine side, plus his down-to-earth appeal also draws viewers in–this really pleased the [crew] when he came in to fill the role.”

Echoing the praise, director Zhang Lichuan praised the 28-year-old for not having any of the idiosyncratic flaws that actors sometimes display, and said that Gong Jun “personified the character he played” in his EQ and personality type. “From the little details, you can tell he is someone who is loving, very friendly, and amiable.”

The actor would show concern by bringing ginseng for directors who work continuous shifts, and homemade Sichuan sausages prepared by his mother to share with everyone on set. Impressed by Gong Jun’s professionalism, warm personality, and drive to improve himself, Zhang Lichuan sees a bright future ahead for the star.

The Making of “The Flaming Heart”