Cecilia Liu Chooses Eddie Peng in “Sound of the Desert”
In currently airing Mainland drama Sound of the Desert <風中奇緣>, Cecilia Liu (劉詩詩) has trouble choosing between romantic prospects. The gentle and soft-spoken Ninth Prince (Hu Ge 胡歌) and the suave General Wei (Eddie Peng (彭于晏) are both equally charming. Viewers are equally divided and have a hard time trying to decide who to support.
For Cecilia, however, she seems to have made up her mind. When queried by reporters, Cecilia revealed her own preference, “If it were up to me, I would pick General Wei.” Although she personally developed a soft spot for Ninth Prince when reading the original novel, she believes that her character, Xin Yue, is more compatible with General Wei.
Xin Yue is a rather unique character who was raised among wolves, but later became a member of nobility. Her childhood and upbringing made Xin Yue a free-spirited and outgoing girl who wore her heart on her sleeve. Cecilia took an unrestrained approach in her performance to match the expressive personality of Xin Yue. Nevertheless, some critics remarked Cecilia’s performance bears traces of Ruo Xi in Bu Bu Jing Xin <步步惊心>. In response, Cecilia believes that viewers were influenced by the fact that both characters were portrayed by the same person.
As Cecilia became famous for her role in a time-travel drama, she is often compared with Yang Mi (杨幂), whose popularity also peaked after starring in a time-travel drama. Yang Mi has now started a family and shifted from acting to film production. Asked whether she may have similar plans for the future, Cecilia replied, “The future is too far away. Let’s talk about the present. It’s best to let things run their natural course.”
When asked about the trend of celebrities appearing on reality TV programs, Cecilia said she is not interested and would rather concentrate on acting.
Source: QQ.com
This article is written by Jingles for JayneStars.com.
Of course, much hotter sexy time! Ahhhh all the changed names. Urgghh!
i love this series so far!!!
I think her restrained performance in BBJX was so much better. Yes, Xin Yue is free-spirited but LSS portrays her as very childish. At least RX wasn’t childish for long, but quickly matured. It gets grating over time to see such exaggerated behaviour. That said, she has good chemistry with both males so I at least somewhat buy their attraction. Because the costume designers and makeup artists must have gone all the way out to make LSS look as plain as absolutely possible.
That’s funny, because Cecilia is naturally plain looking in real life as well. I think it’s the other way around. They tried so hard not to make her look plain, but its no use.
I can’t think of a series where she doesn’t look plain.
In the Stills, there’s photo-shopping not to make her look plain. But when you watch her in action. Plain and boring!
I do agree that LSS is pretty plain but she can look pretty with the right makeup. So I maintain the makeup artists were sleeping at work lol.
Yea, I think it’s ridiculous how in a lot of scenes, the makeup made her look like a clown, with all that pink powder on her face and eyes, is it wrong to use a better lipstick colour?
Also advo, I saw some nice photo of her, too, however, you wonder how much photoshop has been done to make it that good. LSS is much nicer to look at in photo, she’s just bad, bland and boring in action :/
I’ve seen LSS at awards and stuff where she looked pretty good. So I don’t believe it’s photoshop. Because SS is so plain, she needs makeup to highlight her features more.
I don’t actually think her XY portrayal bears traces of RX – mostly because the two characters are so very different. However, can’t help but think if TR had gotten their hands on the sequel too, it would also star LSS as female lead. And that would be awkward/ridiculous.
Eddie is stealing the show. I’m surprised bc I thought he would be the weakest out of the 3. There’s something sbout LSS’s portrayal. She’s just so…boring to watch? A bit inconsistent, too, but that has more to do with the development. As for Hu Ge, he’s fine thus far.
I’m not surprised. If you’ve seen some of his movies, you know he’s a pretty good actor. Definitely better than the TV idol actors. Plus, HQB was the standout character in the book, so it’s not surprised that a decent actor would make him look even better in live action.
I rarely watch movies, lol
Yeah. I could see Eddie’s role is more interesting in comparison to HG’s, which is more on the bland side. It probably will take a while, for me at least, to resonate with HG’s role. I feel his development is a bit slow and he seems to be hiding his feelings. So, as a viewer, it takes some time to understand him. Eddie’s role on the other hand is pretty straight forward as the dashing general.!
How ironic that HG turned down HQB bc he wanted to try something different.
Hannah,
As I write below, I do feel a stronger actor would be able to make even a very reticent character resonate with the audience. And in that regard, I think Hu Ge is failing.
Hu Ge would have been horribly miscast as HQB imo. He’s aged a lot (hard to believe he and Eddie are the same age!) and cannot pull off the youthful brash general to me. In any case, since Hu Ge is financial invested in TR, he’s very invested in the show’s performance. So they needed to cast someone with more market power than just their own in house artists. Also, if Hu Ge wants to break out of the idol zone, he does need to challenge himself with more diverse roles. So I guess that’s why he turned down HQB.
Agree with Advo. I’ve never watch Eddie Peng’s idol dramas. I got to know this actor from movies and I found his acting he’s. He impressed me in that ‘Love You You’ movie.
I’m only have way through the book. So far, I like Jiu Ye better. Doesn’t like Hu Qu Bing very much. Maybe later I will change my mind.
Haha, he impressed you in Love You You? I enjoy the movie for eye-candy purposes, but otherwise it’s pretty bad in terms of plot lol. I love Unbeatable and The Wedding Invitation is really funny/sad.
I didn’t really like Jiu Ye because I didn’t like how he handled their love story. For me, I dislike men who 1) makes decisions for you and 2) holds back in love even if it’s for a “noble” reason. I like a man who knows what he wants and goes after it, so that’s why HQB is just more my type.
The plot of Love You You was weak, but, Eddie Peng’s acting impressed me.
I think HG after Chinese Paladin was as boring as hell in every series he acted in.
Good repsonses.
Anyone know how we can watch this series with English subtitles in USA? TIA!
It’s on Youtube
Thanks for info.
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCrAc6iOjLoa46Vk3wF0t5DA
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCkAeB1OrOkBzP_DijVN-sFg
There are 2 YouTube link that you can go to watch with sub in English…
Thanks a bunch. I will check it out!
Maybe it’s just me, but hu ge’s character is bit bland, and weak to make people fall for him? It’s just not strong enough in his feeling for XY, or they don’t show it well for me, who don’t read the book. And I know I’ll get hate for saying this, but I don’t feel a strong chemistry between her and the 2 male leads :/ she can act, but I just don’t feel it. There is a sparks between her and Eddie when they fights and end up in each others’s arms (close contact), but it’s weak still ATM, or non existent in a lot of other scenes.
Maybe it just me, but I think the screenwriter and the producer could have been improved as it would make this series a lot better, instead of what it is now, boring, bland, slightly cliche, and contrive to be funny at time
No, Hu Ge’s character is much more reticent but I think a better actor would still be able to make the character interesting. Kinda like what Nicky Wu did with 4th Prince.
I do think LSS has chemistry with them. But it’s bit “lazy” chemistry in that it’s more on the camaraderie between the actors than actual sparks are flying (sexual) attraction.
I do think the slow is very slow paced – doesn’t help that they only air two episodes on two days a week. OTOH, America dramas only air one episode per week and it’s still fine.
TBH, I didn’t think the book was that great either. HQB (Eddie’s character) was the standout, and his romance with Yu Jin carried the book. Meng Jiu (Jiu Ye) was pretty bland in the book too and Jin Yu never felt like a realistic character to me. The only other characters that interested me, but were underdeveloped in the book are Li Yan and Empress Wei Zifu.
I think the sequel Yun Zhong Ge is a lot better (and absolutely) heartbreaking. So I agree that TR could have done it better. I feel all their screen adaptation changes are all for worse e.g. Jin Yu’s and Li Yan’s characterisations. And they skipped so much of Jin Yu’s childhood/background that it feels even more unrealistic that she grew up with wolves.
Thanks for the insights 🙂 without reading the book, I do feel that mainland production has a flaws of changing original idea into the typical cliche one in fear of losing popularity. Kinda like if the formula works, why change it, right? In a sense, it makes the drama cliche, boring, unoriginal, and contrive while being disjointed. This production has the same feel, too. That’s why I said I feel it could do much better would they have better screenwriter and producer who dare to go against the usual silly mainland production’s pitfalls.
And you described their chemistry a lot better than I do 🙂 for me, if they don’t tickle my inside, or stir anything from me, the chemistry is weak/not there. You put it in a nicer way than having none, haha
I never think much of hu ge, his look or his acting, but it could be because of the first drama I saw of him, so I gave him a benefit of doubt for this one. Thanks for confirming I’m not the only one feeling his character/portrayal of the character is on the weak side, hence not garner enough sympathy/like from me for his character 🙂
For me, TR’s biggest mistake was shoehorning LSS into the female lead character. I just don’t think she has the right energy for the character. And the book is built on Yu Jin’s POV so the show also continues that narrative.
TR could definitely have done more to make the show more original, though as mentioned the book itself is not very remarkable. In terms of characterisation, only HQB stood out of the leads, and the supporting characters are very underdeveloped. The political intrigue is also underdeveloped, despite being so sweeping. In the end, the book’s plot is thin and just made up by the two love stories between YJ/HQB and YJ/MJ. My point being, I’m afraid the crew tried to stay true to the book too much.
I never did read BBJX, so I cannot say how much they deviated/improved on the book. But I’d say the plot and charactisations were much stronger – at least in the show.
Yeah, I’ve never gotten the appeal of Hu Ge either. He doesn’t do anything for me or against me, he’s just… there. LOL 🙂
XY have daddy complex.. that’s part of the reason why she fell for Meng Jiu (Jiu Ye). He reminded XY of her adopted father.
Considering the novel is written from XY pov, we don’t get to see much of JY and HQB inner feelings, making it up to the screenwriter and actors decision on how they wanted to portray the characters.
I think that Hu Ge portrayal of JY is not bad… he managed to show the conflicted emo that is not explicitly stated in the novel.
Eddie (and the screenwriter) added more boyish charm to WWJ role, not complaining though 😛 But HQB/WWJ to me is more manly and oozes sex appeal. With that said Eddie is sexy, but so far they prefer to show his cutesy side more.
But HQB/WWJ to me is more manly and oozes sex appeal. With that said Eddie is sexy, but so far they prefer to show his cutesy side more.
But that will surely change next week haha 😉
I understand what you mean, but sex appeal can be triggered by different things. So as the series goes on, I’m sure we will get there 🙂
“Considering the novel is written from XY pov, we don’t get to see much of JY and HQB inner feelings, making it up to the screenwriter and actors decision on how they wanted to portray the characters.”
This brings back what I said about screenwriter and producers could have done a better job, and advo’s saying they try to stay too true to the book. Oh well… Next series, maybe lol
I guess I am the only one that is enjoy the series lol! I find LSS super cute here, I love the interaction between her and the male leads. The chemistry between her and Eddie is pretty good. From their first meet on the horse ride, til tonight episode, it follow close to the novel, oh well to each their own. I guess people who think it’s boring should just watch something else! I am the lucky ones who actually enjoy all the cast and show. I love the costume and scenery!
I also love the series.. it really good.. and TR really stay with the novel.. as for XY childhood in Da Mo it will show in later episode.. the preview also show it..
XY is really like a child like cause of the way she was rise.. and were she live, LSS really capture that.. Eddie really capture that HQB of the novel.. and Hu Ge act out the JY of the novel.. if anyone able to read the novel, they would have that feeling..
all in all. I love the series.. worth the wait….
🙂 glad you enjoy it, each to our own like you said :). On my part, I watched it when I’m out of things to watch, and like I mentioned before I rather watch boring series than ridiculous, over the top, bad acting series lol. The lesser of the two evil :p also many watch it for their star, just because we find it boring, doesn’t mean we can’t watch it lol. And if it gets worse, I’m sure people will stop watching eventually (at least I do). Just because people has negative comments about it, I don’t think that should take away their privilege to watch or discuss their view
Hehe of course not! I’ts all good, good or bad comments are always interesting to read! Makes the site more lively! 🙂
Thumbs up on your comment 🙂
I think this series is good too. But maybe I am bias. I like Hu Ge in many ancient dramas and LSS isn’t that bad in terms of acting. Rather than being constantly upset like in BBJX she is more carefree and more daring here, shows her influence by being raised by a pack of wolves. That aside, Eddie’s acting is really good too surprisingly. I have never watched him but he stood out. So I am conflicted as to who she should choose. But if this drama follows the novel like everyone said.. I already know the answer…
I just finished watching the first 2 episodes. I agree that Cecilia Liu’s acting is quite similar to the one she did in “BBJX”. She does not show the wildness of her personality as she was raised among the wolves. She should be very natural and naive, but she seems to be quite scheming.
” She should be very natural and naive, but she seems to be quite scheming.”
Jin Yu is anything but naive. She’s a very astute person and a capable schemer. She was not totally raised by wolves. She was adopted by a man she saved when she was young and she stayed among humans for some years. Her adopted father taught her a lot about politics.
Thanks! I did not read the book, so I didn’t know the details. Glad that you told me. Perhaps they will be revealed in the latter episodes.
I think they played too much on this wolf raised girl point, to try and shock the audience, and marketing it as something different, refreshing but all it did is misleading you and your expectation, then you release it just another love triangles between a smart girl, a dashing general and a warm hearted prince, with palace scheming…..
Whether they reveal that she was taught by her adopted father later on, you kinda have to assume so early on, otherwise, her character just don’t make sense :/ which make the drama feels a bit disjointed :/ and lack of character development :/
Yes, I’m having the same feeling. LSS seems to be a very capable person, yet childish at the same time. I just feel it’s very inconsistent. I don’t buy her story right now.
Not much connected so far after Ep. 7 ………… a girl raised by the wolves and the current scheming Yan Yu.
After watching 2 episodes, I found that Cecilia Liu and Fala Chen did look quite similar in “Sound of the Desert”. Fala was prettier and more glamorous among the two.
My thought, too. Well, not the look similar bit, but fala is indeed more glamorous and more beautiful, at least her hair don’t annoy me as much as LSS.
Anyone think LSS get better as the series flows? The wolf girl was kinda bad portrayed by her but after transferring to the capital, her character got better.
I’m confused, lol I may have missed it. LSS said she helped Fala to enter the palace because she wanted to help HG. How does that affect him? Also, what’s Fala’s plan? She said she wanted to revenge for her father, so what exactly does she plan on doing? Fala seemed mysterious at first and then approachable and now she’s back to being calculative and ambitious.
Well, having good connection with the king’s favorite concubine can help one’s work, bribe, sweet talk, etc. so that’s what I think when she said helping fala would help HG.
Currently, I’m assuming fala tried to take down the queen, because she thinks the queen caused her father’s dead as she was fearful of his political standing in the court (his raise in power threaten the queen’s power). This is my assumption as otherwise, I would be lost lol (like I said disjointed drama -.-)
This is why currently, fala is trying to recruit lee general to build up her power. And later on, trying to kill LSS because she wants to eliminate HQB (because HQB has strong tie with the queen and is the current in favorite general), but LSS is like I’m telling on you if you dare touch him. Speculation lol
just trying to clarify the story here but can you confirm the ties in the story for me?
Right now i believe eddie’s aunt is the princess (?) cus she’s the illegitimate daughter of the grand empress, who was later accepted into the royal family because her half brother (the emperor) didnt want his half sister to be kept hidden. Then she introduced her maid to his court and he fell in love with the maid making the maid his empress. Since the maid came from the house of eddie’s aunt (princess), the maid thus have close ties with the princess’ family and also eddie.
@ Coralie
If the relationship is still same as the book, here’s the relationship:
Eddie’s aunt is the Empress (previous maid of princess).
Eddie’s uncle (Empress’s brother) is the princess’s current husband.
So, both Empress and princess are Eddie’s aunts. Empress is by blood, princess is by marriage.
Ahhh…I see. Thanks. Very disjointed and I certainly don’t wanna watch again, lol