Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 531 Ma Xun sits on the mountain watching the tigers fight! Hao Lei fights Gong Li!
"This punch! Twenty years of training, can you withstand it!"

Ma Xun also admitted that if this film, "Huo Yuanjia," is viewed from the perspective of kung fu...

It was actually very successful.

That was a fantastic match.

The feeling of every punch landing is actually a significant improvement in Jet Li's kung fu films.

Everyone knows that Jet Li's kung fu skills are very good, but his previous film and television works mainly focused on the "beautiful" and "aesthetically pleasing" style of fighting.

He's naturally good at using routines, so when he does it, it's always very beautiful and exciting.

However, in terms of the feel of impact, it is still somewhat lacking.

Even a critically acclaimed film like "Fist of Legend" has done a great job with its impactful combat, but it still falls short of current standards.

It's fair to say that this represents a change in style.

From pursuing aesthetics to pursuing a sense of realism.

The turning point for this change was... going to Hollywood!
Those familiar with Jet Li's movies will surely agree with this.

After he went to Hollywood, his speed and other aspects of action were actually better than when he was in Hong Kong.

However, it lacks the aesthetic appeal of the Hong Kong era.

This is actually quite normal; in pursuit of a realistic combat feel, some aesthetics must be sacrificed.

We can understand that.

However, some things changed after I went to Hollywood.

That is, Jet Li's movies have very little to do with patriotism or national sentiment.

Even "Tai Chi Master" has the historical background of resisting the Yuan Dynasty.

Of course, except for "Hero".

But in reality, those who know, know that "Hero" is primarily a Zhang Yimou film.

In contrast, "Fearless" is clearly a film about self-redemption.

It's not that it's bad, but this change has been noticed by many of our movie fans, especially the 'film critics' selected online this time.

"It seems that this 'Huo Yuanjia' is quite different in style from the TV series?"

"May I ask? Does this story of self-redemption fit this historical figure?"

"The fight scenes were exciting, but wasn't the story a bit too small in scope?"

This series of questions left Li Lianjie somewhat flustered.

Clearly, he originally thought that with such a big star like himself present, these online film critics would have to bow down and worship him.

Unexpectedly, our new generation of netizens didn't buy into his act at all.

Li Lianjie was indeed somewhat mistaken. In fact, even now, his reputation online is steadily declining.

Moreover, these online film critics are known for being ruthless and disrespectful to everyone.

So what if it's Zhang Yimou or Chen Kaige?
They'll curse them to death just the same!
Even if Jet Li can handle it with ease, so what?

In fact, many people already know what's going on with this movie.

It was supposed to be a very 'big' movie, but now it's become a 'small' story.

If it were someone else, it wouldn't matter.

However, your movie is about Huo Yuanjia.

Who he was, and the historical context of the time—you can't just film him as a person.

The story of Yang Guowei fighting strongmen is not absent in this movie, but it pales in comparison to the personal redemption of the male protagonist, Li Lianjie.

It doesn't seem that important anymore.

Thus, the outcome is already decided!

……

"I attended the screening and here is my personal review of the two films."

To start with the conclusion, so as not to take up too much of your time.

I prefer "Curse of the Golden Flower".

But I must state first that I am a woman, and my orientation is normal. I am not here for the big-breasted women all over the city.

Although this movie has its flaws, Jay Chou's line, "Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?" makes it all worthwhile!

"I hereby declare that although I am a man, I am absolutely not attracted to women with large breasts."

I would recommend "Curse of the Golden Flower" even more...

"Between the two movies, I recommend 'Curse of the Golden Flower' more..."

After the screening, let's talk about the 'film critic' event organized by Douban.

Basically, all film critics tend to recommend "Curse of the Golden Flower".

It's not that "Fearless" wasn't mentioned, but when it was, the opinions were mostly rather general.

Of course, many of them grew up watching Jet Li's movies.

Therefore, they won't say anything too outrageous.

But at least from the perspective of this online film critic, the outcome is already very clear.

So, the remaining issues are with the media and cinemas.

Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun were naturally the first to know the results, but the media is still keeping it under wraps and there hasn't been any large-scale reporting yet.

Let's get in touch with the investors of these two films.

As for the outcome... it's unlikely that a clear result will be announced.

It has to be blurry, definitely blurry.

Because both films are blockbusters, regardless of who wins or which sells better, China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group will benefit from them.

Therefore, this result should be an unspoken understanding.

So, what about the rest?
Yes! Ma Xun still has some films on his side.

Han Sanping's office at Beijing Film Studio.

"Boss, you called me in this time..."

Ma Xun had just arrived and hadn't even said anything when Han Sanping coughed.

It was interrupted.

"Did you already know this would happen?"

Such a question is clearly meant to put pressure on Ma Xun.

Ma Xun immediately pretended to know nothing, "Boss, what result are you talking about?"

Well, Ma Xun, the current king of the entertainment industry, is also quite good at acting.

Han Sanping laughed, "You're really good at playing dumb. The part you changed... was it Lu Dahai?"

Having come this far, Ma Xun had no choice but to agree, "Yes, it's Lu Dahai."

"Can I ask you why you insist on doing this?" Han Sanping's "why" was clearly specific.

Ma Xun understood, so he stopped pretending. "Many things change over time. What I mean is, even if the thing itself is still there and hasn't changed, it will still 'change'."

Because what changes is the 'interpretation' of this thing. When this later 'interpretation' is completely unrelated to the original thing, isn't that a very sad and serious thing?

Goodness, this passage sounds like a tongue twister.

Han Sanping didn't ask any more questions after hearing this, because he really understood it.

In fact, this kind of thing has been happening all along, just like the US Constitution that many so-called big V's are praising now.

In reality, what can actually be used is not the U.S. Constitution itself, but rather the amendments.

An amendment can be understood as an explanation. However, this explanation changes, and many people may have forgotten what the original content was like.

Returning to this incident, if Ma Xun hadn't made that change, many people might not even know that there was a character named Lu Dahai years later.

This is no joke. In fact, shortly after the release of the movie "Curse of the Golden Flower," rumors circulated that it was plagiarized.

It was copied from "Thunderstorm".

Even though the film directly tells everyone that Cao Yu was one of the screenwriters, countless people still believe this rumor and think that Zhang Yimou plagiarized it.

Because many people simply don't know who Cao Yu is.

Many years from now... that will probably be even more difficult.

Whether it's 'explanation' or 'interpretation,' it's taken as the original form of the work.

This is indeed a sad thing, but there's nothing anyone can do about it.

That's just how humans are; we humans can't be omniscient or omnipotent, and there will always be blind spots in our knowledge.

Some points of memory may have become blurred, just like the later debate about "Heaven will entrust great responsibilities to this person".

Is this 'person' or 'human'?
There are many similar problems.

Han Sanping sighed, "Alright, let's keep it as it is."

Although Yuan Jie has changed somewhat compared to Lu Dahai, he has retained most of the original character.

However, since Han Sanping has gone this far, it's time to end this topic.

"What are your plans for those two movies?"

"Just do as we agreed before."

Ma Xun answered very quickly, clearly he had already made a plan.

"However, next year's Spring Festival is in February. If we release that romance movie on next year's Valentine's Day, that won't be appropriate."

"Thank you, leader."

Ma Xun is fast enough.

"Haha... You know, okay, how about we warm up your romance movie a couple of days before Christmas, and then release Cloverfield 2 on the last day of the year?"

"no problem!"

That `s a deal.

Ma Xun actually knew that Han Sanping had probably played a part in the script revision incident of "Curse of the Golden Flower".

In fact, Lu Dahai was completely changed out of the original timeline, which was intentionally done by the original screenwriter of this movie.

This is a small matter that not many people know about.

For now, let's focus on making money.

The release dates for my two movies were set just like that.

For the first twenty days or so of December, all I did was watch "Fearless" versus "Curse of the Golden Flower".

This will definitely be exciting.

However, the actual outcome was already quite clear.

And after twenty days, this Lunar New Year film season will be my domain, Ma Xun's domain!
In fact, no matter how fiercely the four films compete, Ma Xun will always make a profit.

His approach this time is actually aimed at expanding the scale of the operation.

The bigger the pie, the more he can earn.

In this way, everything is under one's control.

Cool!
With these thoughts in mind, Ma Xun returned to his small courtyard.

But unexpectedly, when he pushed open the door and went inside...

Hey! There are two beauties standing there.

"No, why are you here?"

Ma Xun's words were an attempt to ease the awkward atmosphere.

But it's probably not very useful.

Because these two beauties are Hao Lei and Gong Li.

Obviously, since we met here before, many things are understood without being said.

"I originally wanted to talk to you about the release of my new film," Gong Li said first.

“Oh, okay then,” Ma Xun replied.

Hao Lei then spoke up, "That's my goal too."

"Sure," Ma Xun accepted.

Moreover, it emphasizes treating everyone equally.

Yes, they all gave the same answer.

But that won't do!

If your answer is the same, then you are wrong!

"Hmph!" Gong Li rolled her eyes at Ma Xun, then picked up her bag and left.

What should Ma Xun do?
"It's getting a bit chilly, remember to wear more clothes."

Huh? Isn't this just a useless, pointless statement?

No, that's actually a lack of attempt to keep them!

Where is Hao Lei over there?

"I didn't expect that she would have such a temper at her age. Getting angry is bad for your health, Sister Gong."

Good grief, this even comes with a finishing blow.

Ma Xun was quite straightforward and pulled Hao Lei into the house.

Then it was placed on the wall.

"You, um~"

"I didn't expect you to be so unafraid of her."

"What am I afraid of? Hmph~"

Hao Lei's voice carried a sense of resistance, as if his previous battle with Gong Li was not yet over.

However, Ma Xun smiled.

"Let's bet she'll come back."

"what?"

Isn't that an international film queen?

If she comes back, wouldn't that be considered promiscuous?
Hao Lei didn't believe it, but something surprising happened right away.

"You, you... Humph!"

Gong Li really did come back.

Hao Lei was so surprised that he forgot to speak.

Ma Xun laughed straightforwardly, "Whoever wins, I'll lend them a hand."

What does "win" mean?
The key question is, how can he help?

Gong Li thought to herself: It's not for any other reason than curiosity.

So, he started unbuttoning his coat...

(End of this chapter)