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Chapter 128 Zeng Li breaks up, [Wuji] parody!
After receiving a call from Han Sanping, Tian Xiaole came to China Film Group to discuss further details regarding the promotion of "The Thief".

With the box office and critical failure of "The Promise," he has shifted his focus to "The Thieves" to ensure there won't be any more mishaps.

"Xiao Le, are you confident in the [Thief Alliance]?"

Han Sanping's voice was a little hoarse; he had been too stressed lately.

"I treat movies like commodities. I take the time to understand what the audience wants to see, and I will definitely not disappoint them."

Tian Xiaole doesn't have any artistic sensibilities; "The Thief" is just a popcorn movie, as long as the ticket-buying audience is happy.

"Sigh, I didn't expect [Wuji] to have such a bad reputation. It's an unexpected failure."

Han Sanping sighed, his tone somewhat melancholy, and then began to talk about the plan he had devised.

"In China, besides Zhang Yimou, only Chen Kaige can shoot big-budget films and direct a crew of hundreds of people. Now we need to add you to the list. Feng Xiaogang's films are too small-scale."

"You might not understand why I insist on investing in big-budget productions. Why can't I invest in more low-budget films? Well, let me tell you, that's definitely not the case!"

Han Sanping asked and answered himself, and continued:

"To rapidly develop the domestic film industry, there needs to be a sufficient number of blockbuster films released in the market. This will attract audiences to the cinemas. Once the cinemas make money, they will build more cinemas, and so on in a continuous cycle."

In this situation, we inevitably face the impact of Hollywood blockbusters. If we don't have our own domestic blockbusters, and audiences all go to see Hollywood movies, then subtly, the concepts of "American First" and the "American Dream" will become a form of soft power intrusion.

Tian Xiaole gave Han Sanping a thumbs up, praising him as one of the older generation who hadn't gone abroad to study and was willing to get things done.

Compared to those who studied abroad for two years and then acted as servants for two years, returning home to swagger around and do nothing of substance, thanks to arrangements made by their families.

Han Sanping was simply a ray of light.

"【The Promise】is beyond saving. Now it's all up to you. Not only will the upcoming 【The Thieves】become a media focus, but the upcoming 【Pacific Rim】is also going to be a focus of media attention."

"Uncle Han, don't worry. I have the same goal as you. I won't treat movies like works of art, like Uncle Chen does."

In my eyes, a film is a commodity; catering to the tastes of the market and audiences is what I should do.

Hearing Tian Xiaole's words, Han Sanping felt much better. He was worried that the old fogies at the Beijing Film Academy would influence his commercial films by mixing in some vague and confusing elements.

That's how it is with "The Promise." Chen Kaige wanted to express his ideas, but he didn't say them directly, and in the end, he blamed the audience for not understanding.

"For the next while, we need to fill the huge hole left by 'The Promise,' and we're just waiting for 'The Thieves' to be released to boost morale."

"We need to put a lot of effort into the promotion. Many viewers online say they were fooled by 'The Promise,' which may cause them to develop some resistance to films by domestic directors."

When Tian Xiaole voiced her concerns, Han Sanping could only manage a wry smile, never expecting such severe aftereffects.

"Let's discuss it with the investors later and make a bigger splash with the publicity."

Han Sanping's idea coincided with the preparations Tian Xiaole had made in advance.

There will definitely be continuous publicity and interviews throughout the process, with a barrage of messages to ensure that the film's information reaches every potential viewer.

As soon as I left China Film Group and got downstairs, I was surrounded by a group of reporters.

It's bound to happen eventually. I really admire these journalists; they stayed for so long without leaving.

"Director Tian, ​​as a renowned director who has achieved success in both awards and commercial success, what are your thoughts on the critical backlash against Chen Kaige's 'The Promise'? And how is the preparation for 'Pacific Rim' going?"

Tian Xiaole wanted to tell the truth, but that was definitely inappropriate—her status wouldn't allow it. Telling a lie, on the other hand, would be self-deception, so she opted for a more evasive approach.

"A movie is a product, and controversy is inevitable. There are viewers who like it and those who don't. Only time will tell."

As for the preliminary work on the Pacific Rim, everything is proceeding smoothly and systematically.

"Director Tian, ​​based on your experience in award ceremonies, do you think 'The Promise' has a chance to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film?"

"I have no experience competing for an Oscar, so I can't answer your question."

Tian Xiaole answered a few questions from the reporters, but those who kept asking were stopped by security.

Back at the office, I glanced at the news online.

Chen Kaige, along with the main creators and behind-the-scenes team of "The Promise," frequently appeared on various interview programs.

To explain what the film wants to convey, I hope to make up for any ideas that I couldn't express and that the audience can understand it.

If you think that this approach will win over the audience, then you're really overthinking it.

The only way to reverse the negative reception now is to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

【The Promise】has already been screened on a small scale in North America, and we are making a final push.

【Perhaps Love】 grossed over 20 million yuan at the Chinese box office, but its momentum waned afterward.

Seeing that "The Promise" was not well received, the distributors and producers discussed it and took the opportunity to apply to the authorities for a postponement of its release.

On the 22nd, "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles" was released nationwide. This is Zhang Yimou's first work after returning to art films.

I heard that the film received high praise at its premiere in Lijiang.

Some media outlets have even called it Zhang Yimou's most sincere work since "To Live".

Also released on the same day was "A Chinese Odyssey Part Three: Cinderella".

Starring Nicholas Tse and Charlene Choi, with a cameo appearance by Fan Binbin, the film features outrageous costumes and styling typical of mainland actors in Hong Kong films.

Although Nicholas Tse's performance in "The Promise" didn't receive great reviews, the media still gave "A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella" high praise, and it is expected to become the biggest dark horse in the Lunar New Year film season.

The production company seems to be taking advantage of the situation, or rather, trying to separate Nicholas Tse from "The Promise," implying that the bad movie has nothing to do with his starring role.

···
Li Yixiang returned after filming a drama and, as usual, inquired about Zeng Li's recent activities.

Zeng Li didn't hide anything and said that she was doing preliminary training for the Pacific Rim.

Upon hearing this unexpected answer, Li Yixiang couldn't help but question:
"The cast for Pacific Rim was announced long ago, so how did you end up joining?"

"Then it must be me who's suitable, why else could it be?"

Zeng Li, feeling guilty and lacking confidence, added:

"I'm not the director, how would I know why I was chosen!"

"Zeng Li, Zeng Li, do you believe what you yourself said?"

Li Yixiang's face was somewhat distorted, and his head felt heavy, as if he were wearing an extra hat.

Zeng Li knew she was in the wrong, but she had had enough of her ugly and controlling boyfriend, and her friends had long advised them to break up.

I got together with him because of his talent, but I never expected him to be just a pretty face with no substance.

Compared to Tian Xiaole, he's not even as good as a toe.

Thinking of this, Zeng Li said what she had wanted to say for a long time:
"Xiangzi, let's break up!"

Li Yixiang froze on the spot. He had never thought about breaking up. He had found such a beautiful girlfriend, whom he had always cherished and cared for so tenderly. He didn't want to lose Zeng Li.

"I disagree, okay? I won't ask anymore."

"We're not a good match. Breaking up is better for both of us."

Hearing the determination in Zeng Li's voice, Li Yixiang grasped her hand, his voice slightly hoarse:

"Whether you've slept with investors or directors, I don't care. Why are you breaking up with me?"

"You hurt me."

Zeng Li broke free and slapped Li Yixiang across the face, her eyes filled with tears.
"Is this the kind of person you see me as? I'm so disappointed in you."

Zeng Li shouted hoarsely, "Get out! Get out of my house!"

"Pear, I was wrong. I shouldn't have questioned you."

Li Yixiang slapped himself in the face and begged for mercy, but Zeng Li still pushed him out.

Zeng Li leaned against the door, letting out a sigh of relief, finally getting rid of this burden.

···
"Boss, there's a video on Leyu.com that's getting a lot of likes, and it's a parody of the currently popular 'Wuji'."

Upon hearing Huang Jixin's report, Tian Xiaole opened the webpage, clicked on the video, and saw that Huang Jixin had indeed arrived as promised.

"A small steamed bun led to a shocking bloodbath, involving children who should have been innocent and adorable..."

The 20-minute video starts with a steamed bun and revolves around legal education. The dialogue has been revised, and it incorporates a nonsensical performance style, interspersed with humorous advertisements...

After reading the comments, Tian Xiaole understood why the number of views was so high.

The video's content completely filled in the loopholes in "The Promise," creating a perfect narrative loop between the various characters.

The comments from netizens are all: I finally understand [The Promise]!
Seeing the number of views and comments constantly increasing, Tian Xiaole guessed the reaction from the film industry, and many directors must be very wary of this happening.

Today it happened to Chen Kaige, but what if it happened to me tomorrow?
This involves the common interests and reputation of the industry, and there will certainly be many people who stand up and demand that the ringleaders be severely punished.

After thinking for a moment, Tian Xiaole decided to ignore it. High viewership meant that netizens liked it, and with the development of the internet, this kind of thing was unavoidable.

Meanwhile, outside the film industry, a major earthquake was occurring.

For the first time since the turn of the millennium, someone has openly parodied a film by a renowned director, and most importantly, the number of clicks and views has surpassed that of the promotional video for "The Promise".

This is a film by a Palme d'Or-winning director, and it was highly anticipated before its release. Although its critical reception and box office performance did not meet expectations, it is not something that can be ridiculed by just anyone.

Chen Kaige smashed two more teapots. It took him three years and three years of hard work, only to be ridiculed by a video that was over twenty minutes long. He felt like he had completely lost face.

He couldn't take it anymore, and Chen Hong couldn't persuade him otherwise, so he voluntarily accepted a media interview.

"To tamper with and ruin my work, one cannot be so shameless."

Chen Kaige lived up to his self-proclaimed status as a scholar; even in his vulnerable and angry state, he did not utter a single curse.

If it were Feng Xiaogang, he would have already sent insults to the other party's relatives.

The media, always eager for drama, interviewed directors in the industry.

As a mainland director on par with Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou's film was released in the same period and received high praise, making him the first person to be besieged by the media.

"Director Zhang, if 'Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles' were parodied like this by netizens, how would you handle it?"

"If it can bring joy to the audience, I don't mind such parodies; that's the meaning of film."

Zhang Yimou's great manners impressed many netizens, who remarked that even among renowned directors, the difference in their level of tolerance is striking.

Directors in the industry, including Wang Xiaoshuai, Huo Jianqi, and Xu Jinglei, avoided giving answers during interviews.
"I haven't finished watching the short film," and "I can't comment."

Some directors also admitted that they didn't know how to deal with it if their works were parodied.

Tian Xiaole was also surrounded by a group of media downstairs at the company.

"Director Tian, ​​if this prank happened to you, how would you handle it?"

"Film is inherently an art of offense. Once you've paid to see my work, you're welcome to parody it if you're not satisfied!"

A group of reporters were surprised that Tian Xiaole was so magnanimous; as expected of a young director, he was incredibly tolerant.

Lu Chuan, also a young director, seemed to have lost his mind or taken the wrong medication, and said in a critical tone:
"What era are we living in? I don't understand why the reaction is so intense. This is not something a smart person would do."

The incident caused quite a stir, even drawing in the Hong Kong entertainment circle, with many directors speaking out through the media.

"Spoofing is a normal part of entertainment, and we should be tolerant of different opinions."

The incident was amplified again, and it was no longer as simple as a parody of "The Promise"; it became a matter of class conflict and differences.

Many people believe that art should be authoritative and not be trampled on.

Some argue that movies belong to mass entertainment, and parody videos represent a different kind of criticism from the audience.

This incident reveals that older generations of directors are "unaccustomed" to internet culture and are in a passive position in the struggle for discourse power in the new era.

···
China Film.

Chen Kaige sat in Han Sanping's office with a frosty expression, looking like a stranger who should not be approached.

Previously, Chen Hong was responsible for relaying messages, but today he came in person.

"Old Han, China Film Group isn't doing anything about this, the media is fanning the flames, and online behavior needs to be more strictly regulated. If this continues, what will happen to the film's box office?"

Han Sanping had lost her usual energy and looked somewhat depressed.
"This matter should indeed be addressed. It's a small matter because it's just one movie, but if this kind of parody continues, it will definitely affect the development of the industry. I will raise this issue with higher authorities."

"Tian Xiaole should also be reminded that supporting parody culture is damaging to the industry. He is also a director and should know the consequences of this."

Chen Kaige has been holding back for a while now, feeling a sense of pent-up frustration that he has to vent, especially since many directors are actually on the opposite side of him.

Han Sanping harbored resentment, blaming Chen Kaige for making "The Promise" so confusing and obscure, asking why a commercial film was trying to preach any profound truths to the audience.

He couldn't say it directly, so he could only say it indirectly:
"I think Xiao Le is right. Movies are inherently offensive to art, but supporting parody is definitely not right."

Chen Kaige, holding back his anger, didn't linger at the China Film Group Corporation after seeing Han Sanping dodging his questions, and headed towards the Film Association.

In terms of influence within the association, Chen Kaige is a Palme d'Or winner and comes from a wealthy family, so he has many supporters.

From an industry perspective, this 20-minute parody video not only provoked [Wuji], but if such things are allowed to continue, it could lead to future challenges to them.

Legal action must be taken to protect one's rights, and many people have responded in unison.

In a moment of impulsiveness, Chen Kaige told the media that he would sue the creators of the parody videos.

(End of this chapter)