I created the myth of the Great Old Ones.

Moreover, with such excellent actors and such an engaging atmosphere, even the ending that infuriated Ms. Merritt reflects the core of the story.

It can be said that the reason she is the way she is now is entirely because the movie has completely conveyed what it wanted to express.

At that moment, after the movie ended, Ms. Merritt finally understood the protagonist.

Then, she fell into true despair.

Chapter 379 I Can't Accept It

Even now, Ms. Merritt feels a chill whenever she recalls what she just saw in the movie.

What makes her even more desperate now is that, as a film critic and a film connoisseur, she genuinely feels from the bottom of her heart that this film is quite excellent, outstanding, and better than any other film she has seen in this year's competition.

To be honest, many movies are now just routine for Ms. Merritt. No matter how miserable the characters are or how tragic their lives are, she feels nothing and might even want to give them a bad review with a smile.

However, this film, "All Quiet in Spring," whether due to the actors' superb acting skills, the realistic scenes, or the outstanding script, managed to captivate Ms. Merritt.

It is precisely because I was so immersed in it that I was hurt so deeply.

The first half of the film is an artistic adventure, while the sudden and dramatic twist and dark turn at the end confirms the tragic plot at the beginning of the story, bringing the entire world to life.

Whether they are protagonists or supporting characters, named or unnamed, they all together present to Ms. Merritt a glimpse into the struggles of everyone in this world as they desperately try to survive.

If such a world truly exists, then its very existence is a profound despair.

Some art films depict love, some attempt to portray human nature, and others focus on ignorance and a culture of folly.

This film, "All Quiet in Spring," is themed around despair.

No matter how noble the wishes, how powerful the abilities, or what kind of struggles are attempted, all efforts are merely ripples before destruction.

Ms. Merritt initially thought it was a form of nihilism, but upon closer examination, why did Lu Ban go to so much trouble to depict those beautiful things, those beautiful girls, those beautiful moments? Was it merely to make the audience heartbroken at the moment it was shattered?

Then she understood.

Although Amber ultimately died tragically, and her intense hope turned into despair, it was precisely because of the beauty that preceded it that this despair was possible.

Conversely, isn't this a story about humanity striving for beautiful things even in the face of utter despair, and not giving up on the pursuit of hope even as the cruelest end approaches?

Death is not the opposite of life, but rather exists eternally as a part of life.

Despair and hope are not mutually exclusive; how can one appreciate the beauty of hope without witnessing despair?

According to Ms. Merritt, this film transcends the attempts of many directors to portray the good, evil, ugliness, and beauty of human nature, instead focusing on a higher level: civilization, humanity, and the question of survival and destruction.

This is a perfect art film!

By Ms. Merritt's standards, assuming she doesn't inject any personal bias into her evaluation, then this year's Palme d'Or will undoubtedly go to "All Quiet in Spring".

This means she will have to remain silent about the film for a long time and cannot reveal details of it to other audiences until it is officially released.

This was a perfect irony for Ms. Merritt.

She had watched the first half of the movie with great joy, just like the main character, but was struck by lightning in the second half and couldn't publicly criticize the director.

And now, she's going to act as an accomplice to this movie, just like those old witches who sent amber to her death, so that it can harm even more people!

Although one is set in a fantasy world and the other in reality, their situations inexplicably overlap.

"No, I can't accept it... I can't accept it..."

Ms. Merritt looked somewhat haggard.

The pollution of her mind clouded her consciousness, and her calm reflection only pushed her to the brink of despair.

Although Ms. Merritt could easily ignore it and go online or to the newspapers to criticize Lu Ban and "All Quiet in Spring," ruining his reputation and exposing his carefully crafted ending prematurely, she would only lose her job. Ms. Merritt could do that at any moment in a fit of anger.

However, what is disheartening is that Ms. Merritt still retains some rationality.

She knew perfectly well that this film might truly leave its mark on film history; it was a work of art. The crazy ideas that had just crossed her mind were nothing short of spraying a big "fuck" onto a painting by Van Gogh or Cézanne.

Because she still possessed a sliver of reason, Ms. Merritt understood that she could not destroy this work.

She even needs to help Lu Ban carefully disguise this film as a heartwarming romantic road movie, deceiving all the audience into entering the theater with the highest expectations, only to be met with the sharpest knife.

Ms. Merritt, who was dedicated to art, never imagined that one day she would find herself in dire straits because of her pursuit of art.

What else can I do?

Ms. Merritt remained silent for a long time. She opened the window, and the damp air characteristic of the French countryside flowed into her lungs. At that moment, the forty-three-year-old film critic lost all her focus.

"No matter what I do, I can't get the director to change the ending, nor can I bring the dead people in the story back to life. What else can I do?"

She stared blankly as the white mist drifted across the woods, shimmering in the moonlight.

In her despair, Ms. Merritt felt a call.

The call came from the infinite heights, from the starry sky, from the depths of the ocean, from the abyss of the seabed, from the heart of the desert, from an unknown mausoleum.

She stood up.

She took off her shoes and stood on the windowsill.

The calls calmed Ms. Merritt's mind, and she was able to see her own location clearly.

From the moment she pressed play, she was like amber embarking on a journey, with only one ultimate ending.

She can't escape now.

Taking a step forward, Ms. Merritt wanted to step into that call.

Just then, her dog suddenly rushed into the projection room and barked twice, bringing Ms. Merritt back to her senses.

"Ouch!"

As she turned to look at her dog, she slipped and fell off the windowsill.

"Wang Wang Wang!"

The dog's barking echoed in the damp night. The dog came to the windowsill and looked down.

Ms. Merritt fell into the grass, covered in scrapes. When she came to her senses, she cried out as if she had broken a bone.

As she tried to stand up and ask for help, images from the movie kept replaying in Ms. Merritt's mind.

She knew very well that her dreams would be related to this for a long time to come.

She also understood the purpose of those colleagues sending her emails.

The best way to deal with this movie is to recommend it to anyone you meet!

Chapter 380 Did he slip him money?

"A new movie? Yes, we'll be able to see it then, right?"

Bai Qiquan was somewhat distracted during his video call with his girlfriend.

Bai Qiquan had just finished his holiday during the Chinese New Year and was about to have another holiday. Although he had been working overtime until 10 p.m. every day for more than a month, he still felt that this job was really great.

He was planning to take his girlfriend on a trip abroad during the holidays, and when they were discussing the destination, the topic of film festivals came up.

"Cannes is in France? I'd really like to go to France."

His girlfriend, Pang Zhen, stayed in Yannan for work, and the two were currently in a long-distance relationship. However, Bai Qiquan felt that, based on his current income, it wouldn't be long before Pang Zhen could come to Jiangcheng to find an easier job and slack off.

"How about we go to France for a trip and see one of your movies while we're there?"

Pang Zhen had a sudden inspiration and offered a suggestion.

"Ah, I've watched this countless times myself. It's a heartwarming, artistic romance film. I think it will be released in China soon?"

Bai Qiquan wasn't quite sure.

He wasn't optimistic about the film's box office performance.

Although the film was excellent, he felt it wasn't as impactful as "The Tide of the Demons." Moreover, the audience for this kind of art-house romance film is not as large as that for epic blockbusters, and it wasn't released globally simultaneously. Its box office performance might even be lower than that of previous films like "The Mouth of a Madman" or "The Crying."

Moreover, it's a rare treat to go abroad with your girlfriend, and then you end up watching a movie you made yourself. Isn't that a bit...unpleasant?

"Then can't you watch it with me?"

Pang Zhen said angrily.

"Yes, no problem at all, it would be my pleasure!"

Bai Qiquan didn't hesitate.

Where we go isn't important, what matters is who we go with; what movie we watch isn't important either, what matters is who we watch it with.

Anyway, I have enough money.

Was this movie good?

Pang Zhen asked again.

"It's alright, it's quite heartwarming and healing, a road movie with a little bit of adventure."

Bai Qiquan thought for a moment and then answered.

"Then I'll recommend it to my friends and help you boost the box office."

Pang Zhen said excitedly.

"Is it supposed to be released domestically in May? I'm not sure about the schedule, it might be in June or July."

Bai Qiquan and his team are not in charge of distribution, nor do they know the specific release date.

However, the films in the exhibition will definitely be screened in France during the film festival.

It is said that some die-hard fans of Lu Ban have already booked their flights and hotels to Cannes, just waiting to be among the first to see the film.

Bai Qiquan didn't quite understand.

After ending the video call and saying goodnight to his girlfriend, Bai Qiquan's nightlife could finally begin.

He didn't play games because Pang Zhen had recently learned to check his match history. If he were caught playing ARAM late at night, he would probably get a lecture.

He could only use his small trumpet to go to the suburbs to play.

However, Bai Qiquan really didn't play games today.

He scrolled through videos, watching some supernatural short videos to help him sleep, and then he saw a notification.

Cannes jury member Merritt Leslie praised director Lu Ban's new film.