Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 522 The Script Controversy of "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China" (One Update Today)
Inside the General Political Department's meeting room, apart from Liu Yimin's eloquent speech, the only other sounds were the scratching of pens by the other people.

"From the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army to that magnificent declaration on the city wall of Chang'an, every single event that happened could be made into a movie. But when focusing on the major historical event of the founding of the People's Republic of China, careful selection is necessary."

The so-called "seeing the macro in the micro, and the micro in the macro" is what I think. When describing historical events, I often start with the daily lives of the elderly, and of course, also describe the daily life of the bald man, focusing on the two of them to show the process of this historical power struggle.

As we all know, after the three major battles, the two sides engaged in a game of strategy not only on the battlefield but also in negotiations.

Furthermore, from Xibaipo to Beiping, we were undergoing a top-down ideological transformation not only externally but also internally—a transformation from conquering the world to governing it.

The old man jokingly compared it to going to the capital for the imperial examination, which contained a profound reflection on how to break free from the cycle of historical rise and fall.

In 1945, Huang Yanpei arrived in Yan'an and had a famous conversation with the old man in a cave dwelling, known as the "Cave Dwelling Dialogue," on how to break free from the cyclical pattern of historical rise and fall.

While some were contemplating how to govern the country, others were thinking about how to resist the powerful liberation offensive.

After Li Zongren stepped down, he simultaneously pursued peace talks and prepared for war. Ultimately, the peace talks failed, and he issued the most powerful statement of the era: "A million-strong army will cross the Yangtze River immediately."

The supposedly impregnable Yangtze River defense line collapsed at the first touch, and the speed of the collapse was astonishing.

Bald Man used a feigned retreat to subdue the Guangxi clique, then declared, "My neighbor is incompetent; it seems I must take up arms," ​​thus driving Li Zongren out of power.

After Liu Yimin finished explaining his ideas, someone immediately raised an objection.

“Comrade Yimin, I object to your writing style. Bald Head is an evil FD leader, an executioner. Your writing adds too much of his everyday life, making his image three-dimensional and multifaceted.” The screenwriter in the military immediately raised his hand in opposition.

Then the others also raised objections, arguing that writing it this way would easily diminish the seriousness of the discourse and the arduousness of the War of Liberation.

Hearing the growing dissenting voices, Xu Huaizhong, the head of the General Political Department's Cultural Department, quickly waved his hand and said, "Comrades, comrades, we are having a discussion. Comrade Liu Yimin has the right to speak, and you all have the right to speak, but please remain calm and composed."

"I think this is a very unique shooting perspective, one we've never used before. The balance of power between the two sides is shifting, and their mindsets are certainly changing as well."

The old man's majestic spirit and broad-mindedness further highlighted our victory, contrasting sharply with the bald man's hasty retreat south. Liu Peiran pondered for a moment, then raised his hand in support of Liu Yimin's writing style.

Liu Yimin was going to write the script for the movie "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China". Compared with "The Founding of a Republic", it focused on the depiction of characters driving history, showing the family life of the old man and the bald man, the game between the two sides and their psychological changes, and finally the founding of the country.

The timeline of "The Founding of a Republic" spans from the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan to the founding of the People's Republic of China, with a greater emphasis on the united front in the later period. Democratic figures from all walks of life try every means to come to Yenching to discuss national affairs. The overall picture is more macroscopic, showcasing the importance of various democratic forces.

"The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China" is a classic film that pioneered the approach of filming this type of movie from a slice-of-life perspective. The film uses many humorous lines to tease the bald man.

For example, the bald man's grandson, Allen, performed a high-octane stunt right in front of the bald man, reciting the poem written by Li Yu, the last ruler of the Southern Tang dynasty, after his surrender to the Song dynasty: "For forty years, my home and country, three thousand miles of mountains and rivers."

There's also the self-deprecating remark made by the bald man while inspecting the Yangtze River defense line and playing cards with his subordinates: "You're no good at cards, and I'm no good at fighting!"

Many classic scenes in "The Great Battle - Three Major Campaigns," which was filmed in the 90s at a cost of tens of millions of yuan, are a continuation of this filming style.

Because of this style, the movie "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China" almost couldn't be released. After watching it, the Chinese leader was very satisfied and immediately approved its release.

Wang Yang also spoke up for Liu Yimin, saying that Liu Yimin's idea for filming was very innovative: "No matter what, Comrade Liu Yimin's idea is at least not bound by convention, but constantly creating new angles and innovative writing methods."

Comrade Yimin's screenplays have received widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally; his film "Redemption of a Slave" grossed over 100 million US dollars—that's proof enough.

Only after Wang Yang and Liu Peiran spoke did the situation come under control. However, the group's views remained unchanged, and they retained their opposition.

Seeing the huge controversy, Xu Huaizhong didn't know what to do. He whispered a few words to Chen Bo, the director of the Film Bureau, who was standing next to him. Chen Bo frowned and couldn't make up his mind.

The two exchanged a glance, and Xu Huaizhong said again, "I think Comrade Yimin is right. Since the reform and opening up, literary and artistic works have been exploring new ideas, and revolutionary-themed films should also be expanded."

“That being said, it would be fine if it were a regular film, but this is a commemorative film. What if it has a political impact?” Chen Bo said in a low voice.

After scanning the entire room, Liu Yimin said again, "Comrades, I understand your concerns. But I believe that innovation in film content is imperative. We must make revolutionary-themed films exciting and appealing to audiences."

Why do people like watching "The Battle of Taierzhuang"? Because it's realistic and vivid. When the script for this film was first written, some people felt it went too far.

But audiences at home and abroad voted with their own hands and with their own money. Moreover, this film played an unexpected role in cross-strait exchanges.

Comrades, let's shed our burdens and move forward lightly. Sticking to old ways will only lead to our audience abandoning us. What is propaganda? The effectiveness of propaganda lies with the audience, not with you all. If you think it's good, the audience must also think it's good.

What's the point of us talking to ourselves if the audience doesn't like it?

After the resounding words were spoken, the atmosphere in the conference room became heavy.

Seeing that neither leader could make a decision, Liu Peiran mustered his courage and said, "How about this, our August First Film Studio will pay for it, and we'll film it ourselves? If the leaders think it's not okay, the film can be shelved. If they think it's okay, we can then label it as 'Celebrating the 40th Anniversary'."

Upon hearing Liu Peiran's words, Wang Yang quickly replied, "Our Beijing Film Studio can do that too."

Xu Huaizhong thought Liu Peiran's move was truly ingenious and thoughtful: "In that case, Comrade Yimin, after the script is finished, let's take a look at it again and hand it over to the August First Film Studio for filming. What do you think?"

Liu Yimin understood their concerns: "Okay, I have no problem with that."

"Director Chen, our Beijing Film Studio can do it too!" Wang Yang said eagerly.

Chen Bo acted as if he hadn't heard, and looked at Liu Yimin, saying, "Then let's leave it to the August First Film Studio!"

Wang Yang sighed. He realized he had spoken too slowly. Everyone remembers the first place, but who remembers the second?

“However, Comrade Yimin, once the script is finished, we need to review it again,” Chen Bo said once more.

"it is good!"

Since nothing was confirmed, the discussion in the meeting room continued, but Liu Yimin did not participate in the subsequent discussion.

After Liu Peiran escorted Liu Yimin back to the courtyard house at noon, he returned to the General Political Department compound to continue attending the afternoon meeting.

“Yimin, I believe this film will be a success. There are so many screenwriters chattering away in the meeting room, let’s just wait and see. Sometimes the truth is in the hands of a minority,” Liu Peiran said with a relaxed expression.

"Manor Manager Liu, thank you very much."

"You're welcome. After you finish filming, let those people see who the screenwriter the people like is!" Liu Peiran patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and got back into the jeep.

"Teacher Liu, what's wrong?" Zhu Lin asked, watching Liu Peiran leave.

Liu Yimin smiled and put his arm around Zhu Lin's waist: "It's nothing, let's go back and eat. I haven't eaten yet."

In the courtyard, Zhu Lin and the others had already finished lunch. Xi Mei hurriedly ran to the kitchen and cooked another bowl of noodles for Liu Yimin.

Yang Xiuyun peeled two cloves of garlic for Liu Yimin: "Yimin, I'm planning to go back to my hometown the day after tomorrow. Your dad can't manage all the work by himself at home."

“Okay, Mom, I’ll buy you a ticket at the train station in a bit. Actually, if you don’t want to leave, I can have Dad get some money to hire a few people to help with the harvest,” Liu Yimin couldn’t help but say.

Yang Xiuyun patted Liu Yu's head and said reluctantly, "I should go back. Anyway, there's not much time left until the New Year. We've harvested corn, dug up sweet potatoes, and plowed the fields to plant wheat. We're busy!"

"Where is Grandma going?" Liu Yu asked, looking up at her.

Yang Xiuyun said kindly, "Grandma is going back to her hometown."

“Grandma, I’m going back too.” Liu Yu grabbed Yang Xiuyun’s arm.

Yang Xiuyun smiled, said nothing, and gently patted Liu Yu's bottom while holding her in her arms. That afternoon, Liu Yimin bought a sleeper ticket at Yanjing Railway Station, and then went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to watch the final rehearsal of "The Overseas Chinese's Son".

The film opens with a chaotic street scene, where a newspaper boy waves newspapers and shouts news of the Japanese invasion of China, the gradual loss of territory, and the blockade of the coastline.

Overseas Chinese in Malaysia eagerly read the newspapers, vehemently condemning the Japanese for their shamelessness and ineffective resistance.

Then another newsboy came running from the other side, waving a copy of the *Nanyang Business Daily*, shouting: "Our nation is in peril, our people are in danger, and the Japanese invaders want to destroy our people and our race. At this critical moment when our nation is on the verge of extinction, the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Association issues a recruitment notice:"

Our association has just received a telegram from the motherland requesting the recruitment of automotive mechanics and drivers to return to China to serve. Any overseas Chinese with such skills who are willing to return to China to fulfill their civic duty may contact the local Overseas Chinese Fundraising Association or its branches.
This matter concerns the great cause of the rejuvenation of the motherland and is urgently needed. It is hoped that overseas Chinese compatriots and leaders from all regions will pay close attention to handling this matter.

The entrances of the Overseas Chinese Associations or their branches in various places were crowded with overseas Chinese who came to register, and there were even cases of women dressing up as men to participate.

Ying Ruocheng, playing Chen Jiageng, delivers a patriotic speech on the street, declaring his intention to save the country and return to serve it.
The story then involves many large-scale scenes, such as transporting supplies and dodging bombings. Ouyang Shanzun and Xia Chun used bombing sound effects and lighting to depict the dangers along the transport route.

After the 150-minute play ended, Liu Yimin was still unable to recover from the experience for a long time.

Xia Chun nudged Liu Yimin's arm and asked, "Yimin, how are you?"

"Okay!" Liu Yimin wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. The opening scene of recruiting mechanics had made Liu Yimin's eyes redden involuntarily.

Xia Chun said, "The opening line, 'The Japanese pirates want to destroy our people and our race,' was rehearsed countless times, and I heard it countless times, but every time I heard it, I wanted to cry."

"Director Xia, me too. This young comrade's hoarse roar is so infectious, it contains anger, helplessness and passion," Liu Yimin said after calming down.

"The premiere will be on National Day in October. If there are no problems, we will prepare for the performance."

"One problem is the physical condition of the actors in the back; they are clearly exhausted."

"Could we add a few more speakers to create a surround sound effect in the theater, making the audience feel more immersed?" Liu Yimin asked.

"The later stages were really physically demanding; the actors were soaked in sweat after each rehearsal."

"Drink some glucose or something to replenish your energy when you leave the field in the middle," Liu Yimin suggested.

"Okay, I'll apply to the theater tomorrow. As for the sound system, I'll ask the technicians to see if we can upgrade it. To be honest, the entire sound system at the Beijing People's Art Theatre needs an upgrade. I've heard so many great theaters abroad with such sound systems; I'm always so envious," Xia Chun said with a smile.

Liu Yimin said, "Director Xia, we'll have that too. What about Director Shanzun?"

This play was co-directed by Ouyang Shanzun and Xia Chun, but Ouyang Shanzun was not seen after entering.

“Shan Zun is rehearsing ‘Deng Jiaxian.’ He said I can just stay here and watch with him.”

"I'll go to another rehearsal room to see how their rehearsal is going!" Liu Yimin said.

"Okay, you go."

After Liu Yimin left, Xia Chun went back on stage to discuss performance details with the actors.

Liu Yimin pushed open the door to the second rehearsal hall and watched the rehearsal from a distance for a while.

Ouyang Shanzun sat in the audience, while Zhu Lin on stage constantly corrected the actors' movements. Seeing that they were rehearsing so enthusiastically, Liu Yimin didn't disturb them.

"Why don't you go in?" So he asked with a smile as he passed by.

Liu Yimin closed the door to the rehearsal hall: "Never mind, I won't bother you anymore. Dean Yu, what's going on?"

"Me? It's almost National Day, so the institute is giving out some things to the staff. The logistics department has a few options, and I'm taking a look at which one is suitable," Yu Shizhi said with a smile.

Liu Yimin joked, "Which one is more suitable or which one is the cheapest?"

"Haha, it has to be both cheap and good. What? Weren't you satisfied with what you sent before?" Yu Shizhi asked.

"It's alright. We can't possibly finish all the soy sauce and vinegar that Zhu Lin brought back."

“Let me tell you, these things are more cost-effective for daily life,” Yu Zhi said earnestly.

Liu Yimin gave a meaningful "hmm," and Yu Shizhi blushed: "Our Beijing People's Art Theatre can't compare to your Peking University in terms of wealth and resources!"

Liu Yimin greeted Cao Yu and then returned to his courtyard to get busy. Tomorrow was the Ministry of Education's primary and secondary school textbook evaluation conference, and he wanted to refine his suggestions one last time.

On September 22, after Liu Yimin finished eating, he returned to his bedroom and dressed neatly. Yang Xiuyun patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and brushed a hair out of him: "Go quickly, you are the representative of our Liu family."

"Mother, I'm leaving now." Liu Yimin patted Liu Yu and Liu Lin, who were hugging his legs.

Yang Xiuyun carried the two of them away, afraid that they would get Liu Yimin's clothes dirty.

"Teacher Liu, drive carefully," Zhu Lin said with a smile.

At 7:30 a.m., Liu Yimin arrived at the Ministry of Education. He thought he had arrived early enough, but when he arrived, he found that the area outside the Ministry of Education was already crowded with people.

Of the more than two hundred delegates, at least half were present. Ministry of Education staff quickly ushered everyone inside and informed them which central government leaders would be attending the meeting, urging them to maintain order in the meeting room.

Liu Yimin greeted several professors from Yenching University and, with the help of staff, found his seat, which was in the middle of the second row.

The meeting officially began at 8:30. During the meeting, Liu Yimin looked through the meeting materials on the table, which detailed the purpose of the meeting.

The morning meeting was a large-scale meeting, mainly consisting of listening to speeches from leaders at all levels. The main event was the subsequent group meetings.

"Comrades, good morning. I am He Dongchang. Welcome to the Ministry of Education to discuss issues related to primary and secondary school textbooks with the nation. Since the reform and opening up, all sectors have been reforming, and our education sector must keep up. Textbooks are of paramount importance; they are the backbone of education and the link between the nation, teachers, and students."
We need to transform the "one guideline and one textbook" system into a "one guideline and multiple textbooks" system, where local governments exercise autonomy under one main guideline, while the central government retains decision-making power.

After He Dongchang finished speaking, speeches were given by central-level leaders, including HQM, the leader in charge of domestic ideological work, as well as other central leaders.

After finishing his speech, He Dongchang announced again, "The National Primary and Secondary School Textbook Review Committee has been officially established. Starting this afternoon, the committee members for each subject will hold subject-specific group meetings to formulate textbook outlines."

The meeting hall erupted in applause, officially concluding the morning session. Lunch and lodging were provided at the Ministry of Education's canteen and guesthouse, but Liu Yimin opted to eat at the courtyard house instead.

The afternoon meeting starts at 3 p.m., so he has plenty of time. He can even take a nap at home after dinner.

At 3 o'clock, the Chinese language group discussion officially began. Since Chinese is the main subject, there were more committee members participating in the discussion than in other subjects, totaling twenty people.

These people include education experts, primary and secondary school teachers, and university professors like Liu Yimin. Sitting next to him is Gao Huiying, a professor at Beijing Normal University who conducts research on primary education, and another person is a teacher from the Affiliated Primary School of Jinling Normal University.

Mr. Ye Shengtao, as an advisor, sat on the sidelines and participated in the discussion.

"Distinguished members of the Chinese Language Education Review Committee, good afternoon. Today we will formally discuss the outline of the Chinese language textbooks. Each member may speak in turn. You may offer suggestions on the secondary school textbooks and the primary school textbooks respectively."

After the words were spoken, the representatives began to speak in turn.

"Professor Liu, what are your thoughts?" Professor Gao Huiying from Beijing Normal University asked, bowing her head.

Liu Yimin said in a low voice, "I don't have many suggestions. First, we must promote patriotism and cultivate national self-confidence. Second, the teaching materials must be rigorous, and the selection of topics and content must be carefully considered."

P.S.: One update today, will definitely make up for it tomorrow. This is because it's for recommendation purposes, based on the editor's suggestions for optimizing the recommendation effect.

(End of this chapter)