Entertainment News: I'm Not a Scumbag After Rebirth!

Chapter 154

Despite its poor reviews, "Beauty in Troubled Times" still enjoys a high number of screenings.

The theater chain explained:

Commercial films have a fixed audience, and although Wang Zhonglei has fallen from power, the screening agreements he signed before are still valid.

This means that "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" and "Beauty in Troubled Times" will compete head-on in the same time slot.

One is an award-winning art film from Berlin, and the other is a commercially successful film that generates a lot of buzz.

It remains to be seen who will win over the audience.

"We need to be mentally prepared."

Yuan Tao offered a reminder.

"The box office performance of art films has never been stable."

"I know."

Li Jun said.

"But we have our audience."

On April 15th, the premiere of "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" was held at the Poly Theatre in Beijing.

This year's red carpet was even more bustling than in Berlin.

Almost half of the entertainment industry came, including directors, actors, producers, film critics, and media.

The flashbulbs were as bright as day, and the cheers were deafening.

Li Jun and Zhang Liangying walked the red carpet together.

This was their first public appearance as a couple, sparking a media frenzy.

But the two were very composed, holding hands, smiling, taking photos, and acting gracefully and generously.

Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu also attended, both dressed to the nines, to support the film.

Are you nervous?

Upon entering, Nicholas Tse asked Li Jun a question.

"A little."

Li Jun admitted it.

"This is the first time we've shown it to a domestic audience."

"They'll like it."

Qin Hailu said.

Good movies transcend borders.

The premiere begins. The lights dim, and the screen lights up.

As the terraced fields appeared in the morning mist, soft exclamations of admiration rose in the cinema.

When Lin Shen was teaching students in his studio, the audience watched quietly.

When the bamboo forest was in danger, the paintings were burned, and they parted ways, those scenes that moved international audiences in Berlin also moved domestic audiences.

The applause lasted for five minutes when the movie ended.

After the lights came on, many audience members had red eyes.

During the group interview, reporters asked enthusiastic questions: "Director Li, after winning the award in Berlin, what are your expectations for the reaction of domestic audiences?"

"I hope that the audience can see beauty, perseverance, and things that should not be forgotten in the film."

"Mr. Xie, this is your first time acting in an art film. How was it?"

"It was very enjoyable. The character of Lin Shen made me rethink the meaning of acting."

"Teacher Qin, what is it about the character Wanrong that touched you the most?"

"It's her quiet, everyday resilience. Not dramatic, but persistent in the details of life."

The premiere was a great success. But the real test will come the day after its theatrical release.

On April 16, "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" was released simultaneously in art-house cinemas across the country.

Also being released at the same time was "Beauty in Troubled Times".

The box office battle has officially begun.

On its first day of release, the data showed a polarized trend.

"Beauty in Troubled Times" had a 35% screening rate, a 60% occupancy rate, and a box office of 50 million on its opening day.

"Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" had a screening rate of only 15%, but an occupancy rate of 85%, and a box office of 20 million yuan on its opening day.

Based on the data, "Beauty in Troubled Times" won.

However, judging from word-of-mouth, "Mountains and Rivers in Dreams" is the clear winner.

Douban rating:

"Beauty in Troubled Times" received a score of 5.2 and was met with widespread criticism.

"Mountains and Rivers in Dreams" has a score of 8.8 and has received rave reviews.

On social media, viewers' opinions were also quite divided: "Besides Zhang Ziyi's looks, what else does 'Beauty in Troubled Times' have? The plot is melodramatic, the values ​​are distorted, and it's a waste of money!"

"The Dream of Mountains and Rivers is the best movie I've seen this year! Quiet, profound, like a poem. I couldn't calm down for a long time after watching it."

"Director Li Jun is amazing! China needs movies like this!"

"Nicholas Tse and Qin Hailu's performances were amazing! Especially the final farewell scene, I cried buckets."

Word-of-mouth takes time to build up.

On its third day of release, "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" saw its occupancy rate rise to 90%, with many screenings sold out.

Cinemas began to increase screenings, from 15% to 20%, and then to 25%.

Meanwhile, the attendance rate of "Beauty in Troubled Times" continued to decline, and its screenings were also reduced.

One week after its release, the situation reversed:

"Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" has grossed 80 million yuan at the box office, with its reputation continuing to rise and its screening rate increasing to 30%.

"The Beauty in Troubled Times" has grossed 90 million yuan, but its growth has almost stagnated and its screening rate has dropped to 20%.

The media began reporting on this phenomenon: "Word of mouth triumphs over traffic, art films overtake commercial films" and "Li Jun's victory, the maturity of Chinese audiences".

But Li Jun did not bask in the joy of victory. He was more concerned about the audience's true feelings.

One evening, he disguised himself and went to a movie theater, where he mingled with the audience to watch a film called "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers".

The theater was packed, with young people, middle-aged people, and even a few elderly people. The theater was completely silent during the film. He heard some audience members sobbing quietly and saw people wiping away tears.

After the movie ended, the lights came on. The audience didn't leave immediately; instead, they sat silently, seemingly still caught up in the emotions.

Li Jun overheard the conversation between two young men in the row in front of him: "This movie is really good."

"Yeah, unlike those popcorn movies that you forget as soon as you finish watching, this one you can remember for a long time."

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"I want to bring my parents to see this. They lived through that era, so they should be more moved by it."

"Good idea."

Li Jun quietly left the cinema. The spring night in Beijing was gentle, with a soft breeze.

He walked down the street, watching the crowds come and go. Among them, some might have just seen his film, some might be planning to see it, and some might never see it.

But it doesn't matter. The movie is there, the story is there, those things about beauty, about perseverance, about memory, are there.

This is enough.

My phone vibrated; it was the latest data from Yuan Tao: "Dreams of Mountains and Rivers" had grossed over 100 million yuan in its first ten days of release.

This is a milestone. It's rare for a low-budget art film to gross over 100 million yuan at the box office in the Chinese film market.

"Congratulations, Director Li," Yuan Tao said on the phone. "You've created another miracle."

"It's not a miracle, it's the audience's choice," Li Jun said. "They cast their vote of confidence in good movies with their movie tickets."

"There are even more powerful ones."

Yuan Tao's voice became excited.

"We received news from the Film Bureau that, due to the success of 'Dreams of Mountains and Rivers,' they may adjust their support policies for art films."

In the future, low-budget, high-quality art films may receive more screening support and financial subsidies.

"real?"

"It's still under discussion, but the possibility is very high. Li Jun, you not only made a good film, but you also created space for the entire industry."

This news made Li Jun very happy.

If his success can give more talented young people the opportunity to make movies, then the significance will far exceed that of a single film.

When I got home, Zhang Liangying was already there. She was cooking in the kitchen, and the aroma filled the whole house.

"You're back?"

She turned around and smiled.

"With the box office exceeding 100 million, Director Li, shouldn't we celebrate?"

"How will we celebrate?"

"I cooked your favorite dishes and opened a bottle of good wine."

Zhang Liangying said.

"A simple celebration, but sincere."

That's enough.

The two sat down at the table and clinked glasses.

"Xiao Jun, I'm so proud of you."

Zhang Liangying said earnestly.

"Not only because of the box office, but also because you stuck to your path and succeeded."

"It's because you've always believed in me."

Li Jun held her hand.

"Without you, I might have given up long ago."

"No, that won't happen." Zhang Liangying shook her head. "You're the kind of person who will believe in yourself even if the whole world doesn't believe you."

"But with you believing, it feels different."

Outside the window, Beijing's night is ablaze with lights. In this city, in this country, countless stories are unfolding, countless movies are being filmed, and countless dreams are taking shape.

Early May, Yunyang.

The Yangtze River makes a gentle bend here, its emerald green waters reflecting the green mountains and stilted houses scattered on both banks.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and a thin veil covered the river surface. Early-rising fishing boats sped by, cutting through the calm water and leaving behind ripples that gradually faded into the distance.

The crew of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" was stationed in an old house by the river.

This place used to be a supply and marketing cooperative, which had been abandoned for many years. Su Xiao's father, Su Wenshan, stepped in to coordinate and rented it as a film crew's residence.

The house has three floors. The first floor is used as an equipment storage room and dressing room, the second floor is used as an office and editing room, and the third floor is for living.

When Li Jun arrived, the film crew had already been working for three days.

He stood by the river, watching the farmers picking tea early in the morning on the mountainside across the river, listening to the faint sound of boat whistles in the distance, and breathing in the moist air that carried the scent of the river.

Suddenly I understood why Su Xiao wrote this story.

"Director Li!"

Su Xiao ran out of the old house, wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, her hair tied in a ponytail, her face flushed with excitement.

"You've arrived!"

"Just arrived."

Li Jun looked at her.

"How did it go? Was it successful?"

"smoothly!"

Su Xiao's eyes lit up.

"Xiaoyu is very talented, and Zhou Yuan is also very dedicated. It's just that there's a bit of trouble with President Wang."

"What's the trouble?"

"He insisted on following the standards of a major film crew, requiring a debriefing meeting after each day's filming and detailed daily reports."

Su Xiao frowned.

"Where would we find the manpower to do all this for a low-budget film like ours?"

Moreover, this would slow down the progress.

Li Jun nodded.

"I'll go tell them."

Wang Zhonglei is taking inventory of equipment on the first floor.

He was wearing overalls and a baseball cap, holding a list in his hand, checking each item one by one.

Upon seeing Li Jun, he put down the list and walked over.

"Director Li, you've arrived."

Perfect timing, take a look at this budget execution sheet —

Wang Zhonglei handed over a tablet computer.

Li Jun didn't answer, but instead said, "Mr. Wang, let's go for a walk along the river."

The two walked slowly along the stone path by the river.

The morning river breeze was cool and carried moisture.

On the shore, elderly people were practicing Tai Chi, women were washing clothes, and children were chasing and playing.

"Mr. Wang, I heard you require daily debriefing meetings?"

Li Jun got straight to the point.

"right."

Wang Zhonglei nodded.

"This is standard procedure. Big production crews all operate this way; it allows them to identify problems promptly and improves efficiency."

"But we're not a big production crew."

Li Jun stopped and looked at him.

"We are a low-budget film with limited manpower and time."

Debriefing meetings can be held, but not every day; once every three days is enough.

Daily reports are also possible, but simplified; only key issues should be recorded.

Wang Zhonglei hesitated: "But—"

"Mr. Wang, I know you're used to the operating model of blockbuster movies."

Li Jun said.

"But 'Spring River Flows North' is different."

It requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to capture authentic moments.

Too many procedures and rules will stifle its vitality.

He looked at the river: "Look at this river. It doesn't flow along a fixed route. It turns, branches, and changes with the seasons."

The same applies to movies.

Especially for slice-of-life films like this, it's important to allow the creative process room to breathe.

Wang Zhonglei was silent for a moment, then nodded: "I understand. I was too rigid in my adherence to formalities."

"Your experience and meticulousness are invaluable."

Li Jun patted him on the shoulder.

"But it has to be used in the right place."

For example, budget control and risk contingency planning require your expertise.

"it is good."

Wang Zhonglei breathed a sigh of relief.

"Then I'll adjust my work methods."

Back at the camp, Su Xiao was giving acting instructions to the female lead, Xiao Yu.

Xiaoyu was that sixteen-year-old local girl who had never acted before, but her eyes were as clear as the reflection of the river.

The character she plays is named Xiaoman, a girl who grew up by the river. Her father is a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. She dreams of studying outside the village, but she can't bear to leave her hometown.

This scene depicts Xiaoman washing clothes by the river, gazing at the boats on the opposite bank, lost in thought.

"You don't need to act."

Su Xiao said softly.

"Just think, if you were Xiaoman, what would you be thinking right now?"

Maybe she's thinking about the exam tomorrow, maybe she's thinking about the boy in the next class, maybe she's thinking about where she wants to go when she grows up —

Anything is fine, as long as it's real.

Xiaoyu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

When filming began, Li Jun stood behind the monitor watching.

In the video, Xiaoyu is squatting on the stone steps by the river, soaking her clothes in the water and rubbing them repeatedly.

Her movements were very natural, just like a local girl washing clothes.

Then she stopped and looked at the river.

A boat sailed by on the river, its whistle blaring.

Her eyes held a mixture of confusion, longing, and something else that was hard to define.

There are no lines, but all the emotions are conveyed through the eyes.

"Cut!"

Su Xiao shouted.

During the replay, Li Jun was very satisfied: "This take is great, it's a pass."

Xiaoyu ran over, a little nervous: "Director, am I doing a good job?"

"It's not acting, it's just that you're there."

Su Xiao said with a smile.

"Very good, keep it up."

The subsequent filming went smoothly.

Although this was Su Xiao's first time directing a feature film, he was well-prepared and organized the film effectively.

She knows exactly what she wants and respects the actors' performances.

The male lead, Zhou Yuan, also gave an excellent performance.

He plays a painter who comes from the city to the small town to sketch, and has a vague relationship with Xiaoman.

Zhou Yuan's performance is delicate and restrained, without the exaggeration of idol dramas, only real, slowly developing emotions.

Lin Mo's art design is excellent.

He made the most of Yunyang's natural landscape and cultural features, including the old wharf, stone-paved roads, stilted buildings, traditional Chinese medicine shops, teahouses, and vegetable markets.

Every scene is realistic and textured, like a series of flowing oil paintings.

The sound recording of Suhe is also being carried out simultaneously.

He carried his recording equipment and traveled through the streets and alleys of Yunyang, recording the sounds of the river, boat whistles, wind, rain, and everyday people.