The only sun in Huayu

Jingwei then steered the conversation toward Huang Xiaoming.

"Many viewers said they saw a different Jiajing this time, and also saw Huang Xiaoming's acting skills shine. What do you think of his performance?"

Chen Daoming praised, "Xiaoming did an excellent job this time. He grasped the core of the character. In the play, we are a ruler and his subject who are at odds. Off-screen, it is gratifying to see a young actor find a path that suits him and work hard for it."

As the conversation deepened, Jing Wei brought up a recent hot topic among the audience: "Professor Chen, we have noticed that many viewers, especially history enthusiasts, like to compare the two films, 'Jiajing' and 'The Eunuch,' in which you also starred, with another classic historical drama, 'Da Ming Dynasty 1566.'"

"Some people believe that 'The Ming Dynasty' reveals the political laws of dynasties more profoundly, such as the classic line 'Is it wrong not to follow your reforms?', and the power posture of 'I am telling you this as a favor'."

How do you view this comparison? What choices were made in the creation of "Jiajing"?

After a moment's thought, Chen Daoming recalled Shen Shandeng's analogy.

In fact, after the success of "The Grand Tutor," he asked a similar question.

Since no one said he couldn't use it, he just used it.

If you ask, it's because I picked it up.

"The Ming Dynasty 1566 is a good work. It is like a jar of aged vinegar, with a mellow taste, a refreshing sourness, and it can make people taste many complex and indescribable flavors from the depths of history."

"But just drinking vinegar won't do; audiences who go to the cinema will eventually want to eat dumplings."

Seeing the host's slightly confused look, he patiently explained: "Vinegar is like those Machiavellian, suspenseful, controversial, and dark parts of human nature in history."

"For example, there are many different interpretations of the Jiajing Emperor in both popular culture and academia, some of which are quite bizarre."

“These ‘vinegars’ can enhance the flavor and are a great garnish. A dish of good vinegar paired with good dumplings can sell for an astronomical price.”

"But the dumpling itself is a complete, wonderful, and touching story, which is the essence. It guarantees the lower limit of the work and meets the basic viewing needs of the broadest audience."

"The choice in 'Jiajing' lies precisely in this. We are not ignoring those complex 'vinegar' elements, but rather choosing to focus more on wrapping the 'dumplings' properly."

After the special feature on the movie channel ended, Jing Wei said with gratitude, "Thank you, Professor Chen."

nonstop.

For the sake of movie promotion!

Accompanied by Wang Jinghua, Chen Daoming also participated in another major CCTV program, "Art Life".

This show suits Chen Daoming's temperament even better.

The conversation started with the hit movie "Jiajing". Chen Daoming explained: "Besides showing how a young emperor grows up in adversity and a thrilling power struggle during the 'Great Rites Controversy', what we want to promote is a kind of historical light."

Unexpectedly, they met their match, in Zhu Jun's area of ​​expertise.

Zhu Jun then gave an emotional speech: "Yes, I think that the beautiful land beneath our feet is a kind of glory, our splendid cultural tradition that has lasted for thousands of years is a kind of glory, and the indomitable, hardworking, kind and simple spirit of our Chinese nation is a kind of glory."

Chen Daoming was in a bad mood.

Zhu Jun stole the show!

They felt like their things had been stolen, and Zhu Jun had stolen all the limelight.

Chen Daoming quickly replied, "I was also influenced by Director Shen in these matters."

"Actually, it wasn't Director Shen who first brought it up." Seeing Chen Daoming's confused look, Zhu Jun didn't elaborate, but said briefly, "Recognizing these bright and positive aspects of one's own history is true self-confidence, self-respect, and the motivation to forge ahead."

"Of course, it's not easy to be a good 'matchmaker'. The real challenge lies in how to uncover the brilliance and spirit of history, and especially in making sure that the film is something you believe in and that the audience can also believe in."

"The Jiajing Emperor series is very well done, and Teacher Chen's performance is also excellent."

Chen Daoming felt that this program wasn't very good.

He's annoyed; why does the host keep interrupting him?

Chen Daoming could only humbly say, "I was just doing my duty as an actor, and I was lucky to have met a good team."

The program is coming to an end.

The two masters sparred, showcasing their profound knowledge and expertise.

Taking advantage of the program, Zhu Jun asked about future projects: "Professor Chen's words were truly insightful. I wonder if there will be a chance to see you and Director Shen collaborate again in the future?"

"For example, the rumored second installment, 'The Restoration of the Jiajing Emperor,' or 'Brotherhood of Blades,' which is said to have stunning weapon design?"

Chen Daoming did not reveal specific information, only saying, "A good script and a good team are always attractive."

The show ends.

As Chen Daoming left the CCTV studio, his agent, Wang Jinghua, handed him his coat. Wang Jinghua remarked, "The theaters have just raised their expectations again. Originally, it was 150 million, but judging from this momentum, the box office may break 200 million."

"Who would have thought?" Chen Daoming laughed upon hearing this.

I thoroughly enjoyed acting in "Jiajing", and as an actor, I never wish I could not dominate the big screen.

Chen Daoming is very satisfied with his choice. He believes that not being reserved back then was the right thing to do, as some opportunities really need to be seized.

Zhang Guoli is talented, but it's very difficult for him to get a good opportunity.

Once inside the van, Wang Jinghua said, "Teacher Chen, we've received many invitations from top fashion and lifestyle magazines these past few days. I've chosen one that matches your style. We're also in talks with several other brands, all dealing with high-end products like watches and liquor."

Chen Daoming nodded slightly. This is the power of film.

Historical epics perfectly suit his personal taste and mature male image.

The benefits are enormous. In a short time...

Chen Daoming seems to have returned to the time when he acted in Zhang Yimou's "Hero", and this time he seems to feel even better.

The atmosphere of competition during the Lunar New Year film season is becoming increasingly intense.

Meanwhile, Peak Pictures.

Ma Youde exclaimed excitedly, "Boss, 70 million for the second week! It's a reversal!"

Seventy million!
Compared to the opening weekend's box office of 53 million, the second week's box office not only did not decline, but instead achieved a strong rebound!

Although the opening weekend is only three days and the following week is seven days, we can't just look at the number of days. Currently, for domestic films, the opening weekend performance can generally account for about 40% of the total box office.

The box office performance of "The Eunuch" and "Lost in Thailand" is an exception.

The unexpected drop in the price of "Jiajing" was far beyond Shen Shandeng's expectations.

Upon learning of the shift in public opinion, Shen Shandeng couldn't help but feel pleased!
Looking at the box office results, they were somewhat unexpected, yet also quite reasonable.

Kyoko's "wolf warrior" physique has been initially activated!

After all, it's been almost ten years since "Wolf Warrior 2" was released, and many people have forgotten about it. However, with the help of behind-the-scenes forces, it becomes popular again every now and then.

It was on fire for a while, but after the designated time, it went out.

It wasn't a gradual decrease in heat; it went from a raging inferno to an iceberg.

Before 1993, it was overwhelming; after 1993, it receded immediately.

Shen Shandeng thought of something and said, "After going through a storm of public opinion, what do you think of Wu Jing?"

Actually, Shen Shandeng wasn't very worried.

The reason he chose Wu Jing was because Wu Jing was capable of handling things in his past life.

However, Ma Youde should still keep an eye on it.

As the film entered its third week, the "Jiajing" team's promotional tour ended, and the crew disbanded.

However, there was still a publicity notice, and Ma Youde called Lin Yueru to inquire about the situation.

Lin Yueru glanced at Wu Jing, who was also on the phone beside her, and said, "Don't worry, he's fine."

Wu Jing was on the phone with Xie Nan, beaming like a peacock: "The box office rebounded in the second week, breaking 100 million yuan! A new director with a box office exceeding 100 million yuan! Isn't that amazing? Isn't that amazing?"

There will be an interview this afternoon.

Seeing how good he was at fighting, Lin Yueru didn't remind him what to say and just told him to say whatever came to mind.

When the host brought up Huang Xiaoming's accent, Wu Jing was taken aback: "Accent? No, I don't have one."

The reporter noted that it was an English accent.

Wu Jing said directly, "English and Chinese are different, right? Does English have Mandarin? No, English doesn't have Mandarin! Can't you have an accent when you speak English?"

Box office success gave Wu Jing confidence, and he said in a slightly cheeky tone: "That so-called London accent, isn't that an accent? It's so sophisticated. Does that mean Chinese people who speak English with an accent are vulgar? I despise that kind of behavior."

"How dare you?! How could this be?!"

Zhang Mingyuan was in his office, watching an interview with Wu Jing that he didn't even bother to act out.

They actually shared those feelings of awe at the glorious history of our ancestors and pride in China's growing strength!
That's too extreme!

I was in so much pain!
He used his connections to distort the facts, hoping to guide the "ignorant" public to see the "true face" of "Jiajing" and Wu Jing.

At the very least, this will polarize the film's reputation and cause it to falter later on.

Reality, however, gave him a resounding slap in the face!

With the box office success of "Jiajing", those behind the scenes who were jumping around and desperately trying to stir up trouble have become clowns.

An awkward silence fell over the group.

"Foolish people! A bunch of hopeless lackeys!"

Bang!
Zhang Mingyuan slammed the pen in his hand onto the table.

His face was ashen as he growled at the empty office, "They don't understand democracy or freedom at all! They only deserve to be fed this junk food that glorifies autocracy! How pathetic! How lamentable!"

He clutched his hair, pacing around the room like a caged beast.

A profound sense of powerlessness and the anger of betrayal scorched his reason.

He couldn't understand why his "advanced ideas" were so unpopular.

Why is the "historical truth" he believes in so easily abandoned by the public?
This huge discrepancy between reality and expectations completely broke him down.

This is not his fault, it is the country's fault!
He didn't lose to Shen Shandeng or Wu Jing, but to the millions of "mediocre people" he despised and tried to "enlighten."

Enlightenment has failed!
The public was "ignorant," but Zhang Mingyuan did not give up hope.

"Don't panic, it's just a temporary adjustment." (End of Chapter)