Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 589 Who doesn't like new technology?
The film was released almost simultaneously across Asia.

Hong Kong, a man with deep-set eyes and a high forehead, who looked like an unfathomable master from a mythological novel, had just come out of the movie theater. He lit a cigarette and headed back to Cinema City.

This "old man" is none other than Tsui Hark, born in Vietnam with ancestral roots in Haifeng and Lufeng. He later left behind countless classics in Hong Kong cinema, such as "A Chinese Ghost Story," the "Aces Go Places" series, and "The Legend of Zu." He also produced many top-tier films, making him a director who achieved both box office and critical success.

—Except for "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero".

Strictly speaking, Tsui Hark's adaptation of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer was also a complete mess. Jin Yong himself was extremely annoyed by the film. After all, adaptation is not random rewriting, and fiction is not nonsense, but Tsui Hark was just making things up.

However, the film "Swordsman" features the heroic Brigitte Lin, who perfectly matches the image of Dongfang Bubai in people's minds. At that time, Jet Li was also in his prime, with a handsome appearance and excellent skills. With the addition of actress Michelle Reis, who is known for her beauty, the film was naturally well-received.

Xu Ke returned to Cinema City, still pondering the movie he had just watched.

The action choreography was secondary, and even the overseas filming locations didn't matter much. No matter how beautiful Sophie Marceau was, she couldn't compare to Old Wang in Tsui Hark's eyes. What Tsui Hark cared about was something else entirely: the final battle sequence in the film.

The technology that could capture even the trajectory of a punch so clearly, almost like something out of a comic book, was what amazed Xu Ke the most.

Upon returning, Xu Ke immediately went into the equipment room, carried out the camera, and began to study it repeatedly. His fingers unconsciously scratched the tripod, his mind still replaying the final shot.

It wasn't until someone called him that Xu Ke came to his senses and looked up at Wu Yusen by the door.

At that time, John Woo had only recently joined Cinema City and hadn't yet achieved much. Of course, the two are still friends, and there was no falling out as later rumored.

Wu Yusen needs no introduction. His character and past have been thoroughly exposed. He was accused of wasting money from mainland Chinese investors and stating in an interview that mainland actors can only play supporting roles, and that he wants to use mainlanders' money to promote our actors.

Later, they filmed a movie called "The Crossing," about a large ship that crashed into the sea, and then they disappeared without a trace.

However, Wu Yusen's works were extremely popular in the 1980s and 90s.

Despite being a struggling director at the moment.

Xu Ke casually greeted him, saying, "Yu Sen, I just went to see Jackie Chan's movie."

Xu Ke revealed his true feelings: "It's different from my previous works."

He scratched the tripod, searching for words for a while before continuing, "Actually, the action design and various action scenes are no different from the past. Jackie Chan is indeed skilled. This movie also incorporates car stunts and integrates a lot of modern fashion elements, which is definitely a big breakthrough for Jackie Chan. The initial hype is also high enough, so the box office won't be too bad."

John Woo nodded, knowing that Tsui Hark definitely had something to say, and then asked, "How does it compare to 'Aces Go Places'?"

“They’re about the same!” Tsui Hark said with considerable pride. “If it’s just at this level, the box office and reviews won’t be much worse than Aces Go Places. Even if there’s a difference, it’ll only be a few hundred thousand or a few million. But there’s one thing! There’s a shot at the end of Wheels on Meals.”

Xu Ke scratched his head, turning it over and over, but he just couldn't figure out how to depict the effect of bullet time. In the end, he simply gave up and filmed the camera.

"I can't explain it clearly. Let's go see it again, and you'll understand!"

The two went into the movie theater, and when they came out, Wu Yusen was even more excited than Xu Ke, to the point that he almost went berserk.

There's not much to say about the movie; it's entertaining and exciting enough, well worth the ticket price.

However, Wu Yusen is just like Xu Ke.

What he cares about is that last shot!
This is what punching and wielding a knife look like. So, what about firing a gun? What does firing a gun look like?
He couldn't even imagine what it would look like when the bullet trajectory appeared on the camera.

Almost instantly, he could picture a scene.

White doves, a church, dual pistols, slow motion, two people facing off and spinning, the bullet leaving its trajectory the moment it leaves the barrel...

So beautiful, family members! Isn't this the White Dove movie?!

"The new 'Aces Go Places' movie is coming out next year." John Woo lit a cigarette with Tsui Hark, both looking wistful. This time, they really didn't understand it!
……

……

The most excited party was undoubtedly Golden Harvest, which participated in the film's production and contributed a portion of its investment.

When the film's box office surpassed ten million Hong Kong dollars, Golden Harvest immediately sent letters inviting all parties to participate in the celebration.

No matter how you look at it, it's enough for Golden Harvest to finally have something to be proud of.

Since the rise of Cinema City and its soaring box office, established film companies have felt like they've been overwhelmed. They never expected to find a chance to finally get their revenge.

Cheng Long, holding a wine glass, socialized with everyone, truly becoming the center of attention.

Having finally found some free time, Cheng Long stood obediently in front of He Guanchang.

"Father."

Ho Koon-cheung, however, was generous with his praise, telling Jackie Chan point by point: "This movie is doing well. Based on the current box office trend, it will gross at least 20 million locally. It's a pity that we don't have the overseas distribution and rights, otherwise..."

Ho Koon-cheung paused for a moment, deciding to leave the topic aside for the time being, and simply praised Jackie Chan: "Well done."

Jackie Chan didn't say anything, but just gave a signature smile.

Of course it's good! He knows it's good too.

Ho Koon-cheung tapped the table, pondered for a moment, and then asked Jackie Chan, "Is it possible that you two will make a few more movies in the future?"

"It's hard to say. Everyone has their own plans, and it's not like you can just start filming whenever you want."

Cheng Long looked somewhat troubled.

He admitted that the film was well made and the box office performance was quite promising, but Jackie Chan was somewhat unwilling to accept a long-term collaboration.

These are all actors of a certain caliber. Occasional collaborations are fine, but long-term collaborations inevitably raise the question of how to distribute profits. Who should be the main focus of promotion? Who should be listed first and who should be second lead in all promotional materials and posters? If they are all first lead, then allocating screen time becomes quite difficult!
If anything goes wrong, both sides will become dissatisfied.

This collaboration was essentially repaying a favor, and since I had promised it long ago, it was certainly possible. Furthermore, the film's content was fairly balanced; after cutting Sammo Hung's scenes from the original, the screen time for both actors was fairly even, and they each had their own highlights, making it acceptable.

Even so, during the promotion, Jackie Chan was the main focus in Hong Kong, while Gu Ming was the main focus in Japan. Even in the final battle, the two of them fought together, just to avoid the situation where one overshadowed the other.

Now, when Ho Koon-cheung talks about future collaborations, Cheng Lung is finding it somewhat difficult.

"Forget it." Ho Koon-cheung sighed, knowing that such a thing was not very feasible: "It would be good to cooperate once in a while."

He flipped his wrist and picked up an envelope from the table, handing it to Cheng Long.

The film sold well, and Hong Kong didn't spend much money, so of course they should give Jackie Chan a red envelope!
"Thank you, Godfather!" Cheng Long had already estimated the quantity by holding it in his hand, and then asked, "What about Japan..."

"Don't worry, rules are rules. I'll have someone send a check over there."

Ho Koon-cheung waved his hand casually.

When it comes to doing big things, money isn't an issue, and he wouldn't bother worrying about such a small amount.

(End of this chapter)