Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 574: "Lust, Caution" and "Perfect Match" are evenly matched! Sweetness helps in the battle against "The Warlords".
"Those three scenes are gone, what's the point of watching them now!"

"Don't be so low-level. Even without those three scenes, there are still other scenes. Look at the camera work of a great director, look at the language of his shots."

"What good will watching it do? The character played by Tony Leung is a major traitor, isn't he? Ding Mocun?"

"It should be Ding Mocun."

"No, haven't you realized that this film has distorted the historical figure? Wang Jiazhi's prototype should be Zheng Pingru, who was a heroine!"

Why bring this up when it's just a movie?

"Why not mention it? It's crucial information!"

"Lust, Caution" was originally a highly controversial film. Although many people had seen it before, it was never actually released in mainland China.

Now that it's finally been released, it would be strange if there wasn't controversy.

First of all, those three scenes were cut, but surprisingly, this didn't cause much controversy.

The reason is simple: this is a situation we could have predicted, as everyone knows.

The real controversy lies in the film itself.

It's obvious to the naked eye in this movie... the male lead is definitely a major traitor.

As for the prototype, anyone familiar with that period of history doesn't need to guess at all.

So, who exactly is Wang Jiazhi in the movie?
This question may seem simple, but it is actually very important.

There are experts on the internet, or even no experts at all, who can easily guess the prototype of this character.

That's right, she should be the heroine Zheng Pingru!

However, she is highly regarded in history; this Wang Jiazhi…

Something just doesn't feel right!

Many netizens couldn't hold back any longer and started criticizing.

However, many netizens still defended the movie.

When this happens, the two sides often start arguing very quickly.

This controversy... shows that there are still quite a few normal people among our netizens.

In other words, the current online climate is not good; if it were later, this film would have been banned long ago due to negative reviews.

But in such situations... controversy also generates traffic.

Moreover, there were already quite a few controversies surrounding Tang Wei, and now there's more noise about it.

The box office naturally went up.

It should be said that the box office performance of "Lust, Caution" surprised many cinemas.

I never expected it to be this good!

Many cinemas feel that since this film has already been shown in Hong Kong, and many people have even visited Hong Kong, the three key scenes are not included in the mainland version.

Moreover, piracy has also emerged.

I thought the box office would be in such a bad way, but unexpectedly, it's heading towards breaking 100 million!

But even if you regret it now, it's too late.

It's the Lunar New Year film season now, and this period is extremely valuable.

Another movie came out.

"Perfect Match"!
"I never expected Zhang Ziyi to have this side to her."

"I think Bingbing's character is also very likable."

"This movie is pretty good. Although it's not a blockbuster and the story isn't particularly epic, it's quite enjoyable to watch."

"A somewhat funny and somewhat interesting movie."

"Isn't it nice to just relax and watch a movie? Life is already stressful enough as it is."

Surprisingly, this film received a lot of positive reviews after its release.

The film "Sophie's Revenge" itself is not a big-budget movie, and it doesn't have much depth. The whole story can even be seen as a beautiful dream of a young woman from Beijing.

But this beautiful dream is quite interesting. It includes love and friendship. Love needs to be pursued, and friendship needs to be maintained. In the process, many funny things happen.

Ultimately, it came to a rather romantic ending, or rather, the ending that fits the movie's title.

A lighthearted comedy.

That's it.

However, this is a rather rare film in the present day.

The Lunar New Year film season is inherently a highly competitive period with a plethora of blockbuster films.

The next sentence is the key point: movies that can be released during the Lunar New Year holiday, movies that can get more screenings, and movies that feature big stars.

They're mostly blockbuster movies.

Most of the blockbusters currently produced in China are historical epics set in ancient times.

These kinds of films require a huge investment and extensive construction.

Such a blockbuster film naturally has to have a very grand story.

Of course, some might say that Feng Xiaogang's comedies, which have high box office returns, seem to have low production costs.

That's true, but in terms of Feng Xiaogang's comedies, it can't really be said that they aren't blockbusters.

Even for the very first film, "The Dream Factory," Huayi Brothers had to pay three million yuan out of their own pocket, even when they didn't have enough money.

For a private enterprise to dare to spend so much money on making a movie in 97 was quite a bold move.

And it's important to note the key issue: there wasn't enough money. China Film Group also contributed funds, so the film ultimately belonged to China Film Group.

Conservatively estimated, the production cost of "The Dream Factory" was around ten million, which was no small production at the time.

Later, as Feng Xiaogang's comedies became more and more popular, Huayi Brothers also invested more and more money. Don't be fooled by the fact that the movies seem simple and don't require much special set design.

But what about the actors' salaries, and the money for the director's team?

Therefore, this Lunar New Year film season is basically all blockbusters.

"Sophie's Revenge" takes a completely different approach!
Not only is it a 'small' film, but the story itself is also rather 'small'.

However, the actors in it are all big names.

It gave movie fans a very interesting sense of novelty.

Big names like Zhang Ziyi and Bingbing are starring in such a small film.

This is so much fun!

Therefore, even though this movie is not perfect and has some problems, it is not perfect either.

For example, actors pretending to be young.

Another issue is that the plot sometimes involves mindless romance and such.

But it's really not a big problem.

Moviegoers found it acceptable.

Of course, Bingbing also won the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress.

As a result, the box office performance was quite impressive.

After ten days of release, it grossed 90 million at the box office!
Then I watched "Lust, Caution" again.

This movie has indeed grossed over 100 million.

However, the two films were released at different times.

Many people were able to predict it.

These two films are roughly the same.

Thus, it became the prelude to the 2007 Lunar New Year film season.

Lust, Caution VS. Sophie's Revenge

A draw! ...

Enlight Media.

"Ladies and gentlemen, based on the latest data analysis and feedback from the internet, and taking all factors into consideration, our 'Sophie's Revenge' should surpass 'Lust, Caution' in about a week!"

Wang Changtian read the latest box office research report at the meeting.

At this point, everyone applauded.

Yes, we can win.

How wonderful!

Those present were naturally important figures from our company, including Sister Hong and others, and of course, Bingbing was also there.

However, Zhang Ziyi was still absent.

But that's okay, we're focusing on box office performance now, Zhang Ziyi just needs to cooperate with the promotional activities.

Then everyone started discussing it again, but... something strange happened.

Ma Xun, sitting in the most important seat, is now completely silent.

And so, the discussion quickly stalled, and everyone turned their attention to him…

"Oh, it's alright, you can continue."

Ma Xun seemed to be thinking about something just now.

Hongjie naturally figured it out, "You're thinking about how to play 'The Warlords,' aren't you?"

That's right, Ma Xun nodded in agreement.

The expressions on everyone's faces were strange.

The reason is simple: "The Warlords" is currently enjoying immense popularity.

The movie we're watching is "Getting Home".

Although Uncle Benshan and Sister Dandan are in the movie, it is still a small film after all.

It's really difficult to beat someone else's blockbuster movies like this...

Therefore, Ma Xun was under a lot of pressure, and everyone else knew that as well.

But now, Ma Xun smiled and said, "Everyone, let's continue the discussion. By the way, what about the promotional plan for 'Returning to One's Roots'?"

Before Wang Changdian could react, He Qing handed it over first.

I took a quick look and found it to be pretty good.

"Very good, do it this way."

Anyone who's worked in a company knows that if a plan gets approved so easily, it can only mean one thing.

This plan isn't very important.

But after all, this is a good thing. Why wouldn't you be happy that it's passed?
Ma Xun had no reason not to approve the plan, given the promotional posters and the points he had identified that could attract moviegoers.

Both were done well.

Take posters, for example.

Uncle Benshan strode along the road, and then a tire rolled forward in front of him, and there seemed to be something inside the tire.

And he was smiling.

Oh right, there's another perspective as well.

One focuses on the people, while the other is a panoramic view.

The figures have become smaller, but the surrounding mountains, rivers, rice paddies, and so on have become smaller.

It's beautiful and wonderful.

Our company is already quite strong, so this poster must be of high quality.

Ma Xun approved it, of course.

However... after the meeting ended, everyone left, but Sister Hong stayed a little longer.

What are you unhappy about?

"Do not."

"That is how the matter?"

"You're all using conventional methods, but what I need to do now is to win by surprise."

Hearing this, Sister Hong nodded, but then she should have asked how to come up with this "surprise".

Ma Xun's answer to her was quite interesting. He put on his coat and walked out, saying, "I'm going to find my 'Qi' now."

what?
Is it possible to find this 'strange' one again?

……

It is indeed winter in Beijing now, but it is not cold yet.

Inside a quiet bar.

Ma Xun was facing a pretty girl.

But this pretty girl's eyes are really big.

"Hey, Mr. Ma, are you just planning to treat me to a drink this time?"

She is Jing Tian.

Could it be that Da Tian Tian is Ma Xun's Qi?

Surprisingly... that means she has to be sent out?
Cough cough cough... You can't say things like that.

Ma Xun replied with a smile, "Of course not. The reason I asked you out was actually to talk about the movie 'Getting Home'."

Da Tiantian frowned slightly. "What's wrong with this movie? Do I have to go on the promotional tour with it?"

"If you want to..."

"No way, I'm just a small-time actor."

Ma Xun smiled after hearing this, "Okay, you're just a small-time actor, but there's something I need your help with."

help me?

Hearing this, Da Tian Tian's expression turned strange.

Well, overall I wanted to laugh.

"Hehe... My dear Mr. Ma, you're known for your extraordinary abilities, do you still need my help?"

Weird!

Ma Xun, however, said nonchalantly, "It's not just helping me, it's also helping you, and it's helping this film, 'Returning to One's Roots'."

"Huh? Me, am I that amazing?" Da Tian Tian was confused herself.

Ma Xun then said solemnly, "Would you like to hear a story?"

"What story?" Da Tiantian was a little scared, but she really wanted to hear it because it was sure to be a very exciting story.

Ma Xun smiled at this moment, "You should have heard about it, right? It's about the death of Li Lianjie's manager, Cai Ziming, back then?"

"what?"

Wait a minute, aren't we talking about movies?

Why are we talking about things from over a decade ago?

However, Da Tian Tian's answer was very straightforward.

"I want to hear it, hurry up and tell me, please..."

Seeing the girl's slightly open mouth, Ma Xun really wanted to cover it up with something.

Chirping.

(End of this chapter)