Derailment: A Disappointing Drama with Lackluster Performances
In recent times, there has been a continuous stream of popular dramas. However, none of them have shown a trend of becoming a sensation. After watching the premiere, I was left speechless and felt deceived. The drama failed to live up to the hype, as it was immediately filled with clichéd elements that discouraged my interest. The plot starts with the time-travel story of the main male and female protagonists. In the opening scene, the female lead, Jiang Xiao Yuan, is seen driving on a bridge, and as expected, she gets into a car accident and falls into the river below.
Jiang Xiao Yuan is the daughter of the Jiang Group, wealthy but lacking genuine companions. Her best friend is hypocritical, and her boyfriend is only interested in her status and money. After discovering her best friend and boyfriend's affair, Jiang Xiao Yuan's relationships become strained. It is during one of their arguments that her best friend mysteriously disappears. In her search for her friend, the female lead persuades her father's assistant to help, but they end up in a car accident on the way, leading to her falling into the river. She wakes up to find herself transported back seven years in time, and despite her attempts to find a way back, she keeps encountering the male lead.
The plot aims to evoke a sense of mystery, but it feels forced and lacks appeal. The overall pacing of the story is mediocre, failing to create the desired mystical atmosphere. Particularly disappointing is the romantic storyline, which is poorly developed. After watching the first two episodes of "Derailment," I was immediately put off. The plot is overly dramatic and poorly executed. The production quality lacks sophistication, and the visual aesthetics fail to impress. The chemistry between the male and female leads feels forced, and the overall presentation falls short, lacking a sense of realism and visual appeal.
In the scene where the characters ride motorcycles, Lin Yi's height and appearance are eye-catching. His tall stature and charismatic presence bring out the unique image of a career-driven elite. However, this is only the beginning, and Lin Yi's role and acting skills are yet to be fully explored. Some of the interactions and scenes with other actors appear awkward and even embarrassing.
In contrast to the discussions surrounding the male lead, Liu Hao Cun truly disappoints in this drama. He fails to bring out a sophisticated image, and coupled with the female lead's lack of acting skills, she still appears like a "fake lady" despite various hairstyles, high heels, and delicate makeup.
In panoramic shots, the female lead fails to exude the elegance and presence expected of her role. In close-ups, her makeup looks cheap, with a sense of mismatched foundation and a powdery appearance. The eye shadow, blush, and other cosmetics also give off a low-quality feel, making her facial features seem ordinary and rigid on camera. Liu Hao Cun's acting falls short, but he continues to receive opportunities due to connections with established actors and influential figures in the industry. However, it is regrettable that despite the support from influential figures, an actor lacking skill fails to win over the audience repeatedly.
In "Derailment," Liu Hao Cun's acting remains subpar, as his expressions and actions fail to deliver the expected performance. Throughout the drama, he consistently gives a stiff and awkward performance, which detracts from the viewing experience.
It must be said that, regardless of the drama, an actor's talent is paramount. "Flower vase" actors may initially attract positive attention due to their looks, but without the skills to deliver the anticipated highlights, the accumulation of positive perception ultimately crumbles.