Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, 75, ignites debate by portraying an 18-year-old embroiderer in the mini-drama Splendid Tranquility, including a kiss scene with a 45-year-old co-star. The role uses makeup and filters, drawing polarized reactions on age representation in entertainment.
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A 75-year-old Chinese actress has ignited a nationwide debate over age representation in the entertainment industry after portraying a teenage girl and sharing a kiss with a much younger male co-star in a mini-drama.
Liu Xiaoqing, a cherished figure in Chinese cinema with over 10 million social media followers, has long been celebrated for her youthful energy and commitment to her craft — earning her the title of China's "ageless goddess." A legendary actress who has defined an era of Chinese film alongside stars like Joan Chen and Siqin Gaowa, Liu has starred in over 70 films and TV dramas, winning prestigious accolades including the Hundred Flowers Awards and Golden Rooster Awards.
In the mini-drama Splendid Tranquility, which aired in February, Liu plays Su Wanqing, an 18-year-old embroiderer who rises from family disgrace to become the wife of King Jing. The show consists of 80 two-minute episodes, typical of the short-form content popular in China today.
Liu's portrayal of the teenage character reportedly utilises makeup and beauty filters to achieve a youthful appearance, enhanced by her remarkable acting skills — a talent she has long been known for, even once insisting on playing a character from age 14 to 83 when invited to star in a production.
The most contentious scene features Liu's character, rescued from a dungeon by King Jing (played by 45-year-old Jin Jia), sharing an intimate, passionate kiss in a room. The kiss, which was thoroughly rehearsed and filmed from multiple angles, has elicited sharply polarised reactions online.
Critics were vocal in their discomfort. "The kiss made me uncomfortable. It felt like a grandmother falling in love with her grandson," one netizen commented. Another questioned Liu's motives: "She just refuses to confront her ageing. Next, is she going to play a child?" A third user doubted her career choices: "Is she relying on younger actors to prolong her career?"
Supporters also inundated the comments section, defending Liu's right to take on diverse roles. "Liu dares to challenge age boundaries and has paved the way for older actresses. She is a true trailblazer in the industry," one fan noted. Another pointed out double standards: "Why are actresses always judged so harshly? Liu has not broken any laws and delivered an outstanding performance, yet she faces ridicule."
Behind-the-scenes footage reveals Liu and Jin enthusiastically discussing the script and choreography for the kiss scene, clearly enjoying their collaboration. Mainland reports also indicate that Liu sleeps only three hours a night to keep up with the demanding filming schedule and has adhered to a rigorous fitness routine for years — dedication that contributes to her ability to portray younger characters.
One admirer expressed admiration for the collaboration: "The male actor should feel fortunate to work with Liu. She is one of the most influential and powerful actresses in China." For Jin Jia, the role has been a career boost: before this mini-drama, he primarily played supporting roles in TV series. Since its success, he has gained wider recognition and earned the title of "the second Takeshi Kaneshiro" — a reference to the beloved Japanese-Taiwanese actor and singer.
As of now, Jin has not publicly addressed the online controversy. Liu, however, has responded, clarifying that the kiss scene was an integral part of the script and that she fully respects the creative process. She stated that this is her time to continue pursuing her career, mentioning plans to star in 10 short dramas this year.
Wang Yang, a gender equality activist from Beijing, weighed in on the debate: "Liu's health and vitality are commendable. Her presence has significantly elevated Jin Jia's career, a clear commercial success." Wang further emphasised the double standards in China's entertainment industry concerning age and gender, stating: "If the roles were reversed, with a male actor 30 years older than his female co-star, would criticism be as pronounced?"
This is not the first time Liu has sparked controversy for playing younger roles. She has a history of taking on parts far below her actual age: at 58, she portrayed a 16-year-old princess in Hero Sui and Tang Dynasties 3, and in 2023, she played an 18-year-old bandit, with an actor 18 years her junior cast as her father. Notably, she was even once considered for the role of the 16-year-old xiaolongnv in the 2006 version of The Return of the Condor Heroes, though the role ultimately went to 17-year-old Liu Yifei due to age concerns.
Nonetheless, her career has faced adversity. In 2002, Liu spent 422 days in prison for a tax evasion charge totalling 14.6 million yuan (US$2.2 million). Following her release, she returned to acting but continued to encounter criticism for taking on roles much younger than her actual age — a challenge she has seemingly embraced rather than shied away from.
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Editor: Crystal H
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