Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 281, "First Love," surpasses 4000 million views! Ma Xun dominates the summer box office!
"This is impossible!"

Seeing the current box office figures, Sun Donghai was the first to lose his composure.

How can it be?

How could a Hollywood blockbuster like "Rush Hour 2," with so many powerful elements, lose by such a large margin?
They've already reached 20 million, and we only have 5 million?
Zhang Xinming was also very surprised by this data.

But, after all, he was a coal mine owner.

Although coal mine owners don't understand the film and television industry, they know they don't, so they find people who do.

So let's have the Wang brothers talk about it.

Today, the bosses gathered again at Huayi Advertising Company.

But this box office data really gave them a headache.

The good news is: no matter how badly Rush Hour 2 performs at the box office, Huayi Brothers will be a beneficiary.

Because this film was originally intended for the Lunar New Year release.

I just didn't expect this movie to be so weak.

Of course, judging from the international box office, "Rush Hour 2" is about to reach two hundred million US dollars.

It's obvious that they're not used to the local environment.

The bad news is: Ma Xun did indeed win again.

Moreover, it was a low-budget romantic comedy that beat a blockbuster.

This is nothing short of a miracle, and the key point is that Ma Xun will definitely make a lot of money.

That's really not good.

But, for the Wang brothers... overall, it's still a good thing!

In the year-end holiday season, Huayi Brothers' "Big Shot's Funeral" has no rivals!
This is wonderful... but they can't say these things.

Upon seeing the expressions on Sun Donghai and Zhang Xinming's faces, the two brothers exchanged glances.

Have it.

"Gentlemen, we brothers are also quite surprised," said the eldest son of the Wang family first.

"Who would have thought that a blockbuster movie would perform so poorly?" Wang's second son chimed in.

"In my opinion, Ma Xun must have used some underhanded methods!" the eldest son of the Wang family added.

"Bosses, let's look at the film schedule. This isn't normal! Ma Xun's film is clearly getting more screenings!" The second brother cooperated perfectly.

These Wang brothers, talking back and forth like two fierce generals.

Sun Donghai and Zhang Xinming were a little confused by what they heard, but they also understood a little.

"So you're saying that the film scheduling is biased towards Ma Xun?"

"No wonder! Otherwise, how could they lose a Hollywood blockbuster starring their big brother?"

What should we do in that case?
Sun Donghai is a child of a high-ranking official, and he has a very reckless personality.

"Let's go find Master Han and demand an explanation!"

Most people wouldn't have such thoughts, and even if they did, they would just tolerate it.

But Sun Donghai is different; when he does something like this, everyone thinks it's quite normal.

Moreover, the Wang brothers have a good relationship with Master Han. At least the two Lunar New Year films, "The Dream Factory" and "Be There or Be Square," were funded by the Wang brothers.

It would be a good idea to go see Master Han this time!

Let's put some pressure on him and let this guy know that we're not easy to bully.

And so, the group of them went to the Beijing Film Studio.

result……

"Nonsense! We are conducting a pilot program for cinema chain reform! What are you trying to do? Are you trying to obstruct the reform?"

Han Sanping's words left them speechless.

No, this label is too powerful. Even Sun Donghai, a reckless son of a powerful family, was speechless.

So these guys said a lot of nice things.

What? We didn't know that before?

Now that we know, we will definitely cooperate actively.

Third Master, you're busy, we'll head back now.

Third Master, rest assured, our reform will definitely be a success!

Several big bosses suffered a major setback and quickly returned.

After another discussion...

"The pressure has been put on!" The eldest son of the Wang family still knew how to speak.

“That’s right! Although Master Han said that, he must have realized that what he did was indeed a bit unfair.” The second brother continued to play along.

What those two said... makes sense, and it does.

But to completely trust these two would be incredibly foolish.

Sun Donghai and Zhang Xinming finally understand.

That's all for now.

That's when we really lost!

I've never played as well as Ma Xun; this guy is definitely a cut above the rest.

It turns out that everything had been planned long ago; his film had the huge advantage of being a pilot project for the reform of the theatrical release system.

Actually, not many people know about this, but some people do know... Could it be that the Wang brothers knew about it a long time ago?

Sun Donghai and Zhang Xinming exchanged a glance...maybe!
Let's not spell it out; everyone understands.

We will definitely continue to cooperate in the future, but we must be more careful in the future.

If we lose, we lose.

Fortunately, Rush Hour 2 was not actually invested in or produced by them; it was simply imported.

The box office wasn't high, but we didn't lose much money either.

The Shanghai area suffered the most significant losses.

Zhou Zhengyi must be furious.

But that's his business.

However, Sun Donghai ran into personal problems.

"Well, since things have come to this, I don't want to say anything more."

We're all men, there's nothing to be ashamed of.

I plan to go out and clear my head. If there are any bad rumors, I hope you won't believe them.

That's all for now.

Sun Donghai's words were quite carefree.

Does that mean you want to go abroad for a trip?
As for rumors... what bad rumors could there be about him?
Neither Zhang Xinming nor the Wang brothers took it to heart.

Let's just leave this matter as it is for now.

……

As time went on, Rush Hour 2 still managed to surpass 1000 million views.

However, let's look at "50 First Dates" again.

Good heavens! 4000 million!

Another movie grossing 4000 million yuan has emerged during the summer season, that's amazing!
The key point is that it's still showing in theaters and there's no news of it being taken off the screens.

These days, there's no cinema chain reform, so if a movie doesn't have too many problems, it can still be shown as long as the cinemas want to.

It can then continue to be shown indefinitely.

In other words, "50 First Dates" has a promising future!
Looking at the entire summer movie season...

Ma Xun's team started with "Beijing Bicycle".

This film is quite artistic and ultimately grossed nearly 800 million at the box office.

It wasn't great, but it wasn't a failure either.

In fact, this is already the most commercially successful film in Wang Xiaoshuai's directorial career.

After watching the movie, the two boys fought over the mountain bike, but no one remembered it very clearly.

However, Gao Yuanyuan's pure and innocent female student image left a deep impression on movie fans.

In addition, there's Gong Li's image as a career woman elite.

She exudes a mature and sophisticated aura, simply stunning!

Especially when the camera turns her to the side... wow, her two nipples stick out like bamboo shoots.

A business suit paired with stockings and high heels.

Netizens posted various pictures.

This movie features two characters: a pure and innocent female student and a mature and sophisticated female elite.

The stark contrast is perfectly complemented.

Netizens commented: It was intentional, it was definitely designed this way on purpose!

Although it didn't achieve high box office returns, it received quite good reviews.

After that, there was the Korean version, "My Sassy Girl".

Because there was already a Chinese version of this movie, its box office was only around 2000 million.

To be fair, the box office results are not bad, and judging from this year's performance, it should have no problem entering the top ten.

However, unlike overseas, this Korean version of "My Sassy Girl" was quite successful in Asia.

And this result is actually quite reasonable.

After all, there are excellent Chinese versions to follow.

Finally, there's our film, "50 First Dates".

The box office results are truly outstanding!
The box office has reached 4000 million, and it's still increasing.

Currently, it has fewer films than Pearl Harbor.

There's nothing we can do about it; the blockbuster "Pearl Harbor" grossed over 100 million yuan at the box office in mainland China.

It's definitely incomparable.

Moviegoers really love Michael Bay's current crazy, explosive style.

A perfectly acceptable popcorn movie.

Regardless of the story, the visual effects are fantastic.

Let's not bother watching that blockbuster.

Judging from Ma Xun's three films alone, they can be considered very successful. They were all low-budget.

Moreover, the feedback from movie fans has been very positive.

Especially "50 First Dates".

"This love story is so original!"

"First love and fifty times, these two words are actually contradictory, but in this movie, they are surprisingly perfect."

"It's really funny, but why am I crying?"

"It's normal to cry, because the movie really portrayed true love."

The comments from netizens are really great.

Thus, even though "50 First Dates" is still showing in theaters, Ma Xun is already the winner!

However, bad news arrived.

Bai Xiaohang came to see Ma Xun again that day.

"Brother Ma, something terrible has happened!"

"What's wrong?"

Fortunately, there were no women in Ma Xun's yard today. He was brushing his teeth when Bai Xiaohang came over.

With his mouth full of foam, Ma Xun casually replied, though he was somewhat surprised.

All this good news lately, what's happened now?
But then Bai Xiaohang said, "That bastard Sun Donghai ran away!"

"what?"

Ma Xun almost dropped his toothbrush.

Damn it, this bastard actually ran away to avoid three kowtows?!
I quickly rinsed my mouth and then wiped my face.

“That’s all he has…” Ma Xun gestured with his hand.

Bai Xiaohang added, "That grandson is nothing!"

Ma Xun's original plan was that if they won, they would win, then everyone would go out for a meal and chat.

But unexpectedly, Sun Donghai, you little bastard... that's exactly the kind of thing he's capable of doing.

Ma Xun laughed, "I don't care about three more kowtows, nor do I care about having a grandson."

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaohang burst into laughter.

"That's right! We don't need this bastard!"

The two of them burst into laughter.

However, this matter cannot simply be left unresolved.

"His glorious deeds..."

"We must make sure that everyone in the capital, young and old, knows this!"

"it is good!"

"Ha ha……"

Yes, just do it.

You, Sun Donghai, may have run away, but you can't run forever!
They owe me, Ma Xun, three kowtows, and I'll make sure the whole world knows.

With that, the summer movie season has come to a perfect end.

But what happens next...?

"Wang brothers, and so-and-so, where are they?"

Bai Xiaohang's reminder is correct.

Just Sun Donghai?

We can't let others get away with it either!

Ma Xun thought for a moment and said, "I have a plan. Those two Wang brothers are actually the biggest beneficiaries. If Rush Hour 2 is released during the Lunar New Year holiday season..."

Even now, with its incompatibility with local conditions and low box office returns, it's still struggling.

But it will definitely affect their Huayi Brothers' "Big Shot's Funeral".

Therefore, we can't let them have peace!

Let's make another film, for this year's Lunar New Year season.

Even if we can't beat Feng Xiaogang, the king of the Lunar New Year film season, we can't let them make money so easily!

Bai Xiaohang immediately gave a thumbs up, "Yes! Let's do it this way!"

That's right, this time it's our turn to take the initiative!
However, Ma Xun's words were actually quite tactful.

The Lunar New Year film season is the best period for films in mainland China, and currently, Feng Xiaogang is the king of the Lunar New Year film season.

The movie "Big Shot's Funeral" is also quite excellent.

Winning is virtually impossible.

But, causing them trouble... hehehe.

Isn't this a pleasant thing?
As for which movie, Ma Xun is still thinking about it.

But at this moment, a woman appeared in his courtyard.

"Hey, are you free?"

When she appeared, Bai Xiaohang didn't know what to say, so he just greeted her.

The person who came was Yu Feihong.

Ma Xun smiled, "I'm free, but, can I ask what's up?"

Yu Feihong said frankly, "I want to see a movie."

This... doesn't it treat Bai Xiaohang like an outsider?

Ma Xun was also a little surprised, "What movie are you going to watch?"

"Of course I'll watch yours."

What Yu Feihong said seemed perfectly reasonable, and upon closer examination, it was indeed reasonable.

And so, Ma Xun and Yu Feihong went to see a movie.

Bai Xiaohang was left behind to watch the house.

……

"Can I ask why?"

"Why do you ask this?"

"Humans are just curious, aren't they?"

"I'd like to learn, is that alright?"

"can."

When they arrived at the movie theater, the two bought tickets to sit in the back row.

Ma Xuncai raised this question.

Yu Feihong's answer surprised Ma Xun, but it wasn't entirely unexpected.

It seems that our Fairy Jinghong's words aren't as sharp as they used to be.

Do you really want to learn my filmmaking techniques?

I'm Ma Bangde, I've made plenty of good films.

She should learn.

Ma Xun had always known that Yu Feihong wanted to be a director and make the films she liked.

It was that ghost movie that was eventually released.

Never mind, let's not talk about that anymore.

The movie starts.

Yu Feihong actually started learning it.

It's true that she was very curious about the movie "50 First Dates".

But actually, she also wanted to talk to Ma Xun about the TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

The production of this film is about to begin.

Unexpectedly, this movie about first love immediately captivated Yu Feihong.

The beginning part was quite funny.

Huang Bo, this ugly guy, is actually a master at picking up girls, which is quite funny.

However, Yu Feihong noticed some details.

That is, when the male protagonist and the female protagonist first meet, they become acquainted and friends the next day.

This is all normal, but on the third day...

That is, when the male protagonist comes to find the female protagonist again, intending to take things further.

The female lead actually...

"I've never seen you before!"

This reaction was indeed unexpected, but there was a scene earlier that foreshadowed it!
It's a scene where the female lead and the male lead are in the same frame, but the male lead arrived first and the female lead arrived later.

Their photo together...

Yu Feihong asked Ma in a low voice, "A split-focus filter?"

Ma Xun replied softly, "Yes."

This response carried a hint of smugness.

Because this small detail may seem unimportant, but in fact, Ma Xun cleverly used a split-focus filter.

A so-called split-focus filter is a filter that can produce a certain effect when shooting.

As we all know, a lens usually has only one focus.

In the simplest terms, it's about choosing between a distant view and a close-up view; only one of them can be clear.

However, the split-focus filter can make both distant and close-up scenes the focus!

Everything is clear!
This creates a dual focal point.

The faces of both the male and female leads are clearly visible in the frame.

At this point, if you pay close attention, you can see it.

The female lead actually showed a sense of unfamiliarity towards the male lead.

This foreshadowed the later situation where the two were strangers.

This is such a small detail that most people wouldn't notice, but Ma Xun managed to capture it!
Yu Feihong's inner thoughts at this moment: No wonder this guy succeeded and beat Hollywood blockbusters.

(End of this chapter)