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

Chapter 148: A Historical Epic, Heaven and Earth Grieve Together, "Split" Set for Release

As April drew to a close, the winds began to carry the heatwave.

Although "My Disqualified Daughter" has finished its theatrical run, the lingering impact it created has left the entire entertainment industry with much to ponder.

During the film's theatrical run, "Disqualified Daughter" became the undisputed king!

If Hollywood films like *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon* and *In Love We Trust* are merely insignificant examples from Japan and South Korea, then...

The film that Shen Ao is using is a pillar that stands tall!
Shock the world.

Although countless media outlets have been attacking Shen Ao and Cao Zhong, the slander against the film has intensified, and it has even been reduced to a sob story by Cao Zhong and Shen Ao using "fatherly love narrative" to make money at the box office.

Then they started listing the mother's love and narratives in the family, insisting on making a comparison between which parent loved the child more.

In short, the goal is to refute Cao Zhong's support for the narrative of fatherly love.

Despite being heavily criticized by countless viewers, these media outlets continued to act as they pleased, completely disregarding the criticism!
The publicity efforts of media outlets such as *China Times*, Wang Changtian's *Entertainment News Report*, Bona Film Group, and Huayi Brothers all sided with Cao Zhong, which significantly reduced the pressure on him.

Cao Zhong arranged for relevant public relations personnel to wage a media war against the other side during the film's release, but after the film's run ended, he was too lazy to spend any more money.

Suddenly, news about criticizing narratives of fatherly love and using melodramatic films to make money at the box office swept across the internet.

Cao Zhong simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

……

May 1st, the first day of the holiday!
Iron Man was released yesterday, and as the first film in the Marvel series, it only grossed 1400 million yuan on its opening day, still second only to The Forbidden Kingdom.

After seven days, "The Forbidden Kingdom" has grossed 1.4 million yuan at the box office.
It consistently grossed 20 million yuan in box office revenue daily, its momentum unstoppable.
The time it took for "My Disqualified Daughter" to surpass 100 million views has been shortened again!

Wang Zhongjun's face was beaming with joy.

Hollywood is also reporting good news. In just fourteen days, the film has grossed over $4100 million and has held the top spot at the North American box office for three consecutive weeks.

Huayi Brothers chose a good release date, but the next day, "Iron Man" would be officially released in North America, which put immense pressure on Huayi Brothers.

Although Iron Man didn't do well at the Chinese box office, it's a top Marvel IP in North America.

Wang Zhongjun's face was beaming with joy, but his heart was trembling.

That day, unable to resist Han Sanpin's insistence, a celebration banquet was finally held for "My Disqualified Daughter".

At the grand celebration banquet, Shen Ao and Xu Zheng thanked Cao Zhong profusely, and Lu Zheng also sighed and admired Cao Zhong.

Guo Tao downed a bottle and a half of baijiu and half a bottle of red liquor in quick succession. He also told Cao Zhong that he had passed his B-level driving test and that as long as Director Cao agreed, he could go out and drive a half-car now.

Looking at Guo Tao's flushed face,
This is really treating pedestrians like speed bumps...

Cao Zhong was completely paralyzed.

I don't know if it was right or wrong for him to let Guo Tao study for a B degree.

Han Sanpin, on the other hand, was able to break through the defenses, which is quite rare.

"Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon" is about to leave theaters, having grossed over 73 million yuan. While the box office may seem acceptable, it is actually a huge loss.
The total investment for this film reached $2500 million.
However, many people categorized it as a comedic war film... resulting in a terrible reputation.

Cao Zhong realized that he seemed to have driven the growth of the Chinese film market, because in his previous life, Cao Zhong remembered that the final box office of "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon" was less than 70 million.

"Go out and talk?"

Han Sanpin, having drunk his fill, wanted to go outside for a smoke and called out to Cao Zhong.

While standing outside with Cao Zhong in the wind, his expression was gloomy, his smile wan, showing no joy whatsoever from the huge success of "My Disqualified Daughter".

"I'm a little panicked, really panicked. The movie *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon* completely shattered my confidence. Because *My Disqualified Daughter* did so well in its opening week, I subconsciously thought *Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon* would do the same, but I didn't expect..."

Previously at the premiere of "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon",

Han Sanpin mentioned that the Three Kingdoms theme will be a hot topic this year, and may even trigger a Three Kingdoms craze.

The current results are a real slap in the face.

But what he was worried about was not "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon," but "Red Cliff."

Han Sanpin didn't really care about the project's profit or loss; his main concern was the lack of available personnel.

Red Cliff has been scheduled for release during the summer season, but seeing the overwhelming negative reviews of Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon, Han Sanpin's confidence in Red Cliff is declining every day.

Of course he'd seen the movie "Red Cliff," what was that...?

But he had no one to confide in; in this circle, only Cao Zhong could talk to him.

Han Sanpin took a deep drag on his cigarette, and the smoke that billowed from his nose formed smoke rings.

"Are historical epic films really over?"

Han Sanpin looked at Cao Zhong and asked curiously, "Look at you, you've done all kinds of films, from patriotic films to heartwarming movies and sci-fi films, but you haven't even mentioned historical epics. In your mind, is it that this type of film is simply not worth making or acting in?"

Cao Zhong shook his head and said, "The Three Kingdoms is an excellent subject, with countless heroic figures. It has been filmed to death by others, so it has nothing to do with the subject matter."

Han Sanpin's eyes lit up.

"Letting Hong Kong directors make historical films is the biggest mistake."

In Hong Kong, there's a so-called "Causeway Bay Boss," which sounds like a powerful triad leader from the "Young and Dangerous" movies.
As a result, Causeway Bay isn't even as big as some residential communities in Beijing. In reality, the so-called "leader" of Causeway Bay is less powerful than the officials on the community's owners' committee.

If you let the Hong Kong directors who made this film make a historical epic, what kind of film could they possibly make?

Epic?

Cao Zhong smiled dismissively. "All they can film is gang warfare."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanpin stubbed out his cigarette and stared at Cao Zhong.
"So, can you film it? 'We Live in Nanjing' has finished filming. Shouldn't you start preparing for your next project?"

Give me a piece of advice: if Chen Kaige could build a city back then, you can too.
And while I can't guarantee anything else, if you say you can do it, the one built for you will definitely be bigger than the one built for Chen Kaige!

Cao Zhong's face remained calm as he turned to look at Han Sanpin.

He could see that Han Sanpin's deep eyes were flashing with a fierce ambition.

Cao Zhong didn't answer; he was just lost in thought.

In fact, in the past, not to mention films after 1921, the fact that China failed to produce many truly epic historical films that belonged to the Chinese people was indeed a regret for Chinese audiences for decades.

In the early years of commercial films, the initial trend of period dramas with Western narrative cores on a superficial surface disgusted many viewers.

Chen Kaige was heavily influenced by Japanese film styles, using Japanese imagery to depict the Qin and Tang dynasties. "The Emperor and the Assassin" was adapted from a Japanese manga, "Legend of the Demon Cat" from a Japanese novel, and "The Promise" featured Japanese costumes. He spent a fortune building Chang'an as a filming location, but ended up looking like "Heian-kyo" (Kyoto, the capital of the Southern Tang dynasty)...

During this period, films like "Brotherhood of Blades" and "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" were released. Starting with ordinary people, they were indeed quite good and were praised to the skies. The "Detective Dee" series, with its strong genre suspense narrative, became the foundation of period films.

Later, capital entered the market, using the highest fraudulent costs to film the most ridiculous escape room movies, and then using methods like ghost soldiers crossing the border to launder money to the point of taking off, which completely disappointed those who love historical films.

Who would have thought that Da Peng's "Lychee of Chang'an" would be a masterpiece of historical films?

Directors seem to be unwilling to spend time on historical epics anymore.

Historical films and animated historical films have largely become tools for people to launder money, advertise, and awkwardly convey their values.

For example, "Man Jiang Hong", "Dynasty Warriors", and "Starry Sky of the Three Kingdoms".
It has utterly lost the turbulence, tragedy, mission, romance, and enduring affection of history...

How sad.

Seeing Han Sanpin's eager gaze, Cao Zhong pondered, "I don't believe that even if I can make it, historical films will form a coherent system. Like I said, there are too many limitations." "I understand, you can make it!" Han Sanpin, only half-listening to Cao Zhong's words, his face flushed with excitement, grasped Cao Zhong's hand with trembling hands, saying, "If it can't form a coherent system, that's my problem. I'm just asking you, can you make it!"

Cao Zhong instantly recalled that profound and awe-inspiring work, which used a micro-story to convey grand historical and civilizational themes.

He nodded and said calmly, "If you insist, I can give it to you."

"I want!"

Han Sanpin was so surprised that he spun around.

Cao Zhong chuckled: "I will try my best to produce a benchmark film."

Han Sanpin slapped his thigh suddenly!
He's going crazy!

They're really going crazy!

For so many years, Han Sanpin had never felt such emotions as he did tonight, with a magnificent hope surging in his chest!
He doesn't yet know what kind of scenes "We Live in Nanjing" will be filmed; he has no idea.

However, Han Sanpin has developed an obsession with historical epics.

Countless times in his dreams, Han Sanpin would shout "blockbuster! blockbuster!" before waking up in a fright!

When I heard Cao Zhongneng film those two words...
No one could understand just how excited Han Sanpin was.
And when Cao Zhong mentioned the word "benchmark"...
His tears were about to fall.

"You are neither a eaglet nor an eagle,"

Han Sanpin stretched out his palm and slammed it heavily on Cao Zhong's shoulder, his hands gripping Cao Zhong's arm tightly with tension.

"You're a fucking eagle!"

Han Sanpin pulled Cao Zhong back to the victory celebration banquet, saying, "Let's not say anything more, brothers. We won't leave until we're drunk tonight!"

Cao Zhong picked up his wine glass, somewhat helpless.
Han Sanpin put Cao Zhong's hand down again, and took out a pen and a notebook from his pocket.

"No, Eagle, you need to sign a written agreement first."

Cao Zhong: ...

Han Zheng was startled by Han Sanpin's actions. He finally understood why Han Sanpin had asked him to prepare paper and pen.

"No wonder, no wonder," Han Zheng said suddenly. "When Chairman Han saw the box office figures for 'Disqualified Daughter' on its third day, he was already in a daze. He started carrying paper and pen with him at that time, and it's been more than a month now. So it was for Director Cao?"

……

Time flies.

After Cao Zhong instructed Xu Zheng to revise the script to resemble the style of "Lost in Thailand," he finally informed Xu Zheng that the script had been approved by him and that he could help Xu Zheng launch the project at any time.

Xu Zheng's face was a mixture of blankness and excitement, and he couldn't help but swallow.

"Believe in yourself, you are capable."

Cao Zhong patted Xu Zheng on the shoulder, "This is your first time directing independently. Don't be afraid to think things through, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have any ideas, feel free to communicate with me."

"Thank you, Director Cao."

"Go back and prepare. Have you chosen the actors yet?"

"I'm planning to cast Huang Bo, Wang Baoqiang, and Guo Tao, and see when their current projects wrap up," Xu Zheng said. "But I'll get into work mode quickly and do all the pre-production preparations."

"very good."

Cao Zhong agreed with Xu Zheng's statement. After thinking for a moment, although he didn't make any grand promises to Xu Zheng, he did reveal a piece of information.
"If you work with me, and the first film does well, I'll give the director a share of the profits for the second film. If Shen Ao films the next one, there will be more. You have to work hard too."

The news came as a surprise, but it made Xu Zheng's eyes light up.

Having lived to such an old age, Xu Zheng experienced for the first time what it meant to die for someone who understands you.

It's definitely not because of money!
……

Early to mid-month.

The phenomenal box office performance of "The Forbidden Kingdom" was abruptly cut short.

Heaven and earth share the same sorrow.

The whole country was plunged into grief.

In their dormitory at Beijing Film Academy, the three of them were all watching the news.

The Rocket Force missile units quickly entered a state of high alert, with missile sites on standby 24/7, and Dongfeng missiles placed on launch pads ready for deployment.
Border troops are also on high alert.
Knowing that Cao Zhong had communicated with relevant departments in "We Live in Nanjing", Qi Jiuzhou and others were surprised as to why this was the case.

Cao Zhong is writing a script for Jackie Chan and a script for a historical film he is preparing to shoot, and his resolve is growing stronger.

If he originally only intended to make a war epic for Chinese audiences, at this moment, Cao Zhong completely immersed himself in the script.

He would first outline the project, and then use the scriptwriting team that Chengying had just assembled to revise it many times. Only after it passed his final approval would Cao Zhong actually submit it for project approval.

What he wanted to film was "The Last Transfer of Funds in the Northern Desert of the Tang Dynasty".
The isolated army of Anxi, thousands of miles away, defended the Western Regions for a century with tears and blood. The city was filled with white-haired soldiers who never forgot the Tang Dynasty!

If Cao Zhong were to actually make a benchmark film...
He will definitely choose this one, not "The Lychee of Chang'an".
And the actions of the soldiers at this moment are so similar to those of this group of people; both are driven by sincere hearts.

Cao Zhong responded with a heavy heart after hearing Qi Jiuzhou's question.

"Because we need to prevent war."

"In this day and age, why do we still need to prevent war?" Wang Renjun asked, puzzled.

Cao Zhongdao said: "In this world, might makes right. Many people know that the Japanese army invaded China in 1931 and the September 18 Incident occurred, but few people know why it was 1931 and not 1930 or 1932."

He looked at his two roommates and said softly, "The real reason was that in 1931, the Yangtze River, Pearl River, Yellow River, and Huai River all experienced catastrophic floods, affecting eight provinces and regions across the country. Nearly 70 million people were affected, accounting for one-sixth of the national population, and 150 million mu of farmland were damaged, a once-in-a-century event. This became the final fuel for Japan's invasion of China."

During this period, Chiang Kai-shek ordered the nationwide suppression of the communists.

Horse riding!
Upon hearing this, Qi Jiuzhou and Wang Renjun exchanged bewildered glances.

Cao Zhong added, "During the Tangshan earthquake, a reconnaissance aircraft from a certain major power repeatedly approached the earthquake zone, attempting to probe the situation. Therefore, in the face of major natural disasters, only by holding the knife handle can one protect oneself."

Silence fell over the room.

Cao Zhong's words clearly shocked the two of them.

Cao Zhong unconditionally trusted the Chinese soldiers. In many cases, ordinary people were unaware of how many people were protecting them, nor did they necessarily know how much effort the country had put in.

Later, news stories about lotus flowers shining shoes also emerged.

These same people were previously considered by many colonialists to be a positive and absolute force on the anti-Japanese battlefield, and this was attributed to the Chiang Kai-shek regime.
It’s simply the most ridiculous thing in the world!
At its core, Chiang Kai-shek's party never considered independence, self-reliance, or national liberation. They always relied on external forces and were absolute imperialist compradors and spokespeople. They were corrupt to the core, without ideals or soul, and never even thought about standing up as human beings.

Everyone had tried to help him, but they were all hopeless cases.

This is how rotten the Chiang Kai-shek faction is!
……

In late May, Cao Zhong finally finished the script he wrote for Cheng Long.

At that moment, he also received a call from Jiang Zhiqiang.

After Jiang Zhiqiang's many efforts,
The release date for "Split" has been set.

(End of this chapter)