Who says Beijing Film Academy has no great directors? (2002)

Zhang Yimou stood up and replied: "The theme of my films has always been love and peace. I believe that war cannot solve any problems. This is not a simple story of assassinating the King of Qin, but a great story of giving up the assassination and choosing to sacrifice for the unification of the world."

"Recently, there's been a lot of discussion online about me switching to making commercial films. Haha, even some kids agree with me." Zhang Yimou glanced at Chen Yan as he spoke.

"What I want to say is that I hope everyone will not limit themselves to any particular subject matter. Nothing is simply black and white."

Zhang Weiping gestured to the host on stage.

The host then smiled and chimed in, "Director Zhang, are you talking about Chen Yan? He seems to be here at the premiere of 'Hero' today. Why don't we invite Mr. Chen to come and talk about this topic as well?"

Tian Zhuangzhuang patted Chen Yan with a cold expression, but with a hint of reassurance.

Chen Yan took the microphone from the staff member next to him, a slight smile curving his lips. "You're the one who told me to say this, aren't you?"

The host subtly began to dig a hole: "Mr. Chen, after watching today's video, what new insights did you gain?"

The media below naturally turned their attention to the second-year student from Beijing Film Academy who was speaking out from afar.

Chen Yan smiled slightly: "I think Director Chen's movie has a hollow plot but grand scenes, a hollow plot but rich colors, and a hollow plot but magnificent momentum."

The scene fell silent. All the reporters were stunned. This was not what the child had said before.

Isn't he a supporter of director Zhang Yimou?

Zhang Weiping, sitting in the front row, had a livid face and looked at Chen Yan with eyes that seemed to want to devour him alive.

The host paused for two seconds, failing to quickly respond to Chen Yan's comments.

He could only awkwardly reply, "Chen Yan was referring to the movie 'Hero,' saying it has grand scenes, vibrant colors, and a magnificent atmosphere—that's a very high compliment."

Chen Yan didn't give him any face and summarized directly: "No, my point is that the plot is empty."

Then Chen Yan changed the subject: "Director Zhang used the principle of mutual generation and restraint of the five elements in China and used colors to distinguish them one by one. Metal white represents truth, wood green represents tranquility, water black represents solemnity, fire red represents lies, and earth brown represents the end."

"Each color metaphorically represents the emotional changes of the characters, which is a very bold attempt. Of course, I personally really like Director Zhang's grand scenes. The colors are very vibrant. If I had to nitpick, it would be that Director Chen is still lacking a good screenwriter."

Zhang Yimou pursed his lips, seemingly deep in thought.

"What do you know!" Zhang Weiping finally couldn't hold back and rushed onto the stage.

"This film is a groundbreaking masterpiece; its concept and use of color are top-notch in China!"

Zhang Yimou calmly pulled Zhang Weiping aside, "Weiping..."

"I did sacrifice some plot details to focus on depicting large-scale scenes."

Zhang Weiping was furious.

I was about to wreak havoc on everyone, and you've already surrendered?

Are you out of your mind? You're about to go to war. Even if our movie is a complete mess, you still have to keep praising yourself under pressure.

Who would sabotage their own movie?

Zhang Weiping immediately silenced Zhang Yimou's subsequent remarks with a cold expression: "Yimou is a gentle person. Now, I will explain the great concept of the film to everyone."

First of all, the plot of our film is absolutely full, even overflowing. It was only because Yimou said that we couldn't keep instilling ideas in the audience like this that we toned it down a bit.

We hope that audiences will go to the cinema themselves, carefully understand the emotions we are conveying, and believe that justice will prevail, and the truth cannot be easily shaken by a few ignorant individuals.

Just as Chen Yan was about to continue speaking, the staff took away his microphone.

Chen Yan sat down helplessly and said to Tian Zhuangzhuang, "Director Tian, ​​he can't afford to play this game."

Tian Zhuangzhuang smiled with narrowed eyes, but did not answer.

However, he agreed with Chen Yan that the film's reception would be polarized after its release, and the feedback from overseas markets might be better.

After all, people abroad love these kinds of grand occasions.

At the end, Han Sanping made a special trip over to greet Tian Zhuangzhuang.

He glanced at Chen Yan and said, "Young man, you have quite the courage."

Chen Yan lowered his head, pretending to be embarrassed.

Tian Zhuangzhuang then chimed in, "He's still too young; he needs more experience."

Han Sanping shook his head: "Sigh, I like young people to have drive. How can we revitalize the domestic film industry if we're like old men?"

Before leaving, he gave Chen Yan his business card and told him to call him if he needed anything.

As Fan Bingbing followed Wang Zhonglei, she also gave Chen Yan a special look. When he glanced at her, she felt as if she had been electrocuted and quickly looked away.

Wang Zhonglei looked at Fan Bingbing strangely and asked, "Bingbing, what's wrong?"

"It's okay, it's okay, it's just a little cold."

"Just bear with it a little longer, it'll be over soon."

After the press conference, Chen Weiping's back was completely soaked with sweat.

He now even wants to go back to the day he agreed to send Chen Yan the invitation and slap himself hard.

That kid is such a troublemaker. I absolutely can't invite him next time. He has no manners at all. I should at least say something nice about the video.

Of course, Zhang Weiping automatically ignored his praise of the grand scenes in "Hero," as all he could hear in his mind at the time was the empty plot.

Zhang Weiping is still emotionally distraught and is only hoping that this farce won't affect the box office of "Hero".

After the press conference ended, the media reports were published.

In no time, trending posts sprang up online, with everyone focusing on whether "Hero" was an epic historical film or a terrible movie.

Is it really worth going to the cinema to watch it?

Its popularity remained high for a time.

Zhang Weiping smashed two cups and a teapot in his office.

"What does he mean?! Is he openly undermining us?! From now on, New Pictures will refuse to work with a director like him, a complete idiot. He's worthless, not even fit to shine my shoes!"

"I've already spoken to those media outlets we have a good relationship with, and they're going to give him a good dressing down when his lousy movie is released!"

Zhang Yimou sat on the sofa without saying a word. He had begun to ponder whether he really needed to find some good screenwriters.

As soon as Chen Yan arrived at the Beijing Film Academy, everyone spontaneously gathered around to watch.

After all, half of the hot posts online revolve around "Hero" and Zhang Yimou, while the other half are about Chen Yan from Beijing Film Academy.

Zhou Yifeng fiddled with his phone, grinning from ear to ear: "Brother Yan, our 'Heartbreak' is a hit too."

Zhou Yifeng handed the phone to Chen Yan.

Chen Yan saw that the top comment under that post was:

"When Chen Yan's movie is released, I'll go and see what kind of movie he can make. He doesn't even think much of Zhang Yimou's movies."

"He's just a clown. What level is he at? What level is Director Zhang at? Who gives him the right to criticize others?"

...

Zhou Yifeng scratched the back of his head awkwardly: "Sigh, the netizens' words are a bit harsh, but at least the buzz has gone up."

Chen Yan didn't mind at all: "Yes, I'm afraid that no one will criticize my movie. As long as someone criticizes it, it will generate buzz, and with buzz, it can absorb the traffic of 'Hero'."

And even if there is criticism, so what? As Chen Yan said, the two films are not in the same style. One is about the desert and yellow sand, while the other is about a light and pleasant romance.

Sooner or later, it will distort the art style.

The next day, the opening day box office figures for "Hero" came out: 1210 million.

The media immediately sprang into action.

Good news! "Hero" has become the first domestic film to gross over 10 million yuan in a single day, breaking the domestic record for the highest-grossing opening day for a film!

Chen Yan was brought up again to be publicly shamed.

"Chen Yan, if you keep barking like a dog! 1210 million, I reckon his movie won't even get a fraction of Director Zhang's earnings, that would be a joke."

"He's never seen so much money in his life, he's gone crazy for money, he's trying to scam someone by running into his ancestor's head."

Despite her busy schedule, Liu Yifei still managed to make a phone call to Chen Yan.

She had heard some rumors circulating on set, which showed how turbulent things were online, and she was worried that Chen Yan would be upset.

Chen Yan didn't care: "I'm fine. Besides, we're just going to suck Zhang Weiping's blood and the blood of 'Hero.' So what if we get scolded a couple of times?"

Liu Yifei laughed out loud: "How can you be so shameless?"