It's reasonable for me, a stuntman, to live a crazy life, right?

Chapter 1379 Following Zhou Dongyu's Path?

"At midnight last night, the comedy film 'The Lone Ranger on the Moon,' co-produced by Feiyue Films and Happy Twist, and starring Shen Teng, Ma Li, and others, officially ended its run, with a box office of 32.63 billion yuan."

"After three years, Jay Chou's first offline speaking tour will be held at the Singapore National Sports Association on December 17-18. Tickets are now on pre-sale..."

"The Film Bureau has released the latest list of approved film and television scripts: 'Detective Chinatown 1990,' 'The Vanished,' 'Saving the Suspect,' 'The Third Brigade,' 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' and 'Crossing the Angry Sea' are among the scripts that have appeared on the list."

"The action-drama film 'The Octagonal Cage,' written, directed, and starring Wang Baoqiang, was released early yesterday morning, with a first-day screening share of 43.6%."

"Avatar 1 is confirmed to be re-released domestic on December 12th..."

...

As soon as the Lunar New Year film season began, the entertainment industry suddenly became lively.

Major film and television companies are also busy making arrangements for the next year's work plans.

Meanwhile, the National Day blockbuster film "The Lone Ranger" has finally come to an end.

This comedy film, co-produced by Feiyue Films and Happy Twist, and starring Shen Teng and Ma Li, cleverly blends science fiction elements with a comedic style.

The storyline of Dugu Yue's "love-hate relationship" with the Wolverine on the moon is both hilarious and touching.

Whether it's Dugu Yue's deep affection for Ma Lanxing or his noble act of sacrificing himself to save the Earth, both are portrayed delicately and movingly, captivating the audience.

In comparison, "Mozart from Outer Space," which was released at the same time, paled in comparison.

Although the latter is marketed as a fantasy comedy, it has been heavily criticized for its unrealistic plot and forced didacticism.

Ren Dawang's unrealistic plans for raising his son Ren Xiaotian were rigid and detached from reality.

The alien doll Mozart was supposed to be a highlight, but it failed to carry the story. While the special effects were impressive, they weren't enough to mask the story's emptiness.

In the end, "On the Moon Alone" concluded its run with an impressive box office of 32.63 billion yuan, while "Mozart from Outer Space" could only swallow the bitter pill of losing hundreds of millions of yuan, leaving it far behind and becoming a backdrop to highlight the former's glory.

However, Shanghai Film Group clearly has no intention of giving up just because of the failure of "Mozart in Outer Space".

Sure enough, just as December began, they announced the project "The Vanished She" with great fanfare, and even emphasized that it was adapted from the classic Soviet suspense film "The Bachelor's Trap".

The movie is full of hype!

"The most mind-bending suspense film of the year!"

"Unveiling the deadly lies in marriage."

"No matter what choices you make in life, there will always be regrets..."

Just looking at these promotional slogans piques one's curiosity.

What's even more eye-catching is the behind-the-scenes team.

This time, Chen Sicheng did not direct the film himself, but instead served as a producer.

After the critical and commercial failure of "Mozart from Outer Space," he seemed to have toned down his sharp edge and retreated behind the scenes to take control of the story's direction.

Some industry insiders even revealed that Chen Sicheng spent two years polishing the script for this project, and the adaptation plan was overturned three times. He also specially invited Cui Rui, a director who is good at female-themed works, hoping to make a comeback with the combination of "suspense + female dilemma".

Shanghai Film Group has high hopes for this film, after all, "Mozart in Outer Space" caused the company a lot of losses, and it urgently needs a film to recoup its losses.

They even declared that they would make "The Vanished" the "benchmark for suspense films in 2023".

However, viewers can't help but have some doubts: given the precedent of "Mozart", can they still trust the works produced by Chen Sicheng?

Those in the industry see it even more clearly.

Shanghai Film Group is trying to take another gamble by leveraging the foundation of the former Soviet Union's intellectual property and adding Chen Sicheng's expertise in "plot twists".

Whether it will be successful ultimately depends on the quality of the finished product, since in the film and television industry, the work itself always has to bear the consequences.

Besides "The Vanished Woman", other film projects such as "Saving the Suspect", "The Third Brigade", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Crossing the Angry Sea" have also attracted much attention, each with its own highlights.

"Saving Suspects" is a remake of the South Korean film "Seven Days" and is directed by Zhang Mo.

As Zhang Yimou's daughter, Zhang Mo has been constantly exploring the film and television industry, from assistant director of "Under the Hawthorn Tree" to independent director, and her style has gradually matured.

This time, she chose to cast Zhang Xiaofei and Li Hongqi in the leading roles, along with actors such as Kara Hui and Wang Ziyi, who possess both talent and popularity.

The production company behind the film is committed to creating a thrilling crime thriller, aiming to stand out from similar films.

"The Third Brigade" was also produced by Chen Sicheng, but the director was changed to Dai Mo.

Dai Mo previously demonstrated exceptional storytelling and atmosphere-building skills in the TV series "Hidden and Great," and his directorial debut, "The Third Brigade," has generated considerable anticipation.

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is a musical film directed and written by Le Xiao, with Zhang Miao serving as executive producer and producer.

Although musicals are a relatively niche genre in Chinese-language cinema, they do exist.

For example, the movie "La La Land," directed by Chen Fei and starring Liu Yifei, was a huge success in the industry!

Now, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" has been officially launched, and the team has promoted the theme of "being strong for parents" and wonderful song and dance scenes, which is quite attractive to the audience.

As for "Crossing the Angry Sea", it is another crime suspense work by Cao Baoping after "Li Mi's Conjecture".

Adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Lao Huang, the film was officially announced to star Zhou Xun and Huang Bo immediately after it was approved, raising audience expectations to the max!
The capital city, Pan-Asia Cinema.

The movie screen was scrolling with opening credits ads. Li Gengxi was scrolling through news about movie projects on his phone, his fingertips hovering over the cast lists of "The Vanished She" and "The Third Brigade," his tone filled with undisguised envy:

"Auntie? Look at these movies, the cast alone is enough to make me envious. When will I be able to get a decent movie script?"

She turned to look at Xu Jinglei, her eyes shining with anticipation: "I don't want to always play the little daughter in idol dramas anymore. I want to try the big screen, even if it's just a small role."

Just as Xu Jinglei was about to speak, the lights in the theater suddenly dimmed, and the opening credits of "In the Octagonal Cage" lit up on the screen.

The two exchanged a glance, temporarily set aside their conversation, and began watching the finished film.

Not long after the film started, Zhang Jingyi's character, Su Mu, immediately captured everyone's attention upon her appearance.

In the dilapidated little house, she clutched her younger brother Su Mu's medical report, her fingertips turning white from the pressure...

Faced with the coach's doubts, her voice was hoarse with stubbornness: "My brother can play, he will definitely be able to make it out of the mountains!"

Although there were no exaggerated crying scenes, the restraint in her eyes, her tenderness for her younger brother, and her resentment towards fate were all hidden in subtle expressions, revealing a sense of realism in every detail.

When Su Mu was ambushed and injured, she squatted down in the hospital corridor with her back to the camera, her shoulders trembling silently. Her tenacity, the kind that says "even if the sky falls, I will bear it myself," gradually brought sobs to the ears in the theater.

Li Gengxi stared intently, his eyes wide with disbelief, the popcorn in his hand almost deforming from his grip.

Zhang Jingyi is about the same age as her, yet she was able to portray such a weighty role so movingly; she seemed to radiate light on the big screen!
“Look at her eyes,” Li Gengxi whispered to Xu Jinglei, her voice filled with amazement, “She didn’t say anything, but it’s like she said everything.” Xu Jinglei didn’t speak, but simply patted the back of her hand.

In the latter half of the film, Su Mu's sister takes her injured brother to the training ground, and the setting sun casts long shadows of the two of them.

When Li Gengxi saw her softly say "I'm not suffering," but her lips turned down, he felt his heart clench.

At that moment, she suddenly realized that good characters don't need fancy lines, but rather the ability to make the audience breathe along with the character's fate.

When the lights came on after the show, Li Gengxi was still staring at the cast list on the screen.

Zhang Jingyi's name shone brightly in her eyes!
"She acted so well!" she murmured, her eyes filled with even more envy than before. "This kind of role, rooted in the soil, is the kind of role I want to play."

Xu Jinglei looked at her shining eyes and suddenly smiled: "If you want to act, then I'll give you a chance."

"what?"

Li Gengxi stared wide-eyed at Xu Jinglei, looking completely bewildered: "Auntie, what did you say? An opportunity?"

She was so busy admiring Zhang Jingyi that she didn't realize what those words meant at all.

Xu Jinglei smiled and leaned back in her chair, her voice light and cheerful: "Director Han Yan has a new project called 'Let's Shake the Sun Together,' which tells the story of two young people with serious illnesses chasing after the 'sunshine' together."

"I've read the script; it's very solid. The female lead is a girl who appears carefree on the outside but has a soft heart inside, which is quite similar to your personality."

"Director Han Yan?"

Li Gengxi sat up abruptly, his eyes lighting up instantly!
She immediately thought of Han Yan's "Go Away Mr. Tumor" and "A Little Red Flower," two films that so movingly captured the warmth amidst illness, works she had watched repeatedly.

"Is it...is it Han Yan, the one who directed 'Little Red Flower'?"

"Who else but him?" Xu Jinglei nodded and added, "This film is the final chapter of his 'Life Trilogy,' produced by Lianrui Pictures, and the cast is very reliable."

I've known the owner of Lianrui for many years. We were having dinner the other day and we talked about you. He said he was looking for a talented young actor, so I recommended you to him.

Li Gengxi's heart started racing, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice trembling slightly: "Can...can I really get this role? There must be a lot of people vying for Director Han Yan's film, right?"

She recalled her previous failed audition for a film project at Leap Motion Pictures, and her excitement was mixed with a bit of uncertainty.

"You're just like your mother in this respect; you get scared when it really matters."

Xu Jinglei reached out and ruffled her hair, her tone firm, "I've already had my assistant send you the script. Go back and think about it carefully."

I'll take you to see Han Yan next week. Don't worry, with me involved, I can at least get you an audition opportunity.

Whether you can win it or not depends on your own abilities, but I think you definitely can!

Upon hearing this, the confusion in Li Gengxi's eyes was replaced by excitement and anticipation. The corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up, but he was afraid of appearing too smug, so he pursed his lips. However, the undisguised joy still escaped from his eyes.

"Thank you, Auntie!" She hugged Xu Jinglei tightly, her voice slightly nasal. "I will definitely study the script carefully and I will not let you down!"

Xu Jinglei patted her back, and seeing the light rekindled in the child's eyes, she felt a sense of relief.

Opportunities in the film and television industry are never something you wait for. Since Li Gengxi has this intention, she, as an elder, naturally has to give her a push.

As for the outcome, at least let her try standing on that stage first.

"By the way, if all goes well, I can arrange for you to follow Zhou Dongyu's path."

"Zhou Dongyu's path?"

Li Gengxi was slightly taken aback, but quickly realized what was happening.

Zhou Dongyu rose to fame at a young age, making her debut with "Under the Hawthorn Tree". Later, she won the Golden Horse, Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Rooster Awards in succession with "Soul Mate" and "Better Days", becoming the youngest actress to win all three awards. She followed the path of "winning awards with art films and establishing herself with awards".

"Auntie, you mean... you're going to try your luck in the lottery?"

Li Gengxi's voice rose a little, and his eyes shone with disbelief.

She had previously acted in lighthearted idol dramas and never imagined that she would one day be associated with "awards".

Xu Jinglei nodded emphatically, her tone resolute: "Han Yan's films are best at uncovering the subtle acting skills of his actors. Bai Baihe in 'Go Away Mr. Tumor' and Liu Haocun in 'Little Red Flower' have both received nominations for their roles in his films."

The script for "Let's Shake the Sun Together" features a remarkably rich emotional depth in the female lead, from her initial feigned strength to her later openness. There's plenty of room for development, making it a strong contender for awards.

She paused, then turned to look at Li Gengxi: "I know a lot of judges at the Golden Rooster Awards. I'll take care of the film's post-production, submission to exhibitions, and roadshows. You just need to play your role well, and leave the rest to me."

Li Gengxi was deeply moved, and his palms were sweating.

She recalled Zhou Dongyu's composed and confident demeanor on the awards stage, and then she thought of Zhang Jingyi, whom she had just seen in the movie. Suddenly, she felt that the seemingly distant trophy seemed to have a slightly more tangible outline.

"Auntie, I...I will definitely act well!" She nodded vigorously, her eyes shining even brighter than when she saw the screen in the theater. "Don't worry, I won't let you down!"

Seeing her enthusiasm, Xu Jinglei smiled and said, "That's more like it. Let's go back and thoroughly understand the script. When you see Han Yan next week, show him what you're capable of."

The two walked out of the cinema side by side, the sun shining brightly outside.

At that moment, Li Gengxi suddenly felt that even the air was filled with a sweet anticipation.

Perhaps, her journey on the big screen is truly about to begin here!

……

In the afternoon, the audience ratings and film review data for "The Octagonal Cage" were released.

It has a Douban rating of 8.2 and audience reviews are generally positive.

"Congratulations to Bao Qiang on his successful transformation. 'The Octagonal Cage' shows his reflection on and vision of the grassroots, which is of great social significance."

"It's especially convincing for Wang Baoqiang to direct this story because it resonates with his own life experiences, such as the underdog's rise to success, where the only way out is to fight back with all your might!"

"I have to sincerely admire Wang Baoqiang's acting talent! In many scenes, he seemed to be possessed by Brother Shu, and he acted with the original actors without any sense of incongruity."

This time, the character has experienced countless changes and life experiences, which makes the overall performance of this character more layered.

After watching, I still want to say this: No matter how many years he's been famous, Baoqiang's inner purity has always remained unchanged!

Amidst numerous positive reviews, Wang Baoqiang has once again achieved success!
It grossed 7463 million yuan on its opening day, 2.6 million yuan over its opening weekend, and 5.86 million yuan in a week...

The fighting spirit of "Octagonal Cage" has become a smash hit during the Lunar New Year film season!

And right after that was the highly anticipated Avatar...

(End of this chapter)