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The new television adaptation of A Dream of Red Mansions has a lavish look, with elaborate sets, props and costumes. CFP A new television adaptation of a literary classic is sending many into a spiral of discomfort. But Raymond Zhou defends it as a worthwhile attempt at a faithful recreation. It is not easy being a champion of an unpopular cause. I'm talking about the latest television adaptation of A Dream of Red Mansions. As the 50-episode series rolls out across the nation, it has met with an avalanche of bad press. Most people seem to hate it, yet the ratings are quite high. It appears people are watching something they love to hate. That puts me into what seems like a small minority. I truly love this version - to the point I'm willing to defend it. There is no disagreement about the value of the original novel, which is universally considered the crowning achievement of Chinese fiction. Variously translated as A Dream of the Red Chamber or The Story of the Stone, this 18-century classic presents a panorama of Chinese society with a depth and breadth rarely seen in Chinese literature. A special field of study is devoted to it, called Redology. Now, I'm far from being a Redologist. I have read the original and I have probably watched more film and television adaptations than most - 16 versions in all, to be exact. That still does not turn me into an expert, but it does allow me to distance myself from the nationwide affinity with one particular treatment. | 
