We asked you to make an anti-corruption film, but you made one in the name of the people!
Chapter 290 Wu Jing, Zhang Yixing visits the set!
About ten days into filming "Chinese Zodiac," two people came to visit the set.
Wu Jing and Zhang Yixing.
Since filming "Wolf Warrior," these two have enjoyed increasingly abundant resources.
Especially Wu Jing, who is now the highest-grossing male lead in Chinese cinema. His role as Leng Feng, which grossed 128 billion yuan, propelled him from a third- or fourth-tier action actor to a top-tier star.
Film offers, endorsements, variety show appearances—the schedule is packed.
Zhang Yixing is the same; his career has reached another big step.
But when these two came to the film set and saw Lin Mo, they were still very proper and respectful.
"Director Lin!" Wu Jing called out from afar, striding over to shake Lin Mo's hand. His attitude was exactly the same as when they filmed "Wolf Warrior." "We've come to see you. Is your new film going well?"
Lin Mo nodded: "It's alright. You two have both been busy lately, how come you had time to come over?"
Wu Jing scratched his head: "No matter how busy I am, I still have to come see you. We heard you were filming about the return of national treasures, and we two brothers were itching to come and see it."
Zhang Yixing also joined in, smiling and calling out, "Director Lin!"
Lin Mo glanced at him: "Yixing, you've lost weight."
Zhang Yixing said, "I recently took on a new role and I'm trying to control my weight. Director Lin, I'm really looking forward to your film 'Chinese Zodiac.' The theme of national treasures returning home is so inspiring."
Just then, Jackie Chan came over from the other side of the film set.
As soon as Wu Jing and Zhang Yixing saw Cheng Long, they quickly stood up straight.
"Big Brother!" the two said in unison, their attitude extremely respectful.
Cheng Long smiled and waved his hand: "Don't be so polite, Wu Jing, Yi Xing, you two are the hottest right now. How can I, a washed-up old man, accept such a courtesy from you?"
Wu Jing quickly said, "Brother, what are you saying? You are a senior, and we juniors can't help but be respectful to you. When you were filming 'Police Story,' I was just a child."
Zhang Yixing also said, "Brother, you will always be the elder brother of Chinese cinema."
Jackie Chan laughed heartily: "Alright, alright, you're so kind. Come on, let's take a look around the set."
The group of people walked around the film set.
Wu Jing and Zhang Yixing watched intently, occasionally asking a question.
Jackie Chan showed them around several sets and then talked about filming.
Lin Mo, walking beside him, suddenly spoke up: "Brother Jing, Yi Xing, since you two are here, why don't you play some roles?"
Wu Jing and Zhang Yixing exchanged a glance and were both stunned.
"A cameo?" Wu asked in surprise.
Lin Mo said, "Yes, this play needs two surprise roles, one a villain's henchman and the other a young character. You two are perfect for the part."
Wu Jing slapped his thigh: "Director Lin, that's wonderful! We'd love to have a cameo in your film!"
Zhang Yixing laughed and said, "Director Lin, whatever you ask me to act, I'll act."
Jackie Chan chuckled beside him, "Goodness, this film has an even bigger cast."
Lin Mo said, "You two don't have many scenes, just a few. You can film them whenever you have a spare moment."
Wu Jing and Zhang Yixing nodded repeatedly.
That afternoon, filming began for their cameo scenes.
Wu Jing plays a henchman of the villain and has a fight scene with Jackie Chan.
He is a trained martial artist and is very skilled in action scenes. When he sparred with Jackie Chan, they were evenly matched.
Zhang Yixing's young role, though small in number, is quite memorable.
After filming, Wu Jing was still eager for more: "Director Lin, is that all? I haven't had enough fun yet."
Jackie Chan laughed and said, "You little rascal, are you trying to steal my lead role?"
Wu Jing quickly waved his hand: "No, no, brother, I was just saying."
The set was filled with laughter.
The two of them stayed in the show for one day and then left.
After all, they're both incredibly popular right now and very busy.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, filming for "Chinese Zodiac" has been underway for almost half a month.
On this day, the production team invited a cultural relics expert to serve as a consultant.
This expert, surnamed Zheng, is a senior figure in the cultural relics field who has spent most of his life studying the animal heads from the Old Summer Palace.
Lin Mo specially invited him to talk to the crew about the history of the animal heads, and also to let the actors learn more about what they were filming.
Filming wrapped up early, and Lin Mo gathered everyone in the tent.
Old Zheng sat in the middle, with several pictures and documents of animal heads in front of him, and slowly began to speak.
"These twelve zodiac animal heads were components of the water-powered fountain in front of the Haiyan Hall in the Old Summer Palace." Old Zheng's voice was not loud, but every word was clear. "Back then, when the Anglo-French allied forces burned down the Old Summer Palace, these twelve bronze animal heads were looted and scattered overseas for more than a hundred years. Some were auctioned, some were collected, and some are still missing."
He pointed to a picture and said, "Look, this horse head is realistically shaped, with each hair of its mane clearly visible. It is not an ordinary bronze sculpture; it is a masterpiece that combines Chinese and Western styles. Our Chinese craftsmen used our techniques to create such an exquisite thing, but it has been in the hands of others for more than a hundred years, wandering from place to place."
It was very quiet inside the tent.
The actors listened intently.
Wen Ning asked softly, "Elder Zheng, is it possible to recover all of these animal heads?"
Old Zheng sighed: "It's difficult. The ox head, tiger head, monkey head, pig head, and horse head have returned. But the dragon head, snake head, sheep head, rooster head, and dog head are still missing. We don't know if our generation will be able to see them all return home, but it doesn't matter. Each generation does its own thing. If we can find one, that's one thing."
Lin Mo said, "Mr. Zheng, the reason we made this movie is to let more people know about this history and the significance of the national treasure returning home. Even if it's just one more person who remembers, then this movie won't have been made in vain."
Old Zheng nodded: "Director Lin, your idea is good. This movie is about history, but also about people's hearts. I, this old man, will do my best to help you get the cultural relics right."
In the days that followed, Mr. Zheng stayed with the film crew.
He helped the props team make the replica animal heads more realistic; he explained to the actors the structure, craftsmanship, and value of the animal heads.
On set, there is another group of people who work quietly but are of vital importance.
Jackie Chan Stunt Team.
This is a stunt team that Jackie Chan personally trained and has been with him for decades.
The action scenes in this movie were all done by them.
Those who jumped off buildings, did somersaults, were knocked away, or fell from heights were all stuntmen risking their lives.
Lin Mo insists on shooting realistically when filming.
The Jackie Chan Stunt Team never uses stunt doubles to fool people.
A fight scene was filmed with real swords and spears; a high-altitude stunt was performed by simply strapping on a wire.
There's a scene where several villains fall from the second floor.
The Jackie Chan Stunt Team members really did fall down like that, sending dust flying everywhere.
After the filming was over, they all grimaced as they got up, rubbed their arms, and said with a smile that they were fine.
Cheng Long stood to the side, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He knew all too well how difficult things had been for these brothers.
"You've suffered following me," Cheng Long said.
One of the veteran members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team waved his hand and said, "Brother, why are you saying all this? This is what we in the Jackie Chan Stunt Team do. We're happy to follow you."
Cheng Long didn't say anything, he just patted him on the shoulder.
Watching this scene, Lin Mo was also moved. He walked to Cheng Long's side and said, "Brother, these brothers from the Jackie Chan Stunt Team really went all out. The action scenes in this movie owe a lot to them."
Jackie Chan nodded: "Yes, without them, I, Jackie Chan, am nothing. Over the years, they have followed me through thick and thin, covered in injuries, but not one of them has ever complained."
Lin Mo said, "Brother, they deserve credit for this play."
Jackie Chan laughed: "That's great, I'll thank Director Lin on their behalf."
Filming days are tough, but there are also moments of warmth.
Cheng Long is a generous person.
Every now and then, he would treat the whole group to hot pot.
After filming wrapped, he called out to everyone, "Don't go! It's my treat tonight! Hot pot!"
So, a large group of people headed to a nearby hot pot restaurant.
Cheng Long sat at the head of the table, urging everyone to enjoy hot pot and drinks. Old Zhao bustled around, adding dishes and refilling water.
Xiang Zuo ate until he was sweating profusely, still exclaiming, "Brother, this hot pot is authentic!"
Jackie Chan laughed and said, "Eat, eat as much as you want. Filming is hard work, you need to replenish your energy."
Wen Ning sat quietly to the side, eating in small bites. Cheng Long picked up a piece of meat for her: "Wen Ning, you're too thin, eat more."
Wen Ning quickly said, "Thank you, brother."
The other actors also relaxed and chatted while eating.
They talked about the play, the characters, and their own interesting stories.
A table full of people, having a lively and cheerful time.
Lin Mo sat next to Cheng Long, watching this scene with a smile on his face.
Old Zhao leaned closer and whispered, "Director Lin, look at this crew, it's so nice, like a family. I love the atmosphere when I'm filming with you."
Lin Mo said, "A good play and good people are essential for a successful play."
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