"Blossoms" cast interact with audiences at local cinemas

Actors from Wong Kar-wai's hit TV drama "Blossoms," including Tang Yan, Wu Yue, Wang Ju and Fan Zhiyi, attended a theme bazaar and interacted with audiences at local cinemas on Tuesday.

The bazaar at Sinan Mansions and the theater event at the UME International Cineplex were hosted by Tencent Video, one of the producers behind the acclaimed series.

Since it debuted on December 27 on China Central Television's Channel 8 and Tencent Video, the 30-episode drama has become one of the highest-rating homegrown series in recent years and an Internet sensation.

On Chinese social media platform Weibo, the series with both Mandarin and Shanghai dialect versions has aroused lots of trending topics related to its plot, acting, the city's food, dialect, architecture and time-honored roads.

More than 150,000 viewers have given the series an 8.2 out of 10 rating on leading film and TV review website Douban.

Set to the backdrop of Shanghai in the 1990s, the series has delighted audiences with its artistry and touching narration of a variety of people who bravely pursued their dreams in an era full of change, opportunity and hope.

It is not only an epic series with an artistic fusion of vivid real-life stories and director Wong's signature aesthetics, but also a panoramic work to portray the city's vitality, cultural heritage and distinctive charm.

A few nostalgic city walk routes have emerged due to the series' popularity among audiences nationwide. Fairmont Peace Hotel offers a set menu for two featuring representative Shanghai-style dishes mentioned in the drama.

Tang, who plays Miss Wang in the drama focused on the TV project for around three years.

"The role's passion, courage, independence and a never-yielding spirit resonated with me," Tang said.

Wu, who plays Miss Wang's mentor, said she felt so fortunate to be an actress particularly after cooperating with such a talented director. It enabled her to experience a different life.

Many viewers spoke highly of the drama for its heartwarming and in-depth portrayal of the city, its people and the vicissitudes in the 1990s.

"In an era of many opportunities, director Wong stunned me with a touching depiction of the deep emotional connections between people," said netizen Bixin on Douban .

The series' actors also walked the red carpet on Tuesday night at the Shanghai Film Art Center and interacted with audiences at the theater.