The work is directed by Doan Dao; written by Diep Duong and Tranh Lac. This is a project co-produced by Tencent Video, Tan Le TV and Duyet Van Anh Thi company.
General Mon Doc Hau" adapted from a novel, is ranked among the "four ancient romance novels" (ancient romance novels with the most fans in China).
Previously, the author of "Tướng môn độc hậu" was Thiên Sơn Trà Khách, who had many novels adapted into films - "Mặc vũ vân gian" (Ngô Cẩn Ngôn, Vương Tinh Việt starring), "Quý nữ" (Trần Đô Linh, Tân Văn Lai starring), "Cẩm nguyệt như ca" (Châu Dã, Thừa Lỗi starring).
The works all achieved certain achievements, especially "Mac Vu Van Gian" which was a resounding success, becoming one of the most famous Chinese films of 2024. Therefore, "General's Gate" is also expected no less.
The film tells the story of Shen Yao (Meng Ziyi) - a deposed empress who died unjustly in the imperial palace, unexpectedly returning to her teenage years. After clearly seeing the false faces of those around her, she is determined to avenge and change the tragic fate of the Shen family.
On her revenge journey, she meets Tiểu Hầu gia Tạ Cảnh Hành (Vương Hạc Đệ), outwardly playful and libertine, a talented person but with a deep and unpredictable heart. From suspicion and taking advantage of each other, the two gradually become allies and soulmates, fighting against forces and pacifying the world.
The information that Vuong Hac De and Manh Tu Nghia starred in "General's Empress" immediately caused a social media storm, dominating the top trending search keywords of the Weibo platform (China).
Audiences fiercely debated the issue of character image, the image of the two actors in the poster, as well as the issue of ranking order (position) between Vuong Hac De and Manh Tu Nghia.
Before the project announced the main actress, most viewers thought that "General of the Imperial City" was a "big female boss" project, taking the female character Shen Yao as the center, so the main actress is highly likely to be ranked "session 1" (named first) in the cast list.
But in the actor announcement post, Wang Hedi's name is ranked before Meng Ziyi. This makes fans of the original novel worried that the film will be adapted to focus on the male lead, which may affect the plot.
The controversy was further escalated when director Doan Dao liked a Weibo post affirming that Meng Ziyi was the first session, and at the same time elevated her to the position of the hottest actress in the "little flower 95" group of Chinese cinema.
The post also said that Meng Ziyi is Wang Hedi's predecessor, so "Wang Hedi standing in the second session is reasonable, it is impossible to impose on a predecessor".
The movie director's "like-baiting" action immediately sparked debate, whether this is just an unintentional " slip-up", or is this the director's personal opinion contrary to the producer's arrangement.
On the other hand, many opinions believe that Vuong Hac De and Manh Tu Nghia are not suitable for the character image.
The character Ta Canh Hanh has long been known as the standard male lead in the hearts of fans of romantic novels in ancient costumes. He has a luxurious, handsome, elegant appearance; outwardly arrogant and arrogant, but is very good at marching to fight invaders, with a deep heart.
Shen Yao is described as having a gentle and dignified appearance, a round face that looks very young, but inside she is strong, brave and has sharp thinking.
Audiences believe that, right from the first poster, the image of Vuong Hac De and Manh Tu Nghia did not meet these criteria.
