Editor's note: Recently, the character of an army general in a hit historical costume drama Pursuit of Jade was popularly nicknamed "make-up general" for his delicate and frail appearance, sparking widespread debate. While the image of this "make-up general" has captivated audiences, it has also drawn criticism from many. Three journalists with China Daily share their views on the issue. Excerpts follow:

How the "foundation" traps actors

Li Wei

The backlash against the so-called "make-up general" is not a personal attack; it's an audience's way of reacting. Viewers aren't rejecting beauty; they're rejecting a manufactured, airbrushed reality that seems detached from the story.

For actors, the reaction should serve as a warning call. When perfection is pushed too far, it's no longer an asset. It's a cage.

Great acting lives in the grit — the twitch of a muscle, the texture of skin, the visible strain of emotion. But today's heavy makeup is incinerating it. What's left is a surface that looks great on a poster but not on screen. We are seeing historical epics populated by porcelain displays rather than people shaped by blood and dirt. They aren't performing; they are posing.

The market is shifting. Audiences are tired of "industrial sugar". They want the raw, physical energy seen in hits like Creation of the Gods I, where the strength felt earned, not airbrushed.

For any actor who wants a career that lasts, the choice is simple: prioritize the character over the mirror. Insist that the styling serves the story, not a filter. If you want to be more than a polished puppet, you have to be willing to look human. In an industry finally demanding authenticity, perfection is a dead end.

Porcelain generals, hollow heroes

Pan Yixuan

Cries of "make-up general" are not symptomatic of a decline in masculine ideals — it just shows that audiences feel the drama values appearance over substance. In Chinese history and literature, army generals were admired for their courage, wisdom, and skills in martial arts; beauty was secondary. In Pursuit of Jade, the poor storytelling reduced the male lead to a decorative piece — showing more of his flawless look than his bravery and strategic skills.

The female protagonist suffers similarly. Traits like bravery, honesty and determination are underdeveloped, leaving both leads shallow and the story hollow. Some viewers enjoy the visual spectacle, but content-oriented audiences still want more compelling narratives and characters that feel real rather than posed.

This backlash reflects a broader tension in Chinese dramas: a shift from fan-driven hype to a desire for substance. The "make-up general" is a symptom of an industry grappling with style versus storytelling, and a reminder that audiences reward authenticity over perfection.

Convincing character portrayal needed

Li Huixian

This debate over "make-up general" reveals many viewers' nostalgia for the traditionally masculine image of an army general. A contrast has been drawn with He Rundong's portrayal, over a decade ago, of Xiang Yu — a legendary general who lived more than two millennia ago. That characterization gained immense popularity precisely because of the strong, masculine persona it exuded.

Yet as many TV dramas detach themselves from historical and social contexts in favor of romantic storylines and polished images — especially short-form dramas, constrained by resources and technology, pursuing low cost, high efficiency, and even cookie-cutter styling to attract high viewership — there's a risk of sacrificing quality for mediocrity. Consequently, a fast-food aesthetic is increasingly encroaching on dramas. However, the audience's ability to appreciate artistry — in its diverse forms — should not be underestimated. They should not be limited to a homogenized and narrow range of aesthetic options.

For dramas, the encroachment of this fast-food aesthetic tests their composure. To achieve a lasting effect, a drama must withstand scrutiny from all angles — its plot, character development, styling, and details must not have glaring flaws. Film and television productions should embrace on-set sound recording, visible pores under the lens, and rugged yet masculine faces. At the same time, characters themselves are highly malleable and deserve the opportunity to be rendered in a more multidimensional manner.

Today, traditional dramas, short-form dramas, and AI-produced dramas are competing on the same stage. Productions with greater resources, superior production teams, and more professional filmmaking expertise must decide whether to remain committed to a craftsmanship mindset or shift to the fast-food approach.