Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 512 Disgusting, the Biggest Unknown
The cold wind in Berlin was still biting.

Outside the cinema, the poster for "1939" on the lightbox fluttered in the wind, standing out against the cold white light of the square.

Passing spectators and reporters couldn't help but stop and whisper among themselves:

"Wu's judges and the special program were not allowed in; the rest of us couldn't get in at all. We could only wait until the closing ceremony."

"It's a pity, I really wanted to see this World War II film... There have been fewer and fewer movies about World War II in recent years."

"I heard that Japan also sent a World War II film."

"Come on, didn't you read the description? I've heard from people who've seen it that it's too weird."

"."

Whispers spread through the crowd.

Just then, the heavy glass doors of the cinema were pushed open, and Wu Chen led Zhang Yi and Li Gan out.

All three were wrapped in thick coats, but their faces revealed an undisguised disgust.

"This movie is so twisted!"

Zhang Yi frowned, his tone full of disgust.

Li Gan shook his head immediately: "Disgusting! What the hell is this filming?"

They originally wanted to see what kind of World War II film Japan was making, since they dared to film World War II, but those who hadn't read the synopsis were immediately disgusted.

The film shockingly portrays Sunaga, who lost all four limbs in the war and is forced to live like a "caterpillar," while his wife, Tokiko, gradually becomes psychologically twisted while caring for him, and is even coveted by his uncle.
Extensive scenes involving nudity.
"That's why the film is called 'The Caterpillar'."

Wu Chen shook his head. Damn, this is the kind of morally bankrupt plot that only the Japanese could produce. It's utterly absurd, and the amount of X-rated scenes in the whole film is ridiculously high.

"Damn it, I just checked the director's profile. He's one of the four major erotic directors. No wonder," Zhang Yi muttered to himself.

The group walked back to the hotel with the wind.

The hotel's heating was on full blast.

Wu Chen leaned back on the sofa, answered Liu Yifei's call, and couldn't help but complain about the movie he watched today.

On the other end of the phone, Liu Yifei wrinkled her nose and said in an almost angry tone, "Don't tell me such disgusting things next time. Just hearing about them gives me goosebumps."

Wu Chen smiled and said, "I'd feel bad if I didn't share it."

"Hmph, then today's New Year's greetings will be sent later."

Before hanging up, Liu Yifei gave a few more instructions and finished saying all her New Year's wishes at once.

Her voice was gentle, with a hint of coquetry, instantly adding warmth to the cold Berlin night.

The Lunar New Year is always inseparable from family reunions and blessings.

Wu Chen received many phone calls from classmates, friends, fellow directors, and even some people he didn't often contact, all sending New Year's greetings via text message.

To his surprise, leaders from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television personally called the three film crews at this time.

The China Film News report went even further, stating:

"Zhang Peimin, deputy director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, and Zhang Hongsen, deputy director of the Film Bureau, sent New Year greetings to directors Zhang Yimou, Wu Chen, and Wang Quan'an, and wished them the best of luck in 'catching the bear'."

This preferential treatment has caused quite a stir in the industry.

The next morning, Wu Chen received a call from Ning Hao.

"The bureau really values ​​you guys this time; look at the treatment you're getting!"

"The pressure is a bit much."

"I want to experience that pressure too."

Ning Hao's voice was full of envy.

On the very night Wu Chen and Ning Hao ended their call, stacks of the latest editions of "Screen International" were placed on the shelves of newsstands in downtown Berlin.

In the "Golden Bear Prediction List," "Honey" and "Whistle" are listed as the top favorites, followed by "Ghostwriter," "Reunion," and "How to End This Summer."

However, a separate line was added at the end of the list:
"The Biggest Unknown: '1939' (China)!" These few words stand out remarkably. The comments section reads:

"This film is both the closing ceremony film and a nominee for the main competition, setting a rare record in Berlin in decades. Currently, no one has been able to see it in advance."

Its true level will be revealed next week during the judges' session.

The following morning, this prediction from the event program was reprinted and quoted by domestic media.

The portal website homepage refreshes rapidly:

[Overseas Media Predictions: "1939" Becomes the "Biggest Unknown" in Berlin]

Does the "greatest unknown" represent anticipation or uncertainty?

The culture section of *Film Journal* even included a large commentary:
"With most European and American films having clearly defined scores, the Chinese film '1939,' which has not yet been rated, has become the focus of the most attention. The unknown often means anticipation."

Other media outlets were even more direct: "The biggest suspense in Berlin's 60th anniversary celebrations lies in the East."

Domestically, public opinion spread rapidly.

"Is a special performance coming up? What kind of feedback did the judging panel give?"

"I'm so nervous. Will we know the results after the special performance?"

"What are you thinking? We'll have to wait for the closing ceremony and awards presentation, but rumors will definitely start to circulate."

The atmosphere in Berlin grew increasingly tense as the closing ceremony drew closer.

On February 19, the cold wind in Berlin was still biting.

Outside the cinema, posters of films from various countries were still hanging everywhere, but the poster for "1939" with its black background and red lettering stood out in the crowd.

The venue was not open to the public that day, and the entrance was heavily guarded.

The judges, dressed in black coats, entered one after another, led by Herzog, one of the leading figures of the new generation of German filmmakers.

Reporters covering the event were also allowed to enter with their work badges, their expressions a mixture of seriousness and anticipation.

Wu Chen, Zhang Yi, Li Gan, and several others were present and watched along with them.

"Director, I heard from the media that Herzog has made 50 feature films and documentaries in less than 50 years."

Zhang Yi whispered to Wu Chen.

This output is equivalent to one film per year, making him an absolutely top-tier, prolific director.

In the dimly lit screening room, the lights slowly went out.

The momentary darkness on the screen seemed to freeze the air.

The judges sat neatly in the front row, their eyes fixed on the screen that was about to light up. Herzog frowned, and after more than ten minutes, he couldn't help but show a hint of amazement before starting to talk to Yu Nan.

Yu Nan also cooperated very actively.

The reporters in the event's program quickly opened their notebooks, but hesitated to write anything.

Some people couldn't help but look up and use their eyes to confirm the reaction of their colleagues.

But they found that the other person was also holding their breath and not wanting to disturb the oppressive atmosphere.

"This one shot was flawless; there were almost no traces."

"The filming style is incredible. It's not an epic war scene, but it's very immersive."

"Regardless of the outcome of the award, it will definitely be discussed."

After the screening, Wu Chen and the others shook hands with each of the judges, and the special event finally came to a complete end.

"Director, what do you think of the result?"

Zhang Yi watched the judges and reporters from the event leave, whispering among themselves, and couldn't help but ask.

"how could I know"

(End of this chapter)