Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

After the red carpet event, the opening film, "Reunion," began to play.

Set against the backdrop of Taiwan and mainland China, the film tells the story of a Taiwanese veteran returning to the mainland to find his relatives, which leads to a series of family emotional entanglements.

The cinema was bustling with guests, as many had left after walking the red carpet and would return for the subsequent reception.

Tian Xiaole insisted on watching it to the end. No matter what filth she felt in her heart, when you're abroad, you're all compatriots, and you have to be considerate of each other.

The movie was actually quite boring, just mundane family drama that made me want to fall asleep.

"Sister Li, we're going back now."

After the movie ended, Tian Xiaole greeted Gong Li, who certainly wouldn't leave so soon; a cocktail party is the real, effective way to socialize.

·······
Following the opening ceremony, films in the main competition section held their premieres one after another.

On the morning of February 14th, Tian Xiaole, Gong Li, Tang Yan, and others came to the Cinema Palace to attend the premiere of "A Simple Noodle Story".

Yes, even though the film has finished its theatrical run in China, a premiere still has to be held according to the film festival rules.

The premiere of "Shoplifters" will be held in the afternoon.

When Tian Xiaole and others arrived, Chinese filmmakers from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong were all present.

As for superficiality, everyone knows the truth.

Zhang Yimou was the absolute protagonist, interacting with filmmakers, media, and journalists with a calm and unhurried attitude, seemingly unaffected by domestic public opinion.

"Xiao Le, this is Mr. Dieter Kosslick, the chairman of the Berlin Chamber."

"Hello, Mr. Dieter, I am Tian Xiaole."

Tian Xiaole sized up the thin, bald old man.

"Hahaha, of course I know your name as a genius director. Speaking of which, you're the real one from Berlin, Cannes..."

The lean old man patted Tian Xiaole's arm, his intention to win over the young director was self-evident.

"You flatter me. I won the Silver Bear on my first trip to Berlin, and coming back this year feels like coming home."

Tian Xiaole held the old man's hand, and this slightly affected performance made it hard to tell whether it was real or fake.

"Berlin will always welcome you, especially a young director like you."

The old man wasn't stupid; of course he wanted to win over a filmmaker with such a huge influence as Tian Xiaole.

There is competition among the three major European film festivals.

Cannes is considered the pinnacle of art-house cinema, and most importantly, all the award-winning films can fetch a good price.

Pursuing a balance between commerce and art.

If you want to feed filmmakers who are involved in art, you'd have to treat them like royalty.

Berlin follows, leaning towards political correctness and humanitarian concern, with a more distinct stance on social issues.

Venice focuses on artistic avant-garde, emphasizes the discovery of emerging directors, stresses pure artistic expression, and dares to break with tradition.

In summary, it lacks distinctive features and commercial appeal.

Tang Yan moved closer to Tian Xiaole and teased her playfully:

"Brother Le, your expression just now deserves an Best Actor award."

"Tang Yan".

"Ok?"

Tian Xiaole said fiercely, "Don't get into my bed tonight."

The pretty girl, who had been covering her mouth and laughing, panicked upon hearing this, grabbed the man's sleeve, and begged for mercy:

"Brother Le, I was wrong, please forgive me."

"Hmph, let's see how you behave later."

Tian Xiaole broke free from Tang Yan's hand, supporting her aching back from the ordeal, and sighed.

There is no soil that is overcultivated, only oxen that are exhausted to death.

I deeply resonate with this statement.

Zhang Yimou still holds considerable sway in Berlin; besides his own people showing their support, many well-known directors and film critics also attended.

The cinema, which has 1627 seats, was almost completely full.

Zhang Yimou's appeal is evident.

"Brother Le, our movie premiere will definitely be just as good."

Tang Yan was still trying to please Tian Xiaole so that she could serve him in bed that night.

The latter ignored her and looked at the big screen in front of him. Even though he had seen it once, he was still convinced that it was a bad movie.

The film was made without any cuts; the first half still played the fool, while the pacing of the second half felt abrupt.

It must be said that the audience at the Berlin Film Festival was quite well-behaved, with no large-scale walkouts occurring midway through the film.

They didn't leave until the credits rolled, the lights came on, and applause broke out.

Tian Xiaole stood up, greeted Cheng Long, Wang Quan'an and others, and invited them to attend the premiere of "Shoplifters" that afternoon.

In the afternoon, while preparing for the premiere, Tian Xiaole took a moment to glance at local media reports.

Professional film critics and media outlets gave "A Simple Noodle Story" a score of only 1.8, which is quite low.

For the premiere of "Shoplifters", Tian Xiaole only plans to screen it five times.

Of course, it can't be shown at the cinema not every time.

The last four screenings will be held in a rented theater, enough for interested film distributors to watch the movie.

Tian Xiaole, along with the film's main cast and crew, greeted the guests.

Zhang Yimou arrived first, a smile on his face, seemingly unaffected by the ratings.

When he graduated from Beijing Film Academy, he was assigned to Guangxi Film Studio. Old Tian took a train for several days to visit him, and he has always remembered this sincere affection.

Since I'm traveling, of course I have to come and support them.

"Xiao Le, even the best wine needs advertising. You need to make the most of these next few days to build up your reputation."

Tian Xiaole listened to the old strategist's whisper in his ear, nodded knowingly, and invited him to come inside and take a seat.

Following them were filmmakers from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, including Jackie Chan and Wang Quan'an.

"Tian, ​​I'm really looking forward to your movie. I hope it will make my afternoon more enjoyable."

Dieter Kosslick, that old man, clearly has a receding hairline, but he doesn't shave the sides of his head, which makes him look very strange.

"Welcome, Mr. Chairman, you will not be disappointed."

The media reporters present raised their cameras to capture the moment the two shook hands.

With a large influx of audience members, including film critics and directors of other nominated films, the cinema was basically packed.

Tian Xiaole glanced at the time, then went on stage to give a speech:

"Welcome everyone! I still remember my first visit to Berlin, which left me with unforgettable memories. This is my second time in Berlin..."

Now, I wish you all a wonderful 120 minutes! Thank you!

The applause was sparse; no one wanted to listen to a long report before the main meal, they just wanted to get to the point as soon as possible.

Many people are looking forward to the film because it is the work of the youngest director to win the Palme d'Or.

The movie officially begins, and "Shoplifters" meets the audience for the first time.

The first act begins with Lin Xiang and Xiao Li stealing things from a supermarket.

The film uses alternating close-ups, medium shots, and subjective shots to highlight Lin Xiang's skillful theft techniques while creating a tense atmosphere.

The scene ends with an empty shot, hinting at the inevitable separation of family members. Tian Xiaole observes the reactions of the audience, all of whom are glued to the big screen, completely captivated by the first act.

Zhang Yimou nodded, as a renowned director, he understood the subtle hints in Tian Xiaole's shots.

As the plot unfolds, the identities of the "family" are gradually revealed. They were all temporarily brought together, each with different experiences, yet they support each other.

The character Yu, played by an elderly woman, is the homeowner of a cramped house where "the whole family" lives. She was abandoned by her husband and son one after another and was very lonely in her later years, which is why she pieced together this special family.

His later years were both unfortunate and fortunate; he passed away peacefully in his sleep, without illness or disaster.
Ironically, even after death, his body was exploited by his "family" to fraudulently collect his pension.

The character played by Ge You makes a living by working on construction sites and stealing. He has little sense of responsibility, but he is kind at heart. He finds Lin Xiang in winter and adopts Xiao Li, who is being abused.

Gong Li's portrayal of the character perfectly illustrates how kindness can be taken advantage of. Her family of origin and marriage are filled with violence, but she remains true to herself. After her family is exposed, she takes the initiative to take all the blame and go to jail.

The scene where he breaks down crying during interrogation is the climax of the entire film.

When her infertility was mentioned, Gong Li seemed to have been hit where it hurt; her body trembled slightly, and tears involuntarily streamed down her face.

Tian Xiaole uses a fixed in-shot approach without unnecessary cuts, amplifying Gong Li's micro-expressions to allow the audience to empathize with her pain.

The sight of her wiping her face to stop the tears from falling is heartbreaking.

Gong Li was also watching the finished film for the first time and was moved by her own scene. She turned to look at Tian Xiaole and gave him a thumbs up.

After watching this performance, I felt a sense of anticipation.

With a gratified smile on his face, Zhang Yimou praised Gong Li, whom he had discovered and mentored. Gong Li's emotionally charged performance earned him his full approval.

At the same time, I can't help but wonder, if he were to direct this scene, could the visuals surpass it?

At the end of the movie, everyone seems to have found their place, but in fact, they have returned to where they started.

Xiaoli continued to be abused, and Lin Xiang returned to the unwelcome orphanage...

The big screen scrolled through the subtitles, the lights came on, and the audience in the screening room was still immersed in the movie, a film worth savoring.

Wow…

Someone started clapping, breaking the silence.

Immediately, applause spread.

Wow…

Wow…

The discerning Berlin audience gave a thunderous round of applause, their eyes burning with admiration as the cast and crew walked onto the stage.

After watching this movie, many people felt empty and frustrated.

Tian Xiaole led Gong Li, Ge You, Tang Yan, and Zhao Jinmai onto the stage to express their gratitude.

·······
The next day, the rating for "Shoplifters" came out, and it received a high score of 3.0, temporarily ranking first.

This only represents the opinions of film critics and the media; the final selection of the grand prize depends on the preferences of the jury.

Jiang Zhiqiang came over and took the opportunity to linger in front of Tian Xiaole, while also reporting on the copyright transaction of "Painted Skin 2".

"Director Tian, ​​congratulations! Shoplifters has been a huge success in Berlin."

"This doesn't represent the final result. Let's congratulate you when you receive the award."

Jiang Zhiqiang didn't feel embarrassed at all. When it came to the final copyright fee for "Painted Skin 2", he didn't mince words this time. This was the time to demonstrate his value.

"Fantasy films like 'Painted Skin 2' don't really suit the tastes of Europe and America, even though Director Tian is credited as the screenwriter."

But through my network of contacts, I still achieved good results in sales.

Jiang Zhiqiang paused, and seeing that Tian Xiaole didn't react, continued:
"The total copyright price for Europe, America, and Southeast Asia is US$17.5 million."

Tian Xiaole could accept this price because it didn't include prices from Japan and South Korea.

"Not bad, you can handle the overseas copyright agency for Xiaole Pictures."

This agreement does not include films directed by Tian Xiaole. It only covers films produced by Guo Fan and Lu Yang.

Jiang Zhiqiang took on this thankless and arduous task simply because he wanted to get on his big ship.

·······
Following the premiere of "Shoplifters," word-of-mouth continues to grow.

Gong Li's performance is considered a strong contender for Best Actress.

Major luxury brands are betting heavily on this, with Gong Li signing two new high-end brand ambassadorships and Tangyan also signing one.

In Asia, her endorsement fee of US$5.6 million over three years is unparalleled among the post-85 actresses.

"Brother Le, I'm a man with some family wealth. Even if I have several more sons, I can still afford to raise them."

"Yes, yes, you're amazing, but this can't be rushed."

Tian Xiaole pressed Tang Yan down onto the sofa, telling her not to get so agitated and to wait until she was fully recovered before discussing such matters.

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

While Tang Yan was preoccupied with having a son, news from Berlin reached back to China.

"The Berlin premiere of 'Shoplifters' was a great success, with Gong Li's performance deeply moving."

"Gong Li is the frontrunner in the race for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival!"

"Tangyan signed a high-end endorsement deal worth 5.6 million US dollars over three years."

·······
Many female celebrities in the industry felt envious after seeing the report.

Molasses was the most enthusiastic, starting to popularize the high-end endorsements of Tangyan, making her the first among the post-85 actresses to have such a gap.

The top group of female stars in China.

Her performance in commercial films is beyond question. If she were to also receive individual awards, her commercial value would make her the number one female star in China.

Yang Mi was initially quite happy, as she landed the lead role in a movie right after joining the company. If she had received such a resource from another film and television company, they would have been beaten to a pulp.

But at Xiao Le Pictures, she obtained it easily.

Seeing Tang Yan's treatment, Yang Mi calmed herself down, realizing she couldn't be so easily satisfied.

The cast and crew of "The Orphan of Zhao".

When news of Shoplifters' arrival in Berlin came, Chen Hong's heart was already elsewhere.

Ever since the decision was made to send Arthur into the entertainment industry, they have been paving the way for him.

If people say he got his father's fame as a director, they can't ignore his own acting skills. After all, walking the red carpet at two of the three major European film festivals is something not everyone can do.

You need to have a good family background.

"Go, go, tell Xiao Le that the method I taught him can also be used at the Berlin Film Festival. You should have him..."

After listening patiently to Director Chen finish his explanation, Chen Hong said expectantly, "I hope your method works. If we win another award this time, it will also benefit Arthur."

"It's just an award! If you really care that much, I'll make a movie for Arthur after this film is finished."

How could a proud director like Chen allow his son to be taken to a film festival by someone else while he remained indifferent?

Chen Hong stopped provoking Director Chen. If he really went out of spite and made an art film, the outcome would be unknown, but Arthur would definitely suffer.

·······
Since the opening ceremony, films from both the competition and non-competition sections have held their premieres one after another.

Tian Xiaole reciprocated the favor by appearing in several Chinese-language films.

At the same time, they are also observing their competitors, some of which have generated quite a strong response.

"How I Spent This Summer" has a high rating of 3.1, even higher than "Shoplifters".

Although it doesn't represent the final result, it does represent the voice of film critics and audiences. What if it influences the judges' decision?

[I Want to Whistle, So I Whistle], [Ghost Writer], and [Bee] all have good ratings.

These films were considered Tian Xiaole's biggest competitors. (End of Chapter)