Huayu: Director started with art films

Chapter 228 238 [A Bite of China 1994]

1994 1 Month 1 Day.

Another new year has arrived.

After many twists and turns, it has been three years since Lee Yi-su was reborn. He did not feel the same emotions as in the previous two years. Instead, he began to enjoy the fun that his rebirth brought him, because Lee Yi-su truly experienced the endless joy of being a director.

That night, Li Yishu and Gong Li went to the Beijing Film Academy and watched a New Year's Eve show.

On the stage, the six golden flowers of Beijing Film Academy performed a group dance together, with smiles on everyone's face, including Jia Jingwen.

Looking at the smiling Jia Jingwen on the stage, Li Yishu was filled with emotion. He had never experienced the feeling of completely changing a person's destiny before.

Until Jia Jingwen appeared, he was able to save the other party from a relatively tragic fate.

The day after attending Beijing Film Academy’s New Year’s Eve party.

Li Yishu also went to Jinan, Shandong with Gong Li to visit the "Gong Li Cultural Exhibition Center".

This cultural exhibition center, which was transformed from Jinan’s old railway station, officially opened to the public in September last year after about a year of layout and decoration.

No entrance fee is charged, and the large open space in front of the exhibition center is put to good use and provided for a fee to local self-employed individuals who set up stalls to sell clothes and snacks, gradually forming a small commercial district.

The two people, wearing hats and large masks, visited the small commercial area outside and then walked towards the Gong Li Cultural Exhibition Center.

Li Yishu asked, "Those stalls outside don't charge money, right?"

"We only charge cleaning fees and management fees, ten dollars a month."

Gong Li shook her head. "In fact, I didn't intend to make it like this at first. It was the city leaders who contacted me and said that the vacant space outside should not be wasted. There are more and more laid-off workers now, and the opening of this cultural exhibition center can at least attract some people. So they asked me if I could provide it to those laid-off workers."

"Are there many laid-off workers in Jinan now?" Li Yishu glanced back at the square. It was crowded with at least hundreds or even thousands of stalls, selling all kinds of things, including clothes, pants, and dried seafood...

"There should be quite a lot. I heard from my parents that several relatives in my family have been laid off."

At this point, Gong Li sighed and said, "Now our newspapers are promoting individual economy and encouraging laid-off workers to go out into society every day. I don't know what the future will be like."

"The pain of the market economy will gradually get better in the future."

Being in this great era again, Li Yishu feels that she can do something meaningful, such as recording the changes of the times?

"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. I'll take you to see your film exhibition."

Gong Li didn't want to talk about such a heavy topic, so she led Li Yishu to a film festival, where there were many JN citizens visiting.

A vertical sign reads "Lee Yi-su's Personal Film and Television Exhibition".

Looking at the big sign, Li Yishu felt a little embarrassed: "Isn't this a bit too ostentatious?"

"Haha, what's so ostentatious about this? You are the sponsor of this cultural exhibition center. Without you, this cultural exhibition center cannot be opened."

Gong Li pulled him in with a smile.

The place is not very big, but it is about 100 square meters and is divided into two sections; one is the works shot by Li Yishu, with posters of each movie, some related achievements and box office; the second section is some of the honors Li Yishu has won internationally and related photos.

"You're counting Love Letter, too?"

Li Yishu looked at Gong Li. This movie was not released in China. Only the videotape was circulated in a small range. Except for veteran movie fans, most people didn't know that Li Yishu had also made a Japanese film.

Gong Li nodded: "Well, this is your first movie that has grossed over 100 million US dollars worldwide, so it should be counted."

Hearing this, Li Yishu nodded without comment. She watched all the films she had made, from her first award-winning film, “The Mountain, the Man, the Dog” in 1991, to “Love Letter” released in Japan on Valentine’s Day in 1992, “Sword Rain” released at the end of 1992, “Farewell My Concubine” which participated in the Cannes Film Festival in 1993, and “The Sixth Sense” which grossed $4 million worldwide…

It can be seen that Gong Li put a lot of effort into this film festival, including various box office records, awards, etc., which were all specially marked. It can be regarded as a good promotion for Lee Yi-su's personal film festival.

Gong Li: "I guess there will be more movies directed by you this year, but I don't know how many awards you will win."

“I shouldn’t return empty-handed.”

Li Yishu smiled. He had three films participating in this year's three major European film festivals, and he was confident in the quality of his films. Even if he didn't win the grand prize, he would probably win the lesser director award or the grand jury award.

The two chatted as they walked, and soon they arrived at Gong Li's personal film exhibition. Her film exhibition was relatively shabby, but because she had starred in many movies, it was quite full, except for the few awards.

After all, director Lee Yi-su can win some minor awards, but it is not so easy for Gong Li.

Gong Li asked curiously, "Yishu, do you think I can win the Best Actress award in Berlin and Cannes this year?"

“It’s hard to say about Cannes, but there is still some hope for Berlin.”

The most outstanding character in "To Live" is Fugui, played by Ge You, who attracted more attention from the jury. Gong Li, who plays the heroine Jiazhen, certainly has no problem with her acting skills, but in terms of the number of shots and emotional levels, she is far inferior to Ge You's "Fugui".

Hearing this, Gong Li nodded thoughtfully. In "Central Station", she played the absolute leading female role, a true female-led movie, and the minor actors were just a foil. "To Live" was different, she became a foil.

Gong Li sighed: "I hope Berlin can win an award."

"It's not a big problem. I will ask Mr. Qiu to help me and ask him to do his best to promote your Best Actress Award."

Li Yishu thought about it and decided that winning a Best Director Award wouldn't be very meaningful when she knew she couldn't win the Golden Bear Award. She might as well give Gong Li a push and let her win the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress award.

After visiting the Gong Li Cultural Exhibition Center, the two drove back to the hotel.

On the way, Li Yishu also called her teacher Situ Zhaodun and talked to him about the documentary.

Situ Zhaodun supported Li Yishu's idea of ​​making a documentary about the changes of the times. He himself is the father of documentaries in China and has a special liking for documentaries. If his students want to make a documentary, he will definitely support it with all his strength.

However, he felt that Li Yishu's topic of recording the changes of the times was still a bit too heavy. Now the wave of layoffs has begun, and the number of reports in newspapers has begun to increase. If you don't want to broadcast it, it's fine, but if you want to broadcast it on TV, the negative emotions will be too great.

“How about recording it with food?”

The documentary "A Bite of China" which later caused a sensation across the country popped into Li Yishu's mind.

When he first watched this documentary, Li Yishu was attracted by the various delicacies from all over the country. But ten years later, what he watched was no longer the food, but the changes of the times.

From the first season aired in 2012 to the review before Li Yishu's rebirth in 2024, a cycle of 12 years, the documentary has witnessed the motherland's development to prosperity, and the people's changes from laziness to involution.

In 2012, the mainland was not so inward-looking yet. Ordinary people still woke up lazily in the morning, walked to the breakfast shop downstairs, ate slowly and unhurriedly, and young people also ate with relish.

12 years later, except for the elderly who are still not in a hurry, the young people who get up early have long lost the pleasure of enjoying morning food. Some of them just want to fill their stomachs as soon as possible and rush to work.

This change also happens to correspond to this era.

From the workers of state-owned enterprises who ate from the same pot to the self-employed who were laid off, the changes of the times are linked together by the delicacies of various regions. To describe it in one word, it is "seeing the big picture from the small details".

Food is essential for people's three meals a day. Through this ordinary thing as eating, we can see the magnificence of this era and the pain that accompanies it.

It is also most appropriate to shoot now, because there was a real wave of layoffs in 97-98, and tens of millions of people were laid off.

"Good! This is good!"

Situ Zhaodun was very excited: "Yishu, this is a good idea! When can you come back to Beijing Film Academy, we can discuss it in detail."

"Don't worry, teacher. I have something to do recently. I will write the plan later."

After chatting for a few words, Li Yishu hung up the phone and saw Gong Li with admiration on her face saying, "Yishu, I just realized that you are so talented. You use food to connect the changes of the times. You don't have to worry about the heavy topic of the documentary, and you can also let those who are interested discover the changes."

Li Yishu raised her eyebrows and said, "Sister Gong Li, what do you mean you just discovered it? I've always had it!"

Gong Li said with tenderness in her eyes: "Yes, yes, always."

The next day, Li Yishu flew to Hong Kong alone.

This time I came to Hong Kong mainly for the "Rumble in the Bronx" crew.

He has basically finished all the work on hand now. The editing of "The Reader" has been completed, and the post-production soundtrack is in progress. There is still more than half a year before participating in the Venice Film Festival, so there is no need to rush.

Lee Yi-su will go to the United States to attend the Golden Globe Awards in the middle of this month, and will go to the Berlin Film Festival at the end of February. He is still very busy, so he has to set up the crew first.

Art (Hong Kong) Film Company, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

In the conference room.

Zou Wenhuai and Cheng Long both came in person.

After Li Yishu shook hands with the two and sat down, he apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Zou, Mr. Cheng, I've been a bit busy lately and have delayed the work on Rumble in the Bronx."

"Haha, it's okay, Director Li."

Cheng Long said with a smile: "I have had quite a few movies on hand before, and now they are basically finished. I am just waiting for your "Rumble in the Bronx" Director Li."

"Yes, Mr. Li, there is no rush for Rumble in the Bronx." Zou Wenhuai said with a smile. Although he also wanted to enter the Hollywood market immediately, he also knew that too much is as bad as too little.

Seeing that both of them said so, Li Yishu smiled and asked someone to bring two lists: "As for the actors in the crew, I have already drawn up a list, you two can take a look."

Hearing this, Zou Wenhuai and Cheng Long took the list and started to look at it.

The male lead is Cheng Long, no doubt about that, the female lead is Anita Mui, the supporting actress is Li Jiaxin, the male supporting actor is Dong Biao...

Looking at this list, Zou Wenhuai does not see any point. These are all very famous artists in Hong Kong Island, and their acting skills are also fine. As for the supporting actress Li Jiaxin, she is purely a vase role, and it does not matter who is given the role.

Zou Wenhuai put the list down and said with a smile, "Director Li will make the arrangements."

"Yes, Director Li, you can arrange it." Cheng Long said this, but he felt a little regretful in his heart. He had previously taken a fancy to a Chinese-Canadian actress who participated in the Miss Hong Kong pageant two years ago. Although she did not get any ranking, her appearance and figure were amazing.

During this period, Cheng Long was still thinking about how to ask Li Yishu for the mixed-race female supporting role, but he didn't expect that the role had already been given to Li Jiaxin.

It seems that the gossip reported in Hong Kong some time ago was not groundless.

Last October, Li Jiaxin went to Taiwan and received a positive response from Li Yishu. She returned to Hong Kong and immediately revealed in an interview with reporters that she had a special relationship with Li Yishu. This time, Li Yishu was working with Cheng Long in a movie, and the other party had decided to use her.

After the news report, a whirlwind of gossip immediately swept through Hong Kong. However, Lee Yi-su was busy filming a movie at the time and declined any interviews. Over time, the scandal was naturally buried by other gossip.

"As for the crew and action director, I'll trouble Mr. Cheng."

Li Yishu looked at Cheng Long. His movements were too stylish. It would be better to ask the Cheng family team directly than to find other action directors.

Cheng Long showed his signature smile: "No problem, Director Li, the Cheng family team is always on standby."

Next, Li Yishu talked with Zou Wenhuai and Cheng Long about the filming plan. The filming will start in Los Angeles in March and then move to Canada.

Because the prices in Canada are cheaper, and relatively speaking there are not as many restrictions as in the United States.

There are many big scenes in the movie, such as driving a hovercraft on the road. Li Yishu has always remembered this scene very clearly.

If you want to shoot this scene in the United States, it would cost several million dollars, not to mention that it also incorporates the scene of Tom Cruise hijacking a plane in the "Mission Impossible" series.

After hearing some of Li Yishu's arrangements, Zou Wenhuai nodded and said, "I am quite familiar with Canada. These are not a problem. I will arrange them when the time comes."

"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Zou." Li Yishu smiled slightly. There are many benefits to working with Zou Wenhuai. At least he has been in the film industry for decades and has connections in many countries around the world.

Cheng Long couldn't help but sighed: "Director Li, this is really a big scene. You asked me to steal a plane and drive an air cushion on the main road to collide with a car. It's not easy."

"Haha, these shots shouldn't be a problem for you, Cheng Sheng, right?"

After getting to know each other, Li Yishu also started to call him Mr. Cheng. After all, they would continue to work together for a while, and he couldn't always call him Mr. Cheng.

"no problem!"

Cheng Long vowed: "I have nothing but courage and fearlessness. Once these two scenes are released, I believe our movie will be enough to shock the whole of America!"

"Definitely no problem." Li Yishu smiled. His collaboration with Jackie Chan this time could be seen as a side-step to open up the market for his Hollywood action movies.

"The Sixth Sense" is more literary and artistic, and the investment cost is not that high. The production cost is only 20 million US dollars. It was successfully filmed thanks to the full support of Hisao Morishima.

In the next few years, Lee Yi-su's work focus will shift towards Hollywood. If he wants to stop making art films, he naturally has to prove his directing ability in other fields first.

"Rumble in the Bronx" is very good. Jackie Chan's personal ability is unquestionable. Coupled with the wonderful action, including some thrilling chase scenes, as long as the box office in the United States can reach 5000 million US dollars, Li Yishu will basically have successfully transformed in Hollywood.

After all, the real commercial blockbusters in Hollywood are nothing more than action, science fiction, thriller, adventure, etc.

If a Chinese action movie can make 5000 million U.S. dollars in the United States, then a pure English movie is likely to make even more.

We chatted for over an hour.

Only then did Li Yishu stand up and see Zou Wenhuai and Cheng Long off.

After they left, Li Yishu took out her cell phone and called Zhao Wenzhuo.

"Hey, Wen Zhuo, the female lead has been finalized. Tell Miss Mei that someone will come over to sign the contract with her tomorrow and hand her the script."

　I just want a wave of monthly tickets at the beginning of the month. Dear readers, Xiao Wang is begging for them!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)