(China Daily) The animated series Reincarnated Marquis has been making waves on the video streaming platform Bilibili, garnering praise for its stunning visuals, captivating story, and evocative character portrayals.
Adapted from a popular online novel originally published between 2007 and 2008, the animation tells the tale of Zheng Shaopeng, a university student who finds himself transported back in time to ancient China after a book falls on his head. Thrust into the body of a poor scholar named Yang Lin, Zheng navigates a turbulent era marked by internal conflict and external threats.
Through his wisdom and ingenuity, Yang rises through the ranks of the fictional Danzhu Dynasty, tackling corruption, fending off enemies, and ushering in an era of technological advancement and enlightenment.
Reincarnated Marquis has earned a remarkable 9.8 out of 10 rating on Bilibili, with viewers praising its meticulous attention to detail. One user, Shuangfendoubao, remarked on the realistic depiction of rural environments, highlighting the subtle details that enhance the viewer's immersion.
Director Xie Dan sheds light on the unique production process employed for the animation. Unlike the typical approach of utilizing motion capture technology on actors after storyboards are finalized, Xie insists on a more immersive method. He engages theater actors to don motion capture suits and fully embody the scenes, ensuring that the animation accurately conveys the intended emotions.
This approach stems from Xie's experience directing live-action TV dramas, where he honed his expertise in eliciting powerful performances.
A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy's animation department, Xie has witnessed the evolution of animation production techniques and audience preferences over the past two decades. Choosing to remain an independent director, he enjoys the freedom to pursue projects that resonate with his creative vision.
Early in his career, Xie directed a 40-episode animated series set in the Song Dynasty, exploring the world of cuju, an ancient Chinese ballgame considered the precursor to modern soccer. At the time, the primary audience for animation was young children. However, Xie notes that the landscape has shifted, with contemporary animation catering to diverse demographics, including youth and middle-aged viewers. He cites his involvement in the project "Capsules", which delves into psychological suspense, science fiction, and themes of female empowerment and social justice.
Looking ahead, Xie expresses his eagerness to explore diverse thematic genres and push the boundaries of animated storytelling.
The indie animation director Xie Dan is working on set. 
