The Interpreter () is a 2016 Chinese television series starring Yang Mi and Huang Xuan, based on the novel "Translator" (翻译官) by Miao Juan. It aired on Hunan TV from 24 May to 19 June 2016. The series was the highest rated drama of the year, with an average national viewership rating of 2.63%.
Synopsis.
Qiao Fei, a university student majoring in French studies, has aspired to become a translator since she was young. Raised by a single mother suffering from a serious illness, she has to support herself working as a waitress. One night she gets into a trouble with a guest, and the two of them are taken to the police station. The guest happens to be Cheng Jiayang, a young but already famous professional French translator. The next day, she finds out that Jia Yang is actually her examiner at the prestigious Institute of Advanced Translation where she dreams of getting a job. Although they start their relationship on the wrong foot, Qiao Fei earns Jiayang's praise when she successfully overcomes his tests and the two start to develop feelings for each other. When everything seems to be going smoothly, problems start to arise one after another. Jiayang's mother strongly opposes their relationship and the reappearance of Gao Jiaming, Qiao Fei's ex-boyfriend, causes additional misunderstandings between Qiao Fei and Jiayang. Mounting problems eventually lead to their separation. Only after overcoming their respective life challenges they meet again and rekindle their love.
Reception.
The series is a commercial hit in China. Its premiere achieved a national viewer rating share of 6.87%, and topped 2016's overall market share for the first half of the year. Viewership ratings also reached as high as 2%, making it the highest rated drama of 2016. The topic "Dear Translator" (亲爱的翻译官) attracted over a billion readers within five days. On the online video platforms Mango TV (芒果TV) and LeTV (乐视电视), the series has received more than 100 million views. On the Asian TV drama platform Viki, the series was rated 9.3 out of 10.
The series was praised by Martin Dahinden, Swiss ambassador to China. The series was coincidentally filmed during the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China–Switzerland relations, and was sponsored by the Switzerland Tourism Board.
However, the series also received criticism. Loyal fans stated that the television series did not stay true to the original novel. Professional interpreters have also taken against it, slamming it for inaccuracies and for portraying the profession misleadingly.
There is a sequel titled "Negotiator" that has cast Yang Mi and Huang Zitao as leads. The sequel has a different storyline.
Spin-off.
A spin-off was also produced, titled "Negotiator", also based on Miao Juan's novel.
References.
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