The TV series “Red Lady” is a 49-episode military historical TV series directed by Guo Jingyu and Bai Shan, starring Wang Luodan, Yang Zhigang, Liu Wei, Wang Huichun, Shi Ke, and Wang Chao. It was produced by Perfect Film Media, Perfect Jianxin Film, Jiangsu Radio and Television General Station, and Beijing Century Group. “Red Lady” premiered on Jiangsu Satellite TV in February 2012. Since then, it has been broadcast on multiple satellite TV stations in Guangdong, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Shandong.

From the start of filming in June 2011 to the end of filming, the shooting took a total of 4 months from Sichuan to Beijing. In the suburbs of Beijing, a studio spanning 4500 square meters was specially built, including four houses of different styles that incorporate exquisitely carved beams and traditionally Buddhist halls. The use of jade carved screens and antique furniture shows the amount of work put into by the team in terms of details of the show.

Since the year 2010, Director Guo Jingyu has produced the remarkable drama “Iron Pear”, bringing famous Guo style signature productions. Similarly, in 2012, Guo Jingyu once again takes on dual roles of screenwriter and director in affirming the quality of the drama “Red Lady”. The “Red Lady” casts see familiar faces from the “Iron Pear” casts, including star actors Yang Zhigang, Du Ruoxi, Shi Ke, and Man Yi.

“Red Lady” tells the story of the Red Army female soldier Wang Xiao-hong who is proficient in medicine. She is recognized as a “Red Lady” by the locals. She disguises herself as a bride so as to get hold of medicine to save the injured members in the base. Initially, the intent is to go to a pharmacy in Yu-ping to look for her father who is the supervisor but she is abducted by bandits along the way to Black Dragon Hill. This abduction is a set-up by the elder son of the Mei family to save his lover from the warlord commander. However, the bandits picked up the wrong person. Ma Rong leads a troop to attack the bandits and the bandit leader Hei Mu-jiao is shot. Wang Xiao-hong manages to remove the bullet from Hei Mu-jiao without proper medical equipment. To repay Wang Xiao-hong for saving his life, he helps her get to Yu-ping. With her excellent medical skills, she opens a western practice clinic at the Mei family pharmacy and she is praised by the people in Yu-ping as Deity “Lady Hong”. She later befriends Mei Xian Zu and through various encounters, they fall in love and eventually get married.

Three years later, Mei Xian Zu and Wang Xiao-hong leave their children in the care of the family and join the Red Army.

Yang Zhigang who acts as Mei Xian Zu, the main male lead in “Red Lady” is born in a wealthy family but has gangster mannerisms. He is, however, loyal, wise and courageous, and ends up with Wang Xiaohong, the female lead who is acted by Wang Ruodan as they both found love in each other in the troubled era. Wang Xiaohong who fights for the truth is kind, resulting in her becoming a young revolutionary member. Mei Xian Zu who pursues liberation and freedom finds growth and development as a young revolutionary member. The drama “Red Lady” conveys the message of goodness and values of truth to the audience.

On the night of the premiere of the legendary drama “Red Lady”, it broke the viewing record for Jiangsu Satellite TV and won the first place nationwide against shows broadcasted at the same timeslot. When the first round of broadcasting was successfully completed, the finale ratings broke the record of over 2.04%, setting a new record and became the champion of the legendary TV series in 2012. Many fans of the drama left messages on Weibo, expressing that they are looking forward to a second series to continue the legendary classic. With its second round of broadcast on May 2012 on Satelite Tv Channels in Guangdong, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, and Shandong, the drama “Red Lady” continues to gather hype among new audiences. Despite already knowing the storyline, the second round of broadcast even broke the records during the first broadcast; the same rise in viewership ratings is simultaneously evident on the online streaming broadcast.

“Red Lady” Reviews

The drama ”Red Lady” depicts the wonders and pride of small people. It talks about the individual’s perspective as well as a whole in terms of national identity. Youngsters who watch are able to identify with the characters, and even the country, experience increases feelings of happiness and self-identity. It is a show that matches the audiences’ expectations. (Zhang Yiwu, Professor of Beijing University)

A remarkable production contributes to culture arts by allowing its audiences to watch with ease and matching with their desire is an important factor. On the creation of the female lead character Wang Xiaohong, it matches the general public’s expectation, a bold attempt on a historical subject is portrayed in a legendary way that people like to see develop.  The drama meets the psychological needs and expectations of the audience, especially audiences who lead dull normal lives are able to feel healed through the drama. (Li Zhun, Former Vice Chairman of the Chinese Federation of Literature and Arts)

The narratives of the “Red Lady” are very rich and the portrayal of conflicts between the characters is very successful. The creation of the characters is very praise-worthy as well. (Meng Fanshu, a researcher under the Chinese Academy of Arts)