Core Viewpoint - The drama "Sheng Wan Wu" has successfully broken the barriers of rural-themed television by attracting a large young audience through the involvement of popular stars and trending topics [1][14]. Summary by Sections Audience Reception - "Sheng Wan Wu" has become a hit in the summer drama season, achieving a peak viewership rating of 2.68% on CCTV-8, the highest in nearly three years, and surpassing a heat value of 11,000 on August 23, with over 200 million views in a single day [2][14]. - The audience demographic has shifted, with viewers aged 35 and under making up 32% at the premiere, increasing to about 43% by the end of the series, and those under 25 becoming the second largest audience group [14]. Production and Direction - Directed by Liu Jiacheng, the series is adapted from Zhao Defa's award-winning novel "Qian Quan Yu Jue Jue," spanning 20 years from 1927 to 1947, focusing on the lives of three families against the backdrop of rural land changes in southern Shandong [4][10]. - The production emphasizes authenticity, with filming taking place in a century-old abandoned village in Shandong, capturing the genuine essence of rural life [6][8]. Themes and Characterization - The series aims to present the complexities of different social classes in rural China during a transformative era, highlighting the fates of landlords, rich farmers, middle farmers, and poor farmers [4][10]. - Liu Jiacheng believes that the portrayal of characters should reflect their duality, making them relatable and avoiding one-dimensional representations [10][13]. Casting Choices - The casting of popular young actors like Yang Mi and Ou Hao has brought a fresh appeal to the heavy rural themes, attracting a younger audience [8][14]. - Yang Mi's commitment to authenticity, including immersing herself in rural life and performing physically demanding scenes, has been noted as a significant factor in her character's development [8][13]. Challenges and Controversies - The series has faced mixed reviews regarding the performances of its young stars, with some praising their efforts to step out of their comfort zones, while others criticize the disconnect between their celebrity status and the rural setting [13][14]. - The reliance on popular actors to draw in younger viewers highlights the ongoing tension in the industry between commercial appeal and artistic integrity [14].