Core Viewpoint - The film "Lychee in Chang'an" is challenging to evaluate, as it neither excels in artistic depth nor fails in storytelling, making it a conventional yet satisfactory adaptation of the original work [1] Group 1: Film Adaptation and Audience Engagement - The film successfully condenses the original 35-episode series into a 122-minute runtime, addressing the pacing issues of the series [3] - The adaptation caters to audience emotions more effectively than the original, ensuring a balance between entertainment and narrative [4][6] - The film's character arcs and resolutions are more fulfilling compared to the series, avoiding the bleak endings that left viewers dissatisfied [6] Group 2: Character Development and Narrative Structure - The film simplifies complex character relationships, which may sacrifice depth for broader audience appeal [13][15] - The portrayal of characters like Yang Guozhong and the Lingnan governor is reduced to mere symbols of greed and authority, limiting the exploration of deeper themes [13][14] - The film's narrative follows a familiar template of "lower-class individuals confronting authority," which resonates with contemporary audience anxieties but may lack originality [20][21] Group 3: Directorial Style and Commercial Strategy - The director, Da Peng, employs a commercial strategy that blends popular elements, often prioritizing audience satisfaction over artistic independence [18][26] - The film's reliance on emotional triggers and familiar tropes may lead to a perception of it being formulaic, despite its entertainment value [25] - Da Peng's approach reflects a balance between genuine effort and calculated appeal, positioning him as a pragmatic figure in the industry [26]