The Fleeting Years of Chinese Entertainment

On December 6th, Feng Xiaogang's "annual" Lunar New Year blockbuster, "A World Without Thieves," held its official premiere at the Kyoto Exhibition Hall Theater with a charity theme.

Unlike yesterday's premiere of "A World Without Thieves" in Shanghai... Li Bingbing suddenly arrived late and burst into tears.

Nothing unexpected or bizarre happened at the movie premiere in Kyoto today.

Feng Xiaogang, along with Andy Lau, Milk Tea Lau, Ge You, Li Bingbing, Wang Baoqiang, and others, all arrived on time.

However, Li Bingbing's lateness yesterday has attracted widespread attention from many media outlets.

The media reports, with headlines like "Li Bingbing arrives late and cries at the Shanghai premiere of 'A World Without Thieves'!", are still dominating the front pages of many portal websites!

Some say that she played the second female lead in the movie in order to steal the spotlight from the main actors.

After all, at yesterday's press conference for the Shanghai cinema, Li Bingbing, wearing a black coat and jeans, had already been running for 20 minutes when she finally ran up to the stage, panting.

"I'm sorry I'm late, I really didn't want to..."

She was crying as she spoke…

"Actually, I really valued this event. Someone sponsored a very beautiful dress for me, but the dress arrived while the shoes didn't."

I just finished putting on my dress and was waiting for my shoes at the hotel in slippers... I was so anxious...

To the media, this series of actions seemed like a blatant display of guilelessness.

After all, Li Bingbing has been in the industry for many years. How could she possibly make such a basic mistake?

It's obvious they're just trying to get attention...

In the end, Feng Xiaogang took the microphone:

"Actually, Bingbing cares a lot about her relationship with the media, and she genuinely felt very sorry for doing this. Please understand."

……

Lin Mo arrived rather late.

However, it was still warmly welcomed by the main creators, including Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang.

"Hehe... Director Lin, it's been a long time. If you have the chance in the future, you must think of Huayi. Investment and artists are both easy to discuss..."

"Mr. Wang thinks too highly of me. I'll definitely..."

"Director Lin, it's been a long time. Ever since we parted ways in Cannes, I've remembered your words about wanting to collaborate with me..."

"Hehe...Brother Hua, I haven't forgotten either..."

"Director Lin is really riding high right now..."

"You flatter Director Feng..."

……

Huayi Brothers truly deserves its reputation as the leading private film and television company in China. Since Wang Jinghua brought a large number of first- and second-tier actors and stars to join the company, Huayi Brothers' influence in the industry has been steadily increasing.

With the addition of Feng Xiaogang, one of the top commercial film directors in China, it's like adding wings to a tiger.

For actors and celebrities in the industry, its allure is unparalleled!

Therefore, every celebrity who received an invitation from Huayi attended the event.

And there were countless media reporters...

"Director Feng, what are your thoughts on your film, 'A World Without Thieves'?"

When faced with reporters' questions, Feng Xiaogang was clearly prepared...

"If my previous films were like Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor), then this film is like a glass of wine. I'd say it's a Shanghai-style film!"

It's clear that Feng Xiaogang is intentionally downplaying the Beijing flavor in an effort to attract more viewers from the south.

"What are your expectations for the box office performance of 'A World Without Thieves'?"

"Of course, the more the better..."

Following Feng Xiaogang, Milk Tea Liu also showed his mischievous and quirky side.

Andy Lau, who starred in films by two of the most famous directors in mainland China within a year, has also received full recognition from the mainstream film media in mainland China.

The movie "A World Without Thieves" features many award-winning actors, including Fan Wei, Feng Yuanzheng, Zhang Hanyu, Ge You, and Andy Lau...

Judging from the cast alone, this movie won't be too bad.

And as the prelude to the premiere ended, the film that began playing fully proved this point.

Moreover, Feng Xiaogang's latest film, "A World Without Thieves," is indeed different from his previous movies.

If we were to say which style of Feng Xiaogang's comedies the film continues, then...

That would probably be the countless sponsor products and logos featured in the film, as well as those classic lines.

"What's the most valuable thing in the 21st century? Talent!"

"It's organized but undisciplined."

"Uncle Li is very angry, and the consequences will be severe!"

"Robbery..."

The film tells the story of a pair of thieves, played by Rene Liu and Andy Lau, who embark on a path of redemption after a chance encounter.

Milk Tea Liu decides to quit her job because she is pregnant. Andy Lau hesitates at first, but is moved by the pure and kind heart of the migrant worker Sha Gen. Sha Gen firmly believes that "there are no thieves in the world" and trusts others without any defenses. This simplicity is like a mirror that reflects the darkness in their hearts.

To uphold Sha Gen's beliefs, the two outwitted and outmaneuvered a gang of thieves. In the end, Andy Lau sacrificed himself to protect Sha Gen's money, thus achieving a spiritual elevation.

Especially the scene where Milk Tea Liu silently eats after learning of Andy Lau's sacrifice.

There was no exaggerated sadness, yet it made one's heart ache and want to cry.

The kindness of Sha Gen when donating blood and the serenity of Andy Lau before his death are like fine stitches mending the hearts of the audience.

These scenes are not only tear-jerking, but also provoke reflection on good and evil, and redemption.

"A World Without Thieves" is undoubtedly a good movie, and even someone like Lin Mo, who watched it again decades later, cannot deny that.

The plot has both joy and sorrow, and the tension is sufficient.

"Director Lin, hello, it's been a long time."

During the dinner, Wang Baoqiang, an "honest man" who was trying hard to integrate into the entertainment industry, finally found an opportunity to strike up a conversation with Lin Mo.

Looking at this actor with a simple smile who had been playing a minor role almost all night, Lin Mo also gave him a friendly smile.

"Hehe...long time no see, Baoqiang. I heard you're joining Huayi?"

Wang Baoqiang never expected Lin Mo to be so "kind and approachable" towards him.

Compared to the other banquet attendees who spent the entire night just going through the motions, Lin Mo's attitude towards him undoubtedly gave him a sense of dignity and confidence.

"Um... yes, Director Lin, the company has already started selecting an agent for me."

Lin Mo smiled slightly: "Hehe...that's great, then I wish you success in your career in advance."

Wang Baoqiang chuckled and scratched his head. "Thank you, Director Lin, thank you... If there's an opportunity... I hope we can work together again in the future."

Listening to Wang Baoqiang's incoherent ramblings, Lin Mo sighed silently for him.

After all, the growth of a good actor is always accompanied by various hardships.

The hardships Wang Baoqiang endured...

Fortunately, this kid has a good character; otherwise, it would have been really hard for an ordinary person to withstand it!

"Give me your business card! I forgot about it last time. You should have your own business cards by now..."