Chinese actress Chen Duling, often hailed as the “new-generation fairy goddess” and compared to Liu Yifei for her ethereal beauty, is now at the center of a heated online debate after a behind-the-scenes clip from her latest drama went viral.
In the leaked video from the set of Moon Wheel Memory, Chen Duling is seen crying intensely. However, her exaggerated facial expressions especially the visibly contorted mouth and tensed features left many netizens shocked. Viewers who were used to her elegant and serene image were surprised to see a starkly different side of the actress.
Chen Duling rose to fame with Till the End of the Moon and quickly became known for her pure, graceful image that reminded audiences of Liu Yifei’s iconic aura. She was even affectionately dubbed the “modern fairy goddess.”
However, the newly surfaced clip has led some to question whether her beauty holds up under emotional acting.
“Her face becomes distorted the moment she cries,” one netizen commented. “She looks completely different not at all like the ethereal image she’s known for.”
While criticism poured in, others defended Chen Duling, noting that such moments are common during intense emotional acting.
“It’s just a leaked clip from filming,” one fan wrote. “The scene was supposed to be emotionally heavy, so it’s natural that her expressions looked raw. Actors can’t always control their facial muscles in moments like these.”
Another user added:
“Crying doesn’t have to be pretty. What matters is whether the performance feels real. Chen Duling may still be improving, but she’s clearly putting in effort to grow.”
Some critics, however, were less forgiving:
“She’s been acting for years, yet still lacks emotional depth. Compared to actresses like Sun Li or Tong Liya, her expressions just feel forced.”
This incident reignited a recurring discussion in the Chinese entertainment industry: Should beauty or acting skill take precedence? While many agree that emotional authenticity should trump appearance, Chen Duling’s case shows how female actors often face harsher scrutiny for looking “less perfect” in emotional scenes.
As she continues filming Nine Heavens alongside veteran actors, fans hope the actress will refine her craft and prove that she can be more than just a pretty face.
Sources: K14
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