Full-time actor

Several members of the 64th Venice Film Festival jury were invited, so the screening of "Better Days" can be described as a grand event.

Of course, all this reflects that Chen Yu has already gained great reputation internationally.

"I don't need to introduce these two to you, right?"

Zhang Yimou suddenly spoke, and Chen Yu had actually noticed the two people behind him a long time ago.

Last year, Lü Yue wrote and directed the romantic film "Thirteen Paulownia Trees", which won the Special Award in the Competition Unit of the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Before that, he had won numerous Best Photography awards, and he had created countless masterpieces in later generations.

As for the other one, it is Gong Li!

Emperor Gong!

She is also an old friend of Zhang Yimou's. The two resumed their relationship when they were filming "Curse of the Golden Flower" last year. Now she happened to return to China. She is also considered the most successful actor who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, so she was also invited!

"Senior sister!"

Chen Yu and Liu Yifei immediately stepped forward and greeted the two men.

Gong Huang's current achievements are incomparable to the past. Apart from her identity as Zhang Yimou's ex-girlfriend, she has already become one of the top actresses.

In addition, Chen Yu’s first Best Actor award was presented by her.

So the two people are still very familiar with each other.

"Brother Yu, I heard that this is your debut work, and you wrote, directed, and starred in it yourself?"

Gong Li has been working in the entertainment industry for many years, and even though she is a bit reserved, one can still feel her aura.

However, given Chen Yu's current status, even Zhang Yimou, who had brought Gong Li to prominence, would probably have to avoid him.

But the attitude still needs to be correct.

"This is my first attempt, so I have to let you senior sisters take a look..."

Chen Yu nodded slightly, followed by a burst of words of praise.

The current situation is quite favorable for Chen Yu.

Although European filmmakers are the backbone of the jury, Zhang Yimou, as a relatively strong presence on the jury, can ensure that "Better Days" has sufficient exposure.

Besides, Mark Muller has a close relationship with him, so the chairman of the organizing committee naturally has the final say.

In other words, Lao Ma will definitely take extra care of him, after all, this guy has money and really works hard.

"please."

Chen Yu made a gesture, and then everyone present entered the venue in a mighty manner.

Led by Mark Mueller and Zhang Yimou.

Together with Lü Yue, Gong Li and several foreign directors, they form the professional jury for the film screening.

Dean and professor of the Central Academy of Drama.

Chen Yu, Liu Yifei, Diao Yinan and representatives from Yu Xin Films served as members of the film viewing party.

Everyone present took their seats together.

To be precise, after watching it this time, you can probably evaluate the value of the movie "Better Days".

In addition to canvassing votes from the jury, the box office after the movie is released also dominates.

At present, every possible means is used.

Chen Yu is not concerned about the box office, and only winning an award will make his efforts worthwhile.

So far——

The movie screening officially begins!
Mark Mueller and Zhang Yimou sat together, with Chen Yu and Liu Yifei sitting beside them.

The other directors were sitting around.

As for the school leaders of the Central Academy of Drama, they sat in a row. Although they were a bit far away, they were given special treatment during this special period.

The surroundings became dark, interrupting the conversation between the few people.

When I looked up, I heard the sound of chalk hitting the blackboard on the big screen.

The intermittent friction struck everyone's heart, and the screen lit up.

“Does anyone know the difference between was and used to be?”

"Which classmate knows?"

Liu Yifei's bright face appeared in the picture, causing several foreign directors present to marvel at her beauty.

This telephoto lens works great.

People are photographed to look particularly pure, with a kind of beauty that seems untainted by the mud.

My vision began to blur and I heard a child's tender voice.

“Was” means in the past.

Liu Yifei nodded.

"In fact, both of them mean once upon a time, but the difference is that if you use used to be, it will give people a feeling of losing paradise."

"Let's read it together then."

The camera zooms out and shows a classroom where children are reading along attentively.

But the girl kept her head down and kept fiddling with the corners of her clothes with her hands.

Liu Yifei's voice sounded at the right time.

This used to be our playground.

This was our playground.

The sound of reading aloud echoed in my ears and finally stopped on Liu Yifei's stunning face.

The lens became increasingly blurry.

In the next scene, Chen Yu's injured face appeared in front of everyone. The moment he looked at Liu Yifei, the smile on his face turned bitter.

The contrast in this scene is very powerful.

This is also the first shot in which Chen Yu appears, looking very haggard.

Just one look at it makes one feel as if their heart has fallen into an icy cave.

This is our playground——

The picture suddenly went black, followed by the sound of dripping rain and the sound of people running in unison.

……

Just from this opening scene, everyone's expectations have been aroused.

A pure teacher who seems to be reborn from the ashes, and a scarred, handsome male protagonist.

"One two one."

"Over 600, get into a prestigious school, and realize your dream."

"Don't give up, don't give up, stay calm."

Combining the name of the movie, everyone can naturally guess that this is a movie about teenagers.

As for what will happen next, there is no way of knowing.

"Ahhh-"

The sound on the screen suddenly became noisy, accompanied by the clear and melodious voice of English listening.

Liu Yifei was sitting in her seat, but the classmates around her were running out one by one.

Her expression suddenly became solemn, and her body felt weak for no apparent reason.

When I was running out quickly behind my classmates, my feet went weak and I was in a trance for a moment.

Until she stood in the corridor and looked down...

"No way? Did he really jump? Is the pressure so great?"

"Who knows? We were in class just now... and we heard a bang."

Liu Yifei ran downstairs quickly, and there were many people watching the fun.

The camera flash was so bright that it hurt my eyes.

He walked over step by step, and at this time Liu Yifei could no longer hear any sound.

Tears slid down her pretty face and fell to the ground with a thud.

This is a close-up shot of Liu Yifei.

She looked extremely young in her school uniform, much more immature and helpless than when she first appeared.

But at this moment, there was more confusion, puzzlement, panic, but also tenacity in her eyes.

Compared with her performance in "Escape Plan", Liu Yifei's transitions in emotions and eye expressions in these shots can be said to be effortless.

My acting skills have improved.

It has obviously increased.

This shot made several foreign directors present praise it again and again. It seems that Liu Yifei is trying very hard to get rid of her identity as a vase.

Chen Yu held Liu Yifei's hand tightly, and when he looked over, the latter had a proud look on her face.

With just one shot, Liu Yifei's image in the movie was perfectly created.

Everyone was still immersed in the little girl who had just spoken in a coquettish voice and acted coquettishly to Chen Yu. After all, she was not very old.

But the performance in just two minutes can be called a complete transformation.

Zhang Yimou recognized Chen Yu's acting skills, but he was also a little worried about his work before coming.

But just with this close-up shot, Chen Yu's ability has surpassed that of ordinary directors.

Gong Li thinks so too.

One thing is undeniable, Chen Yu is the person who understands Liu Yifei best.

He knew all her charms, and she looked stunningly beautiful in just a few shots.

The camera has feelings, and people who love you will take beautiful photos of you.

Snapped!
The camera clicked and the picture froze on Liu Yifei's gaze looking up.

A cell phone was quietly put away.

What sounded in my ears was the intermittent sound of sirens...

The screen went black again, and one could even hear rustling sounds around. Several directors had to change their opinions of Liu Yifei.

When she first participated in "Escape Plan", most people did not have a good impression of Liu Yifei. After all, they all thought that she relied on Chen Yu.

But the current level is indeed a bit disappointing.

"How am I doing?"

I heard Liu Yifei's whispers in my ears. She always doubted her own abilities on weekdays, so naturally she had to satisfy herself in the current situation.

"You did a good job. I'll reward you when I get home."

The voices were kept extremely low, and coupled with the noise coming from the speakers, everyone could only hear the two people whispering but could not know the content of the conversation.

Liu Yifei stretched out her hand and pinched Chen Yu's waist. How dare he talk nonsense in front of so many people?

Mark Muller turned his head to look at the two of them from time to time, smiling, and it was obvious that he was very satisfied with this golden boy and girl.

There was a sound of electricity passing by.

The scene appeared in a narrow room. A faint light was already appearing outside the white curtains, and Liu Yifei's silhouette was reflected in everyone's sight.

The whole person seemed a little exhausted.

Jingle Bell--

The alarm clock rang, and its urgency made my heart beat faster.

"Better Days" has also officially kicked off.

"Who is Chen Nian in your class?"

The sudden voice interrupted the self-study of the repeat class and also stopped the thoughts of Chen Nian, played by Liu Yifei.

"Don't be nervous, we're just asking a few routine questions."

"Did the deceased Hu Xiaodie say anything to you on the day she passed away?"

The camera was completely focused on the police officer and school leaders who were asking questions, so that everyone could only see Chen Nian's back.

She huddled in her seat, facing the questioning with an extremely calm tone.

"No, she didn't tell me anything."

This part can be said to be a work of magic, and we can't see Liu Yifei's expression.

One can only judge her mood from her tone.

Mark Muller was a little curious. After all, Chen Yu had never appeared so far except for the very first shot.

To be precise, they in Europe and America are very concerned about the division of protagonists.

As a protagonist, there is only one shot for a ten-minute plot. If it were anyone else, it would definitely be unacceptable.

However, the editing techniques and the effects presented in this movie are so impressive that they cannot be ignored.

This is bound to win awards.

slam-la-

The rain kept brushing the ground, mixed with mud and sticking to Chen Nian's soles.

"Hit my brother—"

"Hit me again!"

The sound of fighting in his ears made Chen Nian look curiously.

Liu Yifei interpreted this role very well, and her tension when facing unknown situations was perfectly presented to everyone.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard hurried footsteps running towards Chen Nian's location.

The noise behind her made her panic and want to take out her phone...

The scene changes.

Chen Yu, with blood all over his face, was like a dying fish, struggling to get up from the ground.

There was a creaking sound from his bones, as if foreshadowing that his body was on the verge of breaking.

The pain in his body made his breathing become heavier, and his entire face was covered with bruises.

This is the character he played, Xiaobei.

This image.

Hao Rong raised his eyes to look at Chen Yu who was sitting in the front seat. As the dean of the Central Academy of Drama, he could tell whether the injury was real or fake at a glance.

"Are you really going to fight, kid?"

Zhang Yimou glanced at Chen Yu. The older generation emphasized authenticity when acting, but most people in the entertainment industry nowadays are spoiled and have to find a stand-in when acting.

Even though they are injured, most of them have layer after layer of makeup on their faces.

"The punches and slaps must be real, and the injuries on the body must not be fake."

"It's filming."

The several foreign directors present had already been attracted by the plot and were truly oblivious to what was happening outside.

Lu Yue gave a thumbs up. He saw a tenacity in Chen Yu. This kind of indomitable character is exactly what the entertainment industry needs today.

Ding Ruru felt like she was covered in goose bumps.

Chen Yu’s fighting scenes are so realistic, and the effect of his entire face is even more shocking.

As the school leader of the Central Academy of Drama, she has witnessed the path Chen Yu has taken.

"It seems that this girl likes this crazy dog."

"Do you think he's good-looking? Do you want to help him?"

A gangster grabbed Chen Nian and laughed with a ferocious look on his face.

Xiaobei was like a shrimp with its thread picked out, as another gangster grabbed his long hair and lifted him up forcefully.

"Reward her by giving this mad dog a kiss~"

The two gangsters pressed their heads together forcefully. The whole scene was mixed with scarlet blood, which continuously shocked everyone's eyes.

Whoosh whoosh.

Xiaobei's breathing became heavier and heavier, and his swollen eyes had narrowed into a line.

But he stubbornly pushed forward.

"Oh shit."

The gangster in front of him kicked Xiaobei directly in the face.

"I asked you to kiss him, but I guess you don't want him to live, do you?"

Xiaobei's face was kicked to the side and blood kept flowing out of his mouth.

Paul Verhoeven is best at violent scenes, and the rhythm control and narrative skills of the works he directed are top-notch.

but--

Chen Yu's "Better Days" seemed to present another dark side to him, which made him so excited that he wanted to scream.

This shooting technique can simply be described as cruel.

I had seen Chen Yu's works before, and the action of flying down the building became his nightmare that day.

But it was such an existence that brought him into a more splendid atmosphere.

***
The camera turned.

Tang Yan appeared in the sight, looking expressionlessly at Liu Yifei who fell down the stairs.

That look was extremely calm.

But when you look over, you can notice the coldness in his eyes. Wei Lai, played by Tang Yan, is a born bad guy.

"I'm afraid of ghosts."

She had a hypocritical smile on her face, but when the photo was taken, it made several school leaders feel a little creepy.

Everyone knows Tang Yan's image. She is a sweet and lovely girl next door, but she plays a villain, which makes people marvel.

As for this angle——

It also made all the directors give Chen Yu a thumbs up.

All directors have a common problem: when filming violence, they tend to focus the camera on the victim.

Chen Yu can be said to have opened up this path, pointing the camera at the perpetrators, allowing people to feel that creepy fear.

"Then it's settled."

"You protect the world, and I protect you."

Xiaobei's hoarse voice sounded, and the sky gradually darkened.

Sirens blared through the sky.

Xiaobei was pinned to the ground. A police officer nearby quickly ran over and put clothes on Chen Nian.

The tears in her eyes had already blurred Chen Nian's vision. She sat there blankly. She was clearly in pain inside, but she still had to pretend to be a victim.

As for Xiao Bei, he stared straight at Chen Nian.

Then the corners of his mouth turned up, leaving her with a reluctant smile.

This scene directly brought several directors into this plot.

Xiao Bei will always silently protect Chen Nian and drive away those who bully her.

So after Chen Nian accidentally killed Wei Lai, in order to protect her, he carefully planned a plan to take the blame.

I have to say, the eye contact between the two people in this scene is very touching.

The entire scene was shot in one take, which required even more emotional changes on their part.

As for the last scene, the relieved smile on Xiaobei's face made people feel a little distressed.

This scene touched everyone.

It was obvious that Xiaobei had fulfilled the agreement between him and Chen Nian.

The whole work has no drag at all, and is closely linked throughout, especially the scenes between the male and female protagonists, which make people's hearts ache just by watching them.

The camera became blurry again, and the chirping of cicadas and birds began to be heard all around.

A page for checking college entrance examination results appeared on the screen.

632 points! (End of chapter)