Reborn in the Entertainment Industry: This Top Star Has Real Achievements

The atmosphere in the private room instantly froze.

Zhang Yimou, struck by that final, devastating statement, was also experiencing violent chest heaving.

Fortunately, there were only three people in the room at this time. Uncle Wang, of course, was an old friend of several decades.

Li Xiang, who spoke harshly, had genuinely helped him a lot and was also someone He Ting considered her one of her own.

Moreover, he knew that Li Xiang's words were definitely well-intentioned.

If it were someone else, would they care? They'd probably even applaud them to their face.

Even so, these words were still incredibly hurtful, leaving Zhang Yimou feeling wronged.

"That's too harsh. When I make a film, I only talk about the creative process from beginning to end; how could I possibly bring up these kinds of things?"

"I was attracted by this large-scale production and industrialized model, and I wanted to try something new. I had absolutely no other intentions."

He genuinely felt wronged.

He dedicated his life to photographing his country and its people, working diligently for decades. To be labeled like this by younger generations in his old age is infuriating for anyone.

Wang Xiaolie, who was standing to the side, also fell silent, but he didn't say anything and just watched quietly.

Because he knew that Li Xiang never spoke carelessly.

Seeing his defiant and aggrieved expression, Li Xiang didn't back down at all. Instead, he leaned forward, his eyes sharp and frightening.

"Just because you don't have this thought in your own mind doesn't mean the audience outside won't think so. You know how fast things spread online these days."

"If what we've said were leaked, it would spread throughout the country in less than half an hour."

"If they're treating even this small thing like this, how will the public interpret it when the movie is actually made and released?"

"Putting everything else aside, even I had this feeling after watching and hearing the plot. What do you think the general public will feel after watching it?"

"Uncle, I know you don't have these thoughts, but I have a question for you—"

Why would Hollywood spend $1.2 million to make a movie about foreigners traveling thousands of miles to save China?

"They wrote the script, they set the setting, and they built the world view."

"Tell me, why does the ending, the highlight, the savior, have to be one of their people?"

"In reality, if a foreigner travels thousands of miles to come here, do you think they'd come all the way here to rescue you without expecting anything in return? You'd be lucky if they didn't rob you."

A series of rhetorical questions left Zhang Yimou speechless on the spot.

Zhang Yimou opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a single word for a long time.

The main problem is that he genuinely couldn't answer, because stripping away the artistic filter and the surface packaging, that's just how the script is.

Li Xiang continued speaking, his tone calmer than before, yet every word was still piercing.

"You are an artist, with a pure heart, only looking at the visuals and watching movies. But Universal and Legendary Pictures, people are never looking at art."

"What they're looking at is responding to national targets, exporting ideology, and engaging in soft cultural invasion."

"Think about it carefully, aren't all Hollywood blockbusters based on this formula?"

"Americans travel all over the world, and then all over the world they cause trouble, leaving the locals helpless and waiting for them to rush in and punish the wicked."

"When the movie is released, mindless viewers will only think, 'Oh! Americans are kind, genuine, and brave; he saved us in our time of crisis.'"

"But those viewers who are thoughtful, knowledgeable about history, and understand public opinion will criticize you after watching this."

"They're criticizing you for being a top domestic director with such a huge influence, yet helping foreigners export this distorted value system."

"Those who don't understand are brainwashed, while those who do understand all curse you. Uncle Zhang, tell me, what's the point of this?"

"Is it for the paycheck? For the international buzz surrounding industrialization? Or are you just jeopardizing your life's work and reputation to pave the way for cultural invasion?"

The private room fell silent once again.

The redness on Zhang Yimou's face completely faded, replaced by a gradual whitening.

All he saw was big budgets, grand scenes, a monster universe, and top-tier Hollywood industry.

But what he didn't see was that the other party was using him from beginning to end.

Using his fame, his status, and his reputation as a national advisor, he brazenly promotes a distorted view of history under the guise of a commercial blockbuster.

"In the end, the savior who turned the tide was given to the foreigners who came from afar. Just thinking about it makes you realize how ironic it is."

Seeing Zhang Yimou, who was almost unable to lift his head after being roasted by him, Li Xiang knew that it was time to stop while he was ahead.

It was also a deliberate attempt to use this incident to put him on the spot.

My Uncle Zhang is good in every way, except that his values ​​are just like other directors', which are a little lacking.

When thinking about things, I always put my artistic pursuits first and ignore the actual impact that my work has on the outside world.

It's not that he has a problem with his own character, it's just that his position is what it is.

The public opinion consequences of a film's release are beyond his personal control.

Just like his later work, "Man Jiang Hong," he didn't bother to talk about the controversies surrounding it.

Moreover, times have changed, and he is now a core director signed by Huace Media.

Putting aside whether relevant departments will have objections, the public opinion storm alone is a severe blow to a listed company.

This is just now; the environment will only become more and more stringent in the future, and public figures will have to be extremely careful with their words and actions.

A single sarcastic or sarcastic remark can ruin a person.

Li Xiang really didn't want to watch Zhang Yimou stumble on some later incident and end up with a ruined reputation.

"Uncle Zhang, I didn't say such harsh words to criticize you."

"I wouldn't even blink at any director, no matter how bad or mindless their films are, because it has absolutely nothing to do with me."

"It's you alone."

"You are a leading director in our country, an officially recognized pillar, and a brand that is going international."

"As the old saying goes, 'A thief never gives up his desire to kill me,' and that's never just an empty phrase."

"They only did this because they saw that you have the biggest influence and the most prominent brand, so they went to great lengths to dig this pit for you to fall into."

"Once you make it, it's not just about making a bad movie."

"It was through your efforts that outsiders accomplished the most successful cultural infiltration."

Uncle Wang, who was standing to the side, finally understood.

I instantly felt a chill run down my spine; damn, that was ruthless.

This isn't making a movie; it's just inserting values ​​under the guise of a commercial film.

If Yi Mou were to actually be filmed, not only would his reputation be ruined, but his official image would also be greatly diminished.

What must one feel when a lifetime of patriotism ends up being ridiculed for helping outsiders spread prejudice?

After a long while, Zhang Yimou let out a long breath, looking as if he had aged several years in an instant.

He raised his hand to rub his temples, concealing the regret and lingering fear on his face.

"It was me... I was too naive. I only saw the opportunity and didn't think about it at all."

"Xiao Xiang, I have to thank you for scolding me awake today. This 'Great Wall'... can't be filmed, and I dare not film it."