In Chinese entertainment, impressive visuals alone do not guarantee praise, many actors who are widely admired for their appearance continue to face criticism for stiff and emotionless acting. Among them, Wang Yibo is often labeled with the label “wooden actor”, despite his success and rising star power.
Wang Yibo
Originally an idol, Wang Yibo made a breakthrough playing Lan Wangji The Indomitableand has since taken on a wide range of roles, from historical dramas to films. Although his acting has improved since his early days, some weaknesses persist. His reaction to his father’s death appeared in one work almost unreadable, with an expression calm to the point of coldness. In War of faithhis ocular acting showed progress, but problems with unclear pronunciation and weak vocal energy attracted criticism, weakening the emotional impact.
Luo Yun-xi
Luo Yun‑xi is known for clear enunciation and strong dialoguetraits that stood out in Whispers of destiny. However, his performances began to seem repetitive. From Until the end of the moon TO Whispers of destinyhis portraits often fall into a similar pattern, stoic, melancholy faces with little variation, even in scenes meant to be emotionally intense. Its focus on graceful beauty sometimes overshadows the feisty spirit expected in martial arts dramas.
Yang Yang
Despite the nice features, Yang Yang’s acting was a point of debate for years. Some viewers argue that he gives priority looking good on camera rather than fully embodying its characters. In Fireworks of my hearthis attempt to portray a strong and responsible firefighter was overshadowed rigid expressions and attention to aesthetic charm. Subsequent fantasy dramas have emphasized similarly his gaze is profoundleaving the audience questioning his growth as an actor.
Weilong Song
Song Weilong’s stunning visuals make him one of the most photogenic actors in the industry. Yet from Untouchable lovers TO A league of noblesdelivers often emotionally flat performances, maintaining a cool, almost expressionless façade. In A league of noblesespecially in the scenes with Jing Boran, his the lack of interaction and emotional depth made his intelligent and sensitive character feel dull and disconnected.
Liu Yu Ning
Singeredic a rich, resonant voice and clear articulation to his roles, earning praise in works such as A journey towards love AND The prisoner of beauty. Still, his acting has room to grow. In A journey towards lovehis action scenes were solid, but his look at times it lacked the intensity necessary to stimulate emotional connection. Occasionally there were romantic scenes with co-stars deactivatedmaking his performance resemble that of a “human dubbing machine”.
Hu Yitian
Without formal training in acting, Hu Yitian often comments on it limited emotional depth on screen. In It flourishes in adversitya key unmasking scene that should have been dramatic he fell flat, with stiff expressions and blank eyes. In interactions with co-star Zhang Jingyi, his performances were often relied upon repetitive gestures such as staring wide-eyed or pursing your lipsleaving the audience wanting greater nuance.
Interestingly, many of these actors appear comfortable and charismatic off screen or in variety showsWhere their natural personalities and humor shines through. This contrast strong presence off-screen but limited emotional range on screen it made audiences even more critical of their own acting potential.
Despite their difficulties in transmitting emotional depth and complexitythese stars remain some of the most talked about figures in Chinese entertainment, demonstrating that while beauty attracts attention, strong acting is what earns lasting respect.
Sources: DL
