Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 570: First Battle in the Lunar New Year Film Season, Golden Horse Awards Become Key!

"This year's Lunar New Year film season is packed with excellent films... but the focus here is on introducing our domestic films."

"Lust, Caution" previously experienced a release date change controversy, but this time it will kick off the Lunar New Year film season...

"Sophie's Revenge" will be released a week later. This movie is definitely the visual highlight of the Lunar New Year season, with Ziyi and Bingbing, and Pidan and Daniel Wu...

After that comes the most intense phase of the Lunar New Year film season, with the highly anticipated blockbuster "The Warlords" and the all-star cast "Getting Home"...

With the Lunar New Year film season approaching, many media outlets will be making predictions about the upcoming season.

Especially various portal websites.

Although Douban, a subsidiary of Enlight Media, has developed very rapidly in recent years, it is still mainly focused on film and television, which limits its reach.

These days, portal websites are still popular.

Regardless, the four domestically produced films were the most talked about during this year's Lunar New Year film season.

Lust, Caution, Sophie's Revenge, The Warlords, Get Back to the Roots... This order is based on the order in which they were released.

Considering both timing and screening schedule, "The Warlords" is clearly the best film.

It occupies the best time slot during the Lunar New Year holiday and has the highest number of screenings.

"Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots" is mainly about the end of the year.

That is, it will be released on the last day, mainly to capitalize on the New Year's Day holiday.

Of course, there were actually other movies released, but these movies were either low-budget or art films that were not expected to do well at the box office.

In short, these four are the most promising.

However, when you break it down, these four works are actually two against each other.

"Lust, Caution" versus "Sophie's Revenge".

"The Warlords" versus "Returning to One's Roots".

Interestingly, the one that was released first after being split into two pairs is now considered to have the greater advantage.

This makes "Lust, Caution" much easier to understand.

It's already been shown in Hong Kong, and many people are even taking a trip to Hong Kong during the National Day holiday to watch movies there.

In contrast, the movie title "Sophie's Revenge" doesn't sound very sophisticated.

Looking at the lineup, Zhang Ziyi and Bingbing are indeed very strong.

However, just a few months ago, many people didn't even know who Tang Wei was.

It’s different now!

To be honest, the most talked-about actress in Chinese films in 2007 was Tang Wei!
Okay, to be precise, it's also the most controversial.

Her sacrifices for art are evident to all.

If we're just talking about traffic, then absolutely no one can compare to Tang Wei.

Moreover, a new rumor has emerged in the public discourse.

block!

That's right, I don't know who started talking about it.

However, Tang Wei has been banned in mainland China, and this is now almost a well-known fact.

Although, so far, there has been no official document or announcement.

There is absolutely no such thing.

However, many netizens and movie fans on the mainland basically believed it.

This... seems to make a lot of sense, since Tang Wei made just one movie.

They've exposed themselves like this, how could they not be banned?

If there are no documents or anything, then it must have been blocked!
In short, that statement makes a lot of sense: people only believe what they want to believe.

The news of this ban is generating even more buzz.

However, now that "Lust, Caution" is about to be released, this...

In fact, those who truly understand the industry will definitely know this.

If Tang Wei was really blacklisted, how could this movie possibly be released?

Yes, she's the female lead, in fact, she's the most important character, so it's fair to say she's the lead actress.

If it's blocked, then the movie will definitely be blocked too.

However, regardless of whether the movie will be released or not, everyone already believes that Tang Wei, this rising star, has been blacklisted.

And this news continues to spread.

So... could this be considered a method of promoting a movie?
……

"Of course."

"Enlight Media," Ma Xun said directly at the meeting.

The company held this meeting to set the tone for the Lunar New Year film season.

Currently, it remains a propaganda war.

But this publicity campaign is a little different from the last one.

Wang Changtian and others discovered that the promotional methods for "Lust, Caution" seemed very strange.

Let's put it this way, a female celebrity being blacklisted, that... that's definitely not a good thing, right?

But that's how it spread so directly.

From a communication perspective, we all understand this.

If you want a piece of news to go viral, you have to spend money!
To put it bluntly, the media industry is all about delivering information, and that comes at a cost. But this time, the news of Tang Wei's alleged ban seemed to generate its own buzz, attracting widespread attention without lifting a finger. This reverse-engineering publicity tactic is indeed baffling, but its effect is surprisingly good.

Putting everything else aside, the names "Lust, Caution" and Tang Wei are frequently trending on the internet these days.

Okay, let's admit it, this was definitely intentional.

In other words, the producers of "Lust, Caution" are using this method to promote the film.

Some people might still not believe it; they might think that passing on messages could also be free.

Okay, there's one more key point.

What was Tang Wei's reaction to this news?
No reaction!
It's true that some media outlets have discussed the possibility of Tang Wei being blacklisted, but Tang Wei himself hasn't given a clear answer.

In other words, everything is uncertain; this is practically Schrödinger's cat.

However, it has now become a 'conclusive' conclusion on the internet!

Tang Wei, you've been blacklisted by the mainland film industry online!
So, if that's true, Tang Wei should come out and sue, right?

Even if they don't sue, they should at least send a lawyer's letter.

Anyway, these kinds of lawyer's letters became commonplace later on.

But now, there is nothing.

Therefore, it is almost certain that this is a propaganda tactic.

Such methods are truly...

"Boss, this is going too far! This is just exploiting everyone's sympathy!"

Wang Changtian couldn't stand it anymore.

He said there was no problem.

Because of the widespread rumors of his being blacklisted, Tang Wei naturally acquired a certain image.

The vulnerable woman who was bullied.

Right? That's so natural. Besides, the ban only targeted her; there wasn't even a hint of a ban on Tony Leung.

This further reinforces Tang Wei's image as a bullied and vulnerable person.

In our country... beggars, right?

Ma Xun had just transmigrated here, and he had worked in a related profession before.

In short, the weak evoke sympathy from many Chinese people.

Buy a movie ticket, help them out... um, just in case some scenes weren't completely cut, cough cough...

Actually, there's another very impressive point.

"The key is that it's very difficult for us to attack our opponents right now," Bai Xiaohang said.

He has learned a lot from following Ma Xun for so many years.

The war in this movie is all about you attacking me and me attacking you.

To be honest, Bai Xiaohang really grasped the essence.

Ma Xun smiled after hearing this, "Does anyone have any other methods?"

His words were tantamount to agreeing with Bai Xiaohang's statement, which made the guy a little proud.

It's like that line from the skit: Tang Wei has already suffered enough, so let's not add insult to injury.

But to be honest, Ma Xun didn't want to let it go, because in the end, "Lust, Caution" was just whitewashing traitors.

But now, if you attack someone, netizens will probably sympathize with the weaker party even more.

Not only will I support this film, but I will also hate the people who launched the attack.

So, things are really not going well for us right now.

So what other methods are there?
Also present were Gong Geer, He Qing, Hong Jie, and others.

But it seems like no one has any ideas.

This made Bingbing a little worried.

"It was obviously directed by Tang Wei himself!"

I couldn't help but say this.

Zhang Ziyi didn't come today, and the reason wasn't given.

But Bingbing's arrival was enough, and as for this last sentence... she was actually holding back.

They were just short of calling her a bitch.

You can't use the word "Tang Wei" to insult him now. If it gets out, it will be considered an attack even if it wasn't originally one.

Because of her in the movie... there's no need to say more.

Ma Xun then said something that dampened everyone's spirits.

"Actually, this isn't over yet. I don't know if you've noticed a certain point in time."

what?
Everyone was confused.

Ma Xun continued, "Didn't you guys notice this year's Golden Horse Awards?"

When he mentioned it, everyone suddenly realized!

"Oh dear! Are they planning to use the Golden Horse Awards as a pretext?"

"Needless to say, definitely. They might even win Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture."

"That's probably it. Director Li has such a high status in the Taiwanese film industry!"

Sure enough, everyone understood.

This year's Golden Horse Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 8th, including the opening ceremony and film festival.

Goodness, it coincides perfectly with the release date of the film "Lust, Caution" in mainland China, at least in the beginning.

Anyone with a brain would definitely take advantage of the Golden Horse Awards.

Moreover, considering the previous news about Tang Wei being "banned"... there might have been assistance from the other side of the strait. We all know in our hearts that they are the ones who love to do this kind of thing the most.

If all the above analyses are correct, then...

"It turns out that the main battleground for 'Lust, Caution' is actually at the Golden Horse Awards!"

Bingbing understood everything.

Everyone nodded in agreement; that was definitely the case.

So, how do we break this deadlock?
Ma Xun smiled and said, "Okay, now that everyone understands, let's do it this way."

A small rumor circulated online: Tang Wei will win the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress.

what?
Everyone was taken aback, but then they understood.

Before anyone could speak, Ma Xun immediately began making arrangements.

"We're promoting our own content. Ms. Yang, who played Miss Tang in 'Chinese Paladin 3,' has already agreed to collaborate with us."

She's quite popular right now, and you two older sisters can help her out.

In other words, we are currently focusing on promoting the unique features of our film.

Everyone, get moving! I'll be back around December 10th. During this time, Hongjie and Changtian will mainly be in charge of the work.

Ok?
Wait, you'll be back on the 10th?
Hongjie laughed and said, "Are you going to Taiwan?"

Ma Xun smiled and nodded.

understood!

Mr. Ma, the boss of Enlight Media, is going to stir things up at the Golden Horse Awards!

For example, preventing Tang Wei from winning the Best Actress award?
……

"Tang Wei is actually not going to win the Best Actress award."

"what?"

Hong Jie and Wang Changtian are in charge of the lighting business; they are both capable individuals who can handle business matters independently.

As for Bai Xiaohang, let's go with Ma Xun on a wild goose chase to Taiwan.

On the plane, Bai Xiaohang couldn't help but ask Tang Weini about winning the Best Actress award.

Ma Xun actually gave this answer.

This was completely unexpected for Bai Xiaohang.

Because from many perspectives, it's clear that Tang Wei is a strong favorite for Best Actress at this year's Golden Horse Awards.

After all, Director Lee is unparalleled in the Taiwanese film industry, at least in the eyes of outsiders.

However, Ma Xun knew very well what was going on in the film industry on the other side of the strait.

Looking at Bai Xiaohang's puzzled expression.

Ma Xun said with a smile, "Why do you think the other side is praising Director Li so much? Is it to give him power? To give him benefits?"

Is it possible that the film industry over there is just trying to capitalize on Director Li's fame?

Then they divided the power and benefits among themselves?

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaohang suddenly understood!

"Brother Ma, you really taught me!"

Bai Xiaohang spoke in a bit of a hurry, but the meaning was alright.

Ma Xun then laughed and said, "The reason I went there this time is actually to fight for the interests of our people."

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaohang was even more impressed.

"Is this our attack?"

Ma Xun nodded.

That's right. Since we can't attack Tang Wei now, she has been portrayed as someone who has been bullied or even blacklisted.

Then we won't attack.

But not attacking doesn't mean not taking action.

For example, Bingbing was also nominated for the Golden Horse Awards this time. Although she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, it was still pretty good. She had previously filmed a ghost movie.

Meanwhile, Li Bingbing was also nominated for the Golden Horse Award, which is for Best Actress!
It's called "The Ballad of Clouds and Water".

That's right, the real deciding factor is the competition for this Best Actress award!
Ma Xun didn't expect that as soon as the two of them arrived at Taoyuan Airport, they would run into someone by chance.

"Are you Mr. Ma? Hello."

"Oh, it's you……"

"I am Zhang Jingchu. We weren't familiar with each other before, but what a coincidence!"

"Indeed, we're all here for the Golden Horse Awards."

Zhang Jingchu?
Yes, it's her, but is her appearance really just a 'coincidence'?

(End of this chapter)