A new Chinese legal suspense drama, *The Trembling of Cicada*, premiered on Zhejiang TV on August 20 and is also available on major streaming platforms such as iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Migu Video. The series explores themes of justice, morality, and human nature through the interconnected perspectives of three legal professionals, unfolding a complex case that spans more than a decade.
The drama features Hong Kong actor Francis Ng, mainland Chinese actor Zheng Yunlong, and actress Zhong Chuxi in leading roles. Ng portrays Judge Yu Songfan, marking his first time playing a judicial character on the Chinese mainland after more than 30 years in acting. Ng described the role as demanding and emotionally intense, noting that judges must thoroughly research cases and manage a heavy caseload while maintaining impartiality and clear judgment based on evidence and legal procedures.
Zhong Chuxi plays Ding Ning, a criminal defense lawyer who methodically examines the accuracy and gaps in the case against her client, a nursing home caregiver accused of rape. She emphasized the significance of defense lawyers in ensuring suspects’ legal rights and pointed out that accusations do not necessarily equate to guilt. Zhong also highlighted her character’s personal growth, likening Ding’s transformation to a cicada emerging from dormancy, a metaphor that resonates with the drama’s title.
Zheng Yunlong’s character, Zhao Yijie, offers a morally ambiguous portrayal of a prominent lawyer who skillfully manipulates legal and personal dynamics. Zheng described Zhao as ambitious and complex, with the ability to identify and exploit others’ weaknesses to advance his goals. Drawing from his background in musical theater, Zheng adapted his acting style for the subtle demands of television, underscoring how the role challenged him to explore the nuanced interplay between law and human nature.
The show emphasizes universal themes beyond the courtroom, such as confronting adversity and managing the emotional toll of injustice. The production team plans to extend the drama’s reach internationally, prioritizing audiences in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. Both Zheng and Zhong expressed hopes that its exploration of human emotions and ethical dilemmas might foster cross-cultural understanding and resonate with viewers worldwide.
Zhong envisions Chinese productions like *The Trembling of Cicada* offering fresh perspectives on suspense storytelling, reflecting the diversity of Chinese culture. She suggested that audiences often seek common emotional experiences in stories from different cultures, recognizing elements of their own lives in those narratives. As a rising actress, Zhong also sees the project as an opportunity for personal and professional development.