Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 119: Decisive Battle in Tokyo! Surrender and lose half?
“Although, ‘That Mountain, That Man, That Dog’ is a good film.

However, I have absolute confidence in my work!

The Tokyo Film Festival will be the premiere of "The Emperor and the Assassin"!
As for the box office... in Japan, it must be at least 1.5 billion yen!
Up to 4.5 billion!"

"Teacher Chen, this 4.5 billion box office..."

"Back then, we cooperated with Japan's Ghibli on a film called Dunhuang, which achieved such excellent results."

"Great! I understand what Teacher Chen means. That is, our movie will definitely surpass Dunhuang!"

"I can't say for sure, but Ghibli's initial investment was 4.5 billion yen."

"I understand! Our film will definitely make a lot of money!"

"Lend your auspicious words."

"Okay! How about this. Teacher Chen, I have prepared some champagne in advance."

"Yes, it's my favorite flavor."

“We’ve done our homework.”

"Okay! Cheers!"

Almost exactly.

Before going to Tokyo, Director Chen was interviewed by China Entertainment News.

Champagne was even opened in advance on the spot.

There is no need to talk about bold words or anything like that. Anyway, our Director Chen embarked on the journey with full confidence.

Director Chen's performance naturally sparked heated discussions.

Some newspapers said it directly.

His behavior is too ostentatious!

Some newspapers have different angles.

They speculated: "The Emperor and the Assassin" was originally invested by Kadokawa Shoten, so it is very likely that the award has already been decided.

Don't say it, really don't say it.

Small workshops are very good at producing materials.

Tabloids just dare to report nonsense.

If you think about it carefully, this analysis is quite reliable.

As a result, many domestic movie fans really think so.

Director Chen is probably very confident this time.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be so arrogant.

Of course, many people have not let go of the issue of box office.

Director Chen is saying that the lower limit is 15 billion yen and the upper limit is 45 billion yen?
What a loud tone!
Of course, there are also fans who support him.

Because the movie "Dunhuang" was indeed a model of success.

The downside is that it didn't make Ghibli any money.

They did invest 45 billion yen, and the box office was also 45 billion.

The male lead is still Toshiyuki Nishida.

He wasn't in the same shape as he is now.

At that time he still had a beard and looked like a really fierce general.

The heroine was also carefully selected. She is of Japanese and German descent and has a Western style.

In short, that film actually made our domestic Xi'an Film Studio and Western Film and Television City make money.

At that time, Ghibli's ambition was to hit 100 billion yen.

Unfortunately it didn't work out.

Interestingly, the Japanese film market has been on a downward trend in recent years.

The box office of live-action movies is getting worse every year.

Last year, due to the impact of the Asian financial crisis, the annual champion was "Paradise Lost", which only earned less than 20 billion yen.

But this movie has a great influence. Now the TV series of the same name has been broadcast, and the production team is really good.

In order to increase ratings, they found an actress who is 90% similar to Hitomi Kuroki.

Some Japanese movie fans complained... Have you bastards ever measured even a banana with a ruler?
I won’t go into details about these.

Director Chen's bold words made many people who are familiar with the Japanese film market frown.

From the 1990s to the present, the highest-grossing Japanese film is "Heaven and Earth" in .

Published by Kadokawa Shoten and directed by the eldest son Haruki Kadokawa.

55 million yen.

Director Chen mentioned the figure of 45 billion yen.

His idea is quite clever.

Surpassing "Dunhuang" and losing to "Heaven and Earth"?
Bring honor to your boss?

It’s hard to explain. It’s really hard to explain.

However, there have also been a lot of criticisms.

Interestingly, a hot spot emerged next.

"The latest news from Japan! Ms. Liu Xiaoqing will be one of the judges!"

"Tokyo Film Festival jury list announced! Liu Xiaoqing is among them!"

"I see! We have one of our own on the judging panel!"

Many people did not expect this.

Liu Xiaoqing actually served as a judge.

This allowed many media people to find news points.

There is so much room for imagination!

But, our Ms. Xiaoqing is a very clear-headed person.

Just when she was leaving for Japan, she was blocked by many reporters at the airport.

Liu Xiaoqing was very frank when facing the camera, microphone, recorder, etc.

"I am a very fair person! Whatever movie deserves an award, that's what will win!"

Anyone who knows her will understand that she is not joking.

It means showing your fairness.

but!

The media here immediately launched various interpretations.

"It's obvious that Liu Xiaoqing has some things that he can't say openly!"

"I will definitely take care of it..."

"The movie 'The Emperor and the Assassin' is a sure thing!"

What a huge wave of public opinion.

It can be said that this is the early promotion for the movie "The Assassination of Qin".

The intensity is at its maximum!

It is under such circumstances.

There is also some news about a movie directed by a director named Chen that has been sent back from Japan.

"News from our newspaper! 'That Mountain, That Man, That Dog' has been showing at the famous Iwanami Cinema since the day before yesterday!"

"The Japanese film market is very different from ours. Iwanami Cinema is a very special cinema..."

"It's only showing in one theater? The Japanese side is not optimistic about "That Mountain Man and That Dog"!"

There is no way, after all, it is another country.

There is the media that reports recklessly without any bottom line.

It is true that there is only one theater in Iwanami Cinema, but it is not easy to get into the movies shown in this theater.

Unfortunately, our countrymen today know too little about this fact.

In other words, it may be difficult to dispel the rumor.

What’s interesting is Ma Xun’s approach.

……

"Refute the rumor? Why should I refute it? Why should I bother?"

"Brother, I am truly impressed by your generosity!"

"Yeah, if it happened to me, I would definitely tear down that damn editorial office!"

Ma Xun is finally going to fly to Japan.

Before leaving, Sun Donghai and Bai Xiaohang came to see him off.

In fact, Ma Xun said it was not necessary.

However, the two of them still insisted on coming.

The reason is actually very simple...

"Brother, our movie is still a low-budget movie after all."

"Yes, losing is not a big deal."

The two of them sang the same tune, which made Ma Xun want to laugh.

Obviously, now it’s at the level of public opinion.

"The Man and the Dog in That Mountain" is already competing with "The Emperor and the Assassin"!

The two movies seem to be mortal enemies.

The next step is...

The two directors with the surname Chen are now facing off!

Director Chen VS Director Chen!
That is to say, whoever wins is the real Director Chen.

This battle is sure to be interesting!
And Ma Xun was so happy with the situation...

This is what I wanted!
All my previous operations were for this situation.

"You two! Who said my movie was bound to lose?"

Ma Xun's words were full of momentum.

Sun Donghai and Bai Xiaohang were both quite surprised.

But what they think in their hearts is:
Ma Xun is indeed a capable and resourceful person, but he also likes to daydream sometimes.

I guess both of them think so anyway.

It’s no wonder these two lack confidence.

There is absolutely no comparison between these two movies.

The 70 million investment in "The Assassination of Qin" is constantly appearing in the newspapers.

No matter how you look at it, "That Mountain" will definitely lose.

However, the two guys didn't say anything.

He sent Ma Xun onto the plane with a smile on his face.

"Ma Xun's situation..."

"Sun Donghai, what do you mean? Wait until he comes back and take him to see a doctor?"

"Why see a doctor? I think he's just under too much pressure. He should be given two beautiful women who are as big as nataro. After he releases the pressure, he should be able to get better."

Yes, after hearing this plan, Bai Xiaohang nodded repeatedly.

These two are really good. They should change their careers and become doctors.

……

Speechless all the way.

After Ma Xun flew to Tokyo, he saw Sister Qing who came to pick him up at the airport.

“What’s the situation like back home?”

"Everything is according to plan!"

As Ma Xun spoke, he showed Sister Qing a few newspapers in his bag.

This contains various remarks by Director Chen.

When Sister Hong saw this, a smile immediately appeared on her face.

Open the champagne in advance?

Not to mention the box office, even at the Tokyo Film Festival, your "The Emperor and the Assassin" may not win!

That’s right, Sister Hong actually still feels that she may not be able to beat the other party at the box office.

After all, it is really a blockbuster for our domestic movies.

In the past, it was rare for a movie to have such a huge investment.

"The Decisive Battle" was invested with more than 5 million yuan, but it took years to shoot.

And, actually, it’s a trilogy.

The movie "The Assassination of Qin" alone earned 70 million yuan.

It is said that the amount is more than 70 million.

Later, Director Chen edited the film and destroyed a lot of film.

According to people familiar with the matter, the film cost alone was more than 1000 million.

This is a bit exaggerated, no one knows whether it is true or not.

But no matter what.

Even if it doesn't win the Golden Kylin Award, this movie should still have commercial value.

Sister Hong subconsciously felt that she was no match for the other person.

excusable.

Ma Xun is different.

He is very confident overall.

When the two arrived at the hotel...

hmm~
They kissed in the elevator.

Ma Xun picked up Sister Hong.

And Sister Hong took advantage of the situation and wrapped her legs around Ma Xun's waist.

This action highlights the naturalness.

As soon as he opened the door and entered the room, he pushed Sister Qing onto the table.

She has a really beautiful face.

Subtle, quiet beauty.

But now, her eyes are charming and her figure is graceful.

Ma Xun lifted up one leg and took a sip...

……

"You really think we can win."

"Of course." "We can win even at the box office."

"How about this, when the screening comes, we can just go and watch it."

"But, even if we think it's not good, there will be people who think it's good."

"That's true, but let's see... the main thing is that you have the bottom line in your heart."

"Okay... by the way, do you want to..."

"Of course, if you have the chance, you can just provoke Director Chen directly."

"Provocation? That's too ostentatious."

"You could be more subtle and just say..."

Sister Qing was sweating profusely, and Ma Xun whispered a few words in her ear.

She giggled after hearing that.

This is naturally about how to provoke.

But Ma Xun had an urge in his heart. He wanted to tell Sister Hong about Gong Li.

This...try it.

“Did Gong Li see it too?”

"Oh, of course she's here too. She even did a magazine shoot recently."

"Then let me ask you, if a movie queen like Gong Li were to get married, who would be the right person?"

Ma Xun's question can be said to be quite obscure.

But unexpectedly, Sister Qing’s brain was not given in vain.

"What? Is she going to marry that old glass?"

Wow, you can even guess this?

"No, I didn't say that."

"You don't have to tell me! I'm not stupid!"

"That's...ok."

"They're also going to do that test... tube?"

Sister Hong's skill in guessing riddles is really impressive.

Ma Xun nodded, then shook his head. He had no choice but to say, "Before I came here, I met Gong Li. She mentioned some things, and the rest are my guesses."

This statement is very rigorous, Ma Xun did not mention any bet.

Sister Hong laughed out loud when she heard this.

"You usually act so pretentiously, but you still have to get married in the end, why are you pretending so much?"

To be honest, what Sister Hong said was already quite rude.

Ma Xun felt it was okay, but he didn’t plan to say more.

"We'll talk about it during the screening."

……

The Tokyo Film Festival opened as scheduled.

But before the opening, a piece of good news broke out.

"The box office of 'That Mountain, That Man, That Dog' has exceeded 100 million yen!"

This box office performance is very good.

But it's also quite normal.

After all, Toho has been marketing it for a long time.

Moreover, this movie has won the Golden Kylin Award before!

Plus, Japanese audiences really like it.

You should also know that although the Iwanami Cinema is small, the ticket prices are very high.

The main feature is that it only shows high-quality movies.

This news is good news for Ma Xun and his colleagues as well as domestic reporters who came to Japan to report.

But for Director Chen and his team, it’s not so good.

It added a lot of pressure invisibly.

It’s only showing in one theater!
But no matter what, in the end, what matters is who has the higher overall box office.

Director Chen can probably still hold on, after all, Kadokawa has said so.

Support with all your strength!
Then just wait for good news.

On the opening day, the main creative team of "The Emperor and the Assassin" walked the red carpet.

Director Chen is full of energy and vigor, Zhang Fengyi and Teacher Li are very low-key, and Gong Li is the most dazzling.

After all, it has participated in many film festivals, including several international A-level ones.

It’s different after seeing big scenes.

Gong Li was wearing a black bottom and white top long evening gown today.

It fully shows off her good figure.

The shoulders are exposed, as if cut by a knife.

And a pair of Danai... have a bouncing feeling as they move.

Plus he's tall and has long legs.

So beautiful and grand!

Then there were photos, autographs, interviews... all the way through.

But I found that someone was also being interviewed.

Chen Hong!

Director Chen is here too.

Moreover, he was surrounded by reporters.

After all, he was the winner of last year's grand prize.

It’s great that you’re here this time!

The key is that there is a good reason, that is, the movie is currently in theaters.

So what did she say?
“After all, our film ‘The Man and the Dog in That Mountain’ is still a low-budget film, so we still need to learn from Mr. Chen’s masterpiece.

I came here with a completely learning attitude!
Yes, I will definitely go and watch it next time..."

study?

This statement is great!

The two films are now being compared together.

You, Chen Hong, said it so nonchalantly.

First of all, the pattern won over Director Chen.

Very good very good.

Many journalists, especially those from our country, were very happy.

Of course, Director Chen and Gong Li also saw all of this.

"Oh, we met here..."

greet.

It's just talk, totally meaningless.

Gong Li always had a smile on his face.

But when they left the reporters, she noticed that Director Chen's expression was different.

Disgusted, angry?
It’s hard to say, but it’s not a good face anyway.

But no matter what.

The battle between the two movies has truly begun!

……

The day of the screening of "The Assassination of Qin".

It can be said to be crowded.

The previous promotion was very successful, and all the Chinese in Japan who could come came.

Ma Xun and Sister Qing both came, but after seeing this situation, they had to change their minds.

"I won't go to see it. You go by yourself."

"What about the tickets?"

"Sell it."

"OK then."

Sister Hong really wants to see it, and now there are many domestic movie fans here.

It was indeed not convenient for Ma Xun to watch movies with her.

Easy to gossip.

As for selling the ticket, there is no need for that.

Just give yourself more space.

Sister Hong entered the cinema.

Ma Xun was just wandering around outside.

But unexpectedly, someone waved at him from a distance.

It turned out to be Gong Li.

……

There is a cafe not far from the screening theater.

Ma Xun and Gong Li were sitting at the table near the window.

Sit side by side.

This way you can drink coffee while watching the cinema.

"You still think you can win?"

"of course."

Gong Li brought up the topic first, and Ma Xun's answer was very natural.

"Your confidence is strange."

Ma Xun asked back, "Have you ever seen this work of yours?"

"This..." Gong Li was stunned.

In fact, if actors don’t go to see it specifically, it is difficult for them to see what the work they are performing is like.

This is true for all movies and TV series.

The creative process is very complicated. Even if it is shot completely according to the script and the director's intentions, it still needs to be edited in the end.

There are many actors who act very hard and work very hard, but then... snap, it's all over.

King of Sunglasses, I'm talking about you.

So, Gong Li has actually never seen this movie.

But in her mind...

"Teacher Chen is a well-known director."

The subtext of this statement is: He is so famous, it is impossible for him to make a bad film, right?

Ma Xun smiled and said, "Why don't we go and take a look now?"

"look?"

Isn't it too late now?
The movie is already playing.

Ma Xun smiled and said, "You don't know what a movie theater looks like, do you? You just need to buy a ticket and go in. You can choose any screening room you want..."

Gong Li interrupted Ma Xun when he heard this.

"go!"

Yes, you can see it even if it’s late.

Especially since Ma Xun already knew what this cinema was like.

After buying the ticket, there is only one gate to check the ticket, and after entering, there are many screening halls to choose from.

We can buy other movie tickets and go through the turnstile.

To be honest, at present our country is still dominated by single large-screen cinemas.

However, multiple screens and multiple screening halls are the future development trend of cinemas.

This is already the case in Japan.

Not long after, Ma Xun and Gong Li appeared outside the screening hall of "The Assassination of Qin".

The door will definitely not be locked, so we just need to sneak in.

then……

"What are you filming?"

"Can anyone tell me what role the blind girl at the beginning played?"

“Is there any logic to this story?”

Not talking while watching a movie is certainly a sign of high quality.

But if this movie is so bad that it is really unbearable.

That's another matter.

In fact, globally, movie theaters are never too quiet for watching movies.

Now Gong Li’s confidence has collapsed!

So many viewers were scolding her, and she herself didn’t understand it.

To be honest, Ma Xun didn't understand what Director Chen was shooting.

He remembered very clearly that Director Chen couldn't stand it anymore, so he withdrew the film and re-edited it, and went to Cannes again the following year.

The first version of "The Assassination of Qin".

It was so bad that we couldn't even appreciate how bad it was!

At this moment, the international film queen Gong Li was trembling slightly.

Sudden.

Ma Xun came closer and whispered in her ear:

"Our bet..."

Gong Li interrupted, "I won't cheat."

Ma Xun then chuckled and said, "It's not too late for you to surrender now. If you surrender, you'll lose half."

This is Dasha Ge’s classic line in “God of Gamblers”.

At the same time, Ma Xun's big hands had already touched the long legs of the international film queen...

(End of this chapter)