Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 132 The team whose faces turned green, Han Sanpin's silence.
Time flies, and more than a month has passed.

The final box office of "The Warlords" in mainland China was 1.96 million yuan, while "Assembly" reached 2.75 million yuan due to the promotion of Cao Zhong's "Li Yannian".

However, the off-screen controversy caused by "Assembly" was quite significant.

The film contained numerous problems, including the appearance of Chiang Kai-shek's tank models, tank tactics without accompanying infantry, the error of describing anti-tank mines as anti-personnel mines, and the inconsistent timelines of equipment such as sniper rifles. These issues caused a huge uproar and left Feng Xiaogang in a state of utter chaos.

Most importantly, many viewers noticed that "Assembly" did not conform to the actual command system of the military, and directly criticized the film from the perspective of cinematic stance.

Many veterans also gave a lot of negative feedback, and were even very angry, believing that it negated the justice of that war.

These off-field controversies have caused Feng Xiaogang a lot of trouble.

However, official media outlets such as CCTV's "mainstream propaganda" and "pioneering military-themed films" have affirmed the film's value.

The official rhetoric of affirmation temporarily ceased when Feng Xiaogang presented his fallacious argument in a special program on Phoenix TV's Chinese Channel.

In his interview with Feng Xiaogang, who was speaking behind the scenes of the TV series "Assembly", he stated:

"You see in many of our old movies, they say they need to select a few demolition experts, and everyone is vying to go. Then the platoon leader has to decide who goes, and whoever does it gets all upset and throws a tantrum." "I'm not afraid of dying. If you don't let me fight or let me go, I'll get anxious." "That's so fake."

“In our past films, we often had people like that, and we felt that they were fearless in the face of death.” “It goes against human nature.” “Because I think the fear and cowardice that a person shows in the face of war and killing is the norm for people.”

"Feng Xiaogang, you speak too fast, without thinking. You're too impulsive!"

When Chen Daomin received the news, he couldn't help but sigh.

He and Feng Xiaogang had a good relationship, but this time he really felt that Feng Xiaogang had gone too far.

Pointing to the news, he couldn't help but say to Cao Zhong,

"When netizens criticize, they should first consider whether their criticisms are valid. Talking nonsense without any basis is just asking for trouble. Xiaogang is very temperamental, but that's his problem: he has minor faults but major virtues."

Cao Zhong ignored Chen Daomin's comments about Feng Xiaogang, took a sip of hot tea, and smiled.

"If the authorities had stood up for him and handled the matter discreetly, it might have just passed. But now, in order to explain his movie, he's fallen into another trap set by Phoenix TV."

"Director Cao is so young, but he's not young at all," Chen Daomin said in surprise. "Feng Xiaogang is too naive, and Director Cao is too mature. Your ages should be reversed."

"Do you think a mature person would criticize Ang Lee?" Cao Zhong asked rhetorically. "You can see how much resistance 'We Live in Nanjing' faced."

At this point, Chen Daomin paused for a moment, then gave a thumbs up.
"If it's the right thing to do, then it's done. I believe that if Director Cao had already gained fame back then during the Xiaobailong incident, he probably would have spoken out for justice as well."

Moreover, it's only because others don't know that we know exactly what kind of film this is.

As he said this, Chen Daomin looked at Cao Zhong with a solemn expression.

Cao Zhong didn't answer, but took another sip of tea, instead thinking about the movie "Li Yannian".

Actually, criticizing the movie "Assembly" is a bit nitpicky, since Feng Xiaogang was the first to make a commercial film with a military theme.

Cao Zhongshi couldn't bring himself to praise him as upright.

The class nature and liberation purpose of the People's Army were transformed into an abstract concept of "humanity" that emulated the Western film industry.
Transforming revolutionary heroism into cowardly, death-fearing "humanitarianism" is actually unfair to that generation.

But in reality, many people in later generations did not understand them.

Cao Zhong understands that this difference is due to the different eras.

Cao Zhong didn't want to criticize anything. He appreciated Feng Xiaogang's willingness to make this type of film, but he disagreed with the content.

This is what happens when cultural workers lack culture.

Anyway, the blame for the original work and the screenwriter should be placed on Feng Xiaogang's head, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Go ahead and curse.
Compared to the backlash he received for "Nanjing Photo Studio," it's nowhere near as bad. And Feng Xiaogang definitely deserves the criticism.

……

Zhai Junjie, Tsui Hark, Mao Weining, and others from "Li Yannian: A Man of Both Literary and Martial Arts" also went to see the movie.
After returning, I carefully studied the script of "Li Yannian" and was deeply impressed.

Tsui Hark and Mao Weining, in particular, now truly understood why this script had received such widespread acclaim from the August First Film Studio.

It should be noted that the Seventh Company led by Li Yannian even included some Kuomintang troops from the Liberation War.
These people fought bravely alongside the People's Liberation Army in Korea and were buried in a foreign land.

“Now I know how amazing Director Cao is,” Mao Weining said, looking at Tsui Hark.

"Director Xu, before watching 'Assembly,' I didn't have a deep enough feeling, but after watching it and then reading Director Cao's script..."
If Feng Xiaogang is talking about human nature...

The script written by Cao Zhong explains why those people would rather die than retreat.

It discusses why the Chinese army represents the pinnacle of light infantry warfare in human history!

Tsui Hark's eyes narrowed, and he nodded.

How could he not know? He made the right choice!
Making this movie with Cao Zhong is so much better than making that "Women Are Not Bad" thing!
With the Hong Kong film industry currently in decline and countless Hong Kong directors moving to the mainland, Tsui Hark believes that seizing this opportunity to regain his former glory is not difficult.

After thinking about it, he sent Cao Zhong a long thank-you letter.

There is only one central theme.

"Thank you, Director Cao, for your kind attention. I will definitely make a good film about Li Yannian."

When Cao Zhong saw the text message, he couldn't help but feel touched.

Choosing Tsui Hark is so much better than choosing that guy Chen Kaige; at least he knows how to be grateful.

In fact, Cao Zhong knew that the film "Li Yannian" was just the beginning. He might not necessarily take the initiative to make such mainstream projects in the future. However, by relying on this film to make political work clear, it has a starting point for future war narrative films.

Everyone knew that Pang Guoxing, the enemy, not only refused to surrender but also dared to fight back against us.

In fact, Minister Chi once led a group of three men with one gun who captured a hundred men, and four men who entered Shanghai, capturing the enemy's division commander first to catch the thieves.
None of these people were granted the rank of general.

There are so many heroic figures that can be filmed in a mainstream narrative!
Incidentally, it can also be compared with "Assembly" to form a positive and negative example.

Thinking of this, Cao Zhong felt a little happy again; he was being criticized by biased media.

As for Feng Xiaogang, he might be criticized for the next thirty years.

I had a brief conversation with Tsui Hark over the phone.

After learning that Wang Baoqiang had finished the publicity work for "Assembly", he quickly joined the crew and the team was ready to start filming at any time.

……

For the media,

The two films released during the much-anticipated Lunar New Year season not only failed to break Cao Zhong's film record, but even combined, they only slightly outperformed Cao Zhong's "Nanjing Photo Studio".

This kind of direct comparison within the same year,
This silenced the media outlets that had been vehemently criticizing Cao Zhong for profiting from patriotism.

Such results are rather inadequate compared to the peak performance Cao Zhong achieved during the summer season.

Within a week of "Assembly" leaving theaters,
Various news items have frequently stirred up ripples in the film industry.

Especially the media outlets, whose headlines are increasingly outrageous.

[Chen Kexin and Feng Xiaogang's new Lunar New Year films surpass "Nanjing Photo Studio" together, entering the "200 million yuan club"!]

[The Warlords grossed 2.6 million RMB across Asia, rivaling Feng Xiaogang's Assembly for a time!]

[The Warlords grossed $12 in North America, setting a new record for the lowest-grossing Chinese blockbuster in North America!]

[In an interview, Wong Jing bluntly stated: Chen Kexin overestimated the international market's acceptance of period war films.]

Cao Zhong's "We Live in Nanjing" has become a hit even before its release; he sits confidently among Chinese directors, wondering who can challenge him?

This Lunar New Year film season has been incredibly frustrating for both of the renowned directors.

When Chen Kexin from Hong Kong saw the phrase "breaking the record for the lowest box office record for a Chinese blockbuster in North America," her face turned green!

He spent a lot of money to make the media, when introducing the success of "The Warlords," not only mention its performance in mainland China, but also include its box office performance across Asia, just to save face for Feng Xiaogang.

But unexpectedly, these media outlets were determined to expose his true colors!

The news that Chen Kexin and Feng Xiaogang had surpassed "Nanjing Photo Studio" together was enough to break Chen Kexin's nerves.

The two were very confident about the Lunar New Year film season because of the success of Cao Zhong's "Nanjing Photo Studio", and they started arguing during the promotion period.

Feng Xiaogang first declared that his goal was to break 250 million yuan in box office revenue, and said that 200 million yuan was the bottom line and the key to measuring the success of the film.

"Assembly" also adopted an intensive publicity campaign, including organizing a premiere event with "hundreds of stars and tens of thousands of people watching the film" to expand its influence.

Chen Kexin directly confronted him, claiming, "If 'Assembly' can reach 3 million, then 'The Warlords' can break 5 million!"

When the results came out, the two of them fell silent.

They were originally evenly matched opponents, but in the end, he became a clown who was crushed by Cao Zhong, who had been silent for three months.

Moreover, they were both crushed together. Although their total box office surpassed that of "Nanjing Photo Studio."
The key issue is that their fans are too ashamed to actually combine their box office figures and compare them with Cao Zhong's!

What a shame!

……

Huayi.

Feng Xiaogang's head was throbbing as he looked at the news reports.

Especially when he saw the statement that he and Chen Kexin were the most popular stars during the Lunar New Year film season, Feng Xiaogang always felt that they were directly mocking him.

"Aren't we two already?"

"Are you trying to shift the blame between us, or are you praising Cao Zhong?!"

My heart aches for Cao Yiguo's little cannon, who is full of love for it.

He realized he no longer loved Cao Zhong. Although Cao Zhong had undermined the legitimacy of the two directors who won the Venice Golden Lion Award, it also affected him, Feng Xiaogang.

They trampled his face into the dirt.

Especially with the instigation of those unscrupulous media outlets, Feng Xiaogang became even more unhappy.

Wang Zhongjun sat on the sofa, clearly displeased with Feng Xiaogang's recent remarks on Phoenix TV.

"Our advice is that you should not give any public interviews during this period."

Wang Zhongjun remained calm, saying, "Assembly has already achieved its set goals, so let them criticize us. There are indeed flaws in the script."

Feng Xiaogang glanced at Wang Zhongjun and muttered, "So it wasn't you they were criticizing. These trashy viewers just know how to nitpick!"

"Don't be too angry," Wang Zhonglei advised. "What's said online isn't entirely unreasonable. Compared to Cao Zhong, you are indeed a bit lacking."

Feng Xiaogang rolled his eyes at his silly younger brother Wang Zhongjun, too lazy to pay him any attention.

“Your publicity campaign is actually on a completely different level from Cao Zhong’s.” Wang Zhongjun was quite open-minded. “Whether it’s the anti-Japanese sentiment, this special year, or the ‘Imperial Edict for the Termination of the War’ and a few catchy songs, the loss is not unjust.”

Feng Xiaogang was furious. "Damn it, what you're saying is truly outrageous. In terms of publicity, I really can't compare. Even if Chen Kexin and I combined, we still can't match it!"

"Do you think Cao Zhongxin's new movie, which hasn't even finished filming yet, will actually break 100 million yuan?"

Wang Zhonglei was curious, and during their conversation, they talked about Cao Zhong's response back then.

"There aren't any big stars, just Xu Zheng, and the director is a newcomer. Is breaking 100 million so easy?" Feng Xiaogang scoffed. "I know how difficult it is to break 100 million. After all these years, I've only had three films break 100 million in a row."

"Too."

……

Tianjin.

Former site of the Beicang Chemical Plant in BC District.

The film crew constructed a dilapidated building, with shop signs hanging everywhere.
This is the filming location in Tianjin for the movie "Nanjing Nanjing". It was used to film scenes of the Japanese army entering Nanjing and engaging in street battles with Chinese soldiers, as well as the looting of the alleys.

However, the production team was already basically at a standstill at this point.

Lu Chuan spent his days begging and pleading with investors everywhere.

Qin Hong, the younger brother of Qin Hui, the owner of Heaven on Earth Cinema.
In other words, the investors of "Nanjing Nanjing" had reached their limit of tolerance for Lu Chuan.
This drama has been filmed for half a year so far, and there have been constant setbacks along the way.

First, he willingly offered himself up to Cao Zhong, then there was the departure of supporting actress Qin Lan, and now the funding has completely stalled. Qin Hong is extremely dissatisfied.

However, Lu Chuan acted quickly. As soon as Qin Lan left, he arranged for Huo Siyan to join the group, so Qin Hong did not react at the time.

But this time, Qin Hong simply couldn't hold back any longer.

Because it's relatively close to Beijing, Qin Hong made a special trip to Tianjin.

"Lu Chuan, I need an explanation. With an investment of over 40 million, how did you manage to film for six months and then tell me that we only have about half of the footage left?"

Qin Hong was furious; he was about to point his finger at Lu Chuan and yell at him!
The biggest investor in this film is Qin Hong. In addition to Star Media Group, Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation and Hong Kong Media Asia Films also invested.

China Film Group also participated, but their investment was relatively small.

The parties involved have already discussed the content, and their current attitude towards Lu Chuan taking on this film is rather pessimistic.

They certainly didn't want to suffer losses, but if they had to decide which company should pay for it...

Even if it means taking a larger share, it's hard to make a decision right now.

"Mr. Qin, as you know, our scripts are revised as we film. For example, the storyline of Huo Siyan. In the beginning, the script only had three lines and five scenes for her as Mrs. Tang, but in the end, she had more than twenty scenes. It took a month just to film them."

Lu Chuan explained, "All of this is for the investors, and for better control over the film's quality!"

Qin Hong gave a helpless bitter smile, "Bullshit! You think we can't hear about what's going on between your crew and Gao Yuanyuan? We know exactly how Qin Lan left. You've just disappointed us too much!"

Lu Chuan clenched his fists, wanting to refute, but his face turned pale and then purple.

Don't know what to say.

Out of desperation, he used the Lunar New Year film season as an example.

"Mr. Qin, even if you don't believe me, you should still believe in this type of movie."

The two films released during the Lunar New Year season combined are barely on par with "Nanjing Photo Studio." Cao Zhong is currently still making films about Nanjing.
This shows that this type of film is still in high demand.
"Only if you continue to invest in me will this movie have any chance of being released..."

Although Lu Chuan loathed Cao Zhong, at this moment, in order to secure investment, he didn't mind even using Cao Zhong as a father figure.

Qin Hong scoffed: "You dare mention Cao Zhong? I'm the big shot in your movies, but I can't even get on his car."

Lu Chuan felt a bitter taste in his throat.
An immense sense of humiliation instantly overwhelmed him.

But he didn't dare say anything.

Qin Hong also realized something and called Han Sanpin, pouring out his grievances.

"Chairman Han, Lu Chuan wants to film a movie about Nanjing Massacre. Could you ask Director Cao to help out? Our investment is all tied up in it, and we're in a dilemma. Chairman Han, China Film Group also has funds invested. We need to come up with a plan. The crew is just sitting here in Tianjin, which isn't good!"

Han Sanpin's expression was displeased. "I'll ask, but as you know, Lu Chuan offended Cao Zhong before. He's ungrateful and fickle, so I can't bring myself to ask him."

"How about I have Lu Chuan go and apologize with a bundle of thorns on his back?" Qin Hong asked.

He was certainly aware of the conflict between Lu Chuan and Cao Zhong.

However, Qin Hong lacks trust in Lu Chuan now. With Cao Zhong, a director with a budget of 400 million, as an outside helper, not using him would make him seem too foolish.

"Let me ask first." Han Sanpin was actually reluctant to speak. He had tried to speak up with Chen Kai before, but it had backfired spectacularly. As for Lu Chuan, Han Sanpin looked down on him even more, considering him far inferior to Chen Kai.

If this annoys Cao Zhong, then it's not worth it.

After hanging up the phone with Qin Hong, Han Sanpin seemed to be deep in thought.

With the aim of helping young directors and supporting China Film Group's own investments and Qin Hong's investments, he thought for a moment and then dialed Cao Zhong's number.

"Director Cao, are you busy?"

"Not bad, I'm quite busy. Is something wrong, Mr. Han?"

"Have the recent news events had any impact on Director Cao?"

“They’re not criticizing me, so what impact will it have on me?” Cao Zhong said. “But I don’t know if these media outlets are praising me or trying to stir up hatred for me.”

"Praising you is genuine praise, and criticizing them is genuine criticism," Han Sanpin sighed.
"I really believed Chen Kexin's lies. The movie 'The Warlords' completely destroyed the reputation I built up before in 'Nanjing Photo Studio'."

"This movie is outrageous, it's made me so angry I'm numb." Han Sanpin could only speak his mind to Cao Zhong. "It's been over ten days, and I'm still being woken up by Chen Kexin's face every night."

"Chairman Han, your health is important," Cao Zhong said. "You always think positively. Didn't 'The Warlords' set two records?"

"What record? I don't know anything about it," Han Sanpin asked in surprise.

"First, it sets a record for the lowest box office gross for a Chinese blockbuster in North America."
Secondly, Jet Li became the highest-paid superstar in Asia.

Han Sanpin: "..."

Are you mocking me?! Or are you mocking me right there on the phone?! That little eagle is a real piece of work!
Han Sanpin was initially quite calm.
After hearing Cao Zhong's two records, Han Sanpin immediately broke down.

Although Cao Zhong's words were disgusting, they were all true! Han Sanpin had no way to refute them.

After coughing twice, Han Sanpin was too lazy to dwell on the matter any longer and chose to get straight to the point.

"By the way, I'm calling you this time because I have something important to discuss."

For the sake of Chinese cinema, no matter how difficult it is, there are some things he needs to say.

(End of this chapter)