Chapter 198

After seeing an article about Jiang Heng in the newspaper, Han Sanping immediately called him and also asked about the film Memories of Murder.

Translation: Han Sanping, after seeing an article about Jiang Heng in the newspaper, immediately called and also asked about the film Memories of Murder.

We need to keep brackets: 【1】 then translation.

Make sure to use glossary names: Han Sanping, Jiang Heng.

It's a crime film, the movie is good; we can contact Korea about importing it. The box office is decent—I recall over five million viewers. Jiang Heng said briefly.

Translation: "It's a crime film, the movie is good; whether to introduce it, we can contact Korea. The box office is decent—I recall over five million admissions." Jiang Heng said briefly.

We need to keep numbers exactly: over five million. Should we keep 'over five million'? The source says 'over five million viewers'; we'll translate it as 'over five million viewers'. Keep 'over five million'.

Han Sanping was tempted upon hearing that.

Translation: Han Sanping was quite moved upon hearing that.

First, the film's box office performance was already good; more importantly, Jiang Heng inadvertently mentioned it in an interview, sparking interest in the film among many people.

Translation: Firstly, the film's box office was already decent; more importantly, Jiang Heng's offhand mention during an interview sparked interest in the film among many people.

I believe that once the film is imported, its box office performance will certainly be strong.

Translation: I believe that after introducing the film, its box office will certainly not be poor.

A typical example is Zhang Yimou's Hero, which received strong endorsement from kung‑fu fan Quentin Tarantino when it was released in North America.

Translation: A typical example is Zhang Yimou's Hero, which, when released in North America, received strong endorsement from kung fu fan director Quentin Tarantino.

When Kill Bill 1 and 2 were released, Hero's trailers were shown before the main feature, marked with Quentin Tarantino's recommendation, greatly increasing its appeal to American audiences.

Translation: When Kill Bill 1 and 2 were released, trailers for Hero were scheduled before the main feature, marked with Quentin Tarantino's recommendation, greatly increasing Hero's appeal to American audiences.

Having made up his mind, Han Sanping immediately asked Jiang Heng, 'Are you really not optimistic about Wu Yushen's Red Cliff?'

Translation: Han Sanping had made up his mind and immediately asked Jiang Heng, "Do you really not think highly of Wu Yusen's Red Cliff?"

At this point, Jiang Heng no longer hid his thoughts, saying: 'Many Hong Kong directors lack systematic Chinese history education, so they view historical events differently from the mainland. Moreover, long‑term exposure to gang culture has limited their perspective.'

Translation: By this point, Jiang Heng no longer hid his thoughts, saying: "Many directors in Xianggang lack systematic Chinese history education; they view historical events differently from those in the Neidi. Moreover, long under the influence of gang culture, their vision is not broad…."

Actually, Red Cliff is decent, but even more absurd is Guan Yun Chang directed by McChiu and Zhuang Wenqiang; the sharp review in The Tenth Screening Room says: if one has nothing original to say about such a historical subject, they will turn the legendary Guan Yun Chang, revered for his righteousness, into Lost Blade.

Translation: Actually, Red Cliff is passable; even more outrageous is Guan Yun-chang directed by Mai Zhaohui and Zhuang Wenqiang, whose sharp review in the Tenth Screening Room goes: "If one has nothing original to say about such a historical subject, one will turn the legend of the righteous and revered Guan Yun-chang into 'Lost Dao Lang'."

But this time they broke ties, mutually attacking each other in the media.

Translation: But this time, they tore faces apart, mutually blasting each other in the media.

Whether out of support for Jiang Heng or concern over box office, China Film should not continue investing in Red Cliff.

Translation: Whether from the standpoint of strongly supporting Jiang Heng or worrying about box office, China Film should not continue investing in Red Cliff.

Han Sanping laughed and cried upon hearing this; the proposal was nonsense—having mainland and Hong Kong each make a version, the Film Bureau could never agree!

Translation: Han Sanping laughed and cried upon hearing this; the proposal is nonsense—having the Neidi and Xianggang each make a version, the Film Bureau could never agree!

Naturally, everyone sided with him, because over the years working with Jiang Heng they had indeed made a lot of money, and more importantly they disliked the strong influence of Hong Kong investors.

Translation: Everyone naturally sided with him, for one, these years of cooperation with Jiang Heng have indeed earned a lot; more importantly, they dislike the dominance of investors from Xianggang.

What's worse, a group of people in Hong Kong even came out claiming they would boycott Jiang Heng, which is rather disgusting.

Translation: What's more outrageous, Xianggang actually had a group jump out proclaiming a boycott of Jiang Heng, which is rather sickening.

In the original history, this situation was tolerated, after all Hong Kong's film industry was more developed at the time.

Translation: In the original history, this situation was tolerated, after all, the Xianggang film industry was more developed back then.

After hanging up, Han Sanping called a meeting to discuss the matter with the group's senior executives.

Translation: After hanging up, Han Sanping convened a meeting to discuss the matter with the group's senior executives.

This time Jiang Heng spoke more thoroughly, Han Sanping took it in, and ultimately decided to withdraw investment from Red Cliff.

Translation: This time Jiang Heng spoke more thoroughly; Han Sanping took it in and ultimately decided to withdraw investment from Red Cliff.

When investing in The Promise, Jiang Heng and Chen Kaige's relationship on the surface was still good.

Translation: When investing in The Promise, Jiang Heng and Chen Kaige's superficial relationship was still fine.

As soon as that was said, it immediately sparked heated discussion, with everyone debating who should direct and who should play Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang.

Translation: As soon as this was said, it instantly sparked heated discussion, with everyone debating who should direct and who should play Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang.

Only out of decorum for public figures and cultural personalities did they refrain from directly swearing.

Translation: Only out of decorum for public figures and cultural persons did they refrain from directly swearing.

At the same time, they informed Zhang Jiazhen that China Film had decided to withdraw its investment in Red Cliff and would no longer participate in its production.

Translation: At the same time, they sent word to Zhang Jiazhen that China Film Company had decided to withdraw its investment in Red Cliff and would no longer participate in its production.

He quickly denied it, then ended the meeting.

Translation: He hurriedly denied it, then ended the meeting.

Even more, someone suggested that Han Sanping himself direct it, which would surely produce a masterpiece destined for film history.

Translation: Even more, someone actually suggested that Han Sanping himself direct, which would surely produce a masterpiece destined for film history.

Actually, he was also torn, because this situation differed from his earlier investment in The Promise.

Translation: Actually, he too felt torn; this matter is different from the earlier investment in The Promise.

In the preliminary cast list, the good roles were almost all given to Hong Kong and Taiwan actors, while mainland actors were relegated to minor supporting parts.

Translation: In the preliminary cast list, the good roles were almost all played by Hong Kong and Taiwan artists, while the Neidi side got only supporting roles billed lower.

Someone even suggested simply cutting Wu Yushen and his team out of the project.

Translation: Some even suggested simply cutting Wu Yusen and his crew out.

They would film Red Cliff, and we would also film Red Cliff, to see who does it better.

Translation: They film Red Cliff; we also film Red Cliff, to see who does it better.

But in this world, with Jiang Heng's emergence, the mainland market is clearly stronger—why should mainland filmmakers be relegated to supporting roles?

Translation: But in this world, with Jiang Heng's emergence, the Neidi market is clearly stronger—why should Neidi filmmakers be relegated to supporting roles?

Hong Kong, Zhang Jiazhen heard this and was shocked, hurriedly asking why.

Translation: Xianggang—Zhang Jiazhen heard this and was shocked, hurriedly asking why.

The person in charge of notification on China Film's side was probably a fan of Jiang Heng, who snorted: 'Offended Director Jiang, and you still want to make a living in the mainland?'

Translation: The person in charge of notification on China Film's side was probably a fan of Jiang Heng, who snorted: "Offended Director Jiang, yet still trying to make a living in the Neidi?"

With an attitude of 'having offended the abbot and still wanting to leave,' they then hung up the phone.

Translation: Putting on an air of "having offended the abbot and still wanting to leave," they then hung up the phone.

Zhang Jiazhen was shocked; he had been hanging out with Wu Yushen in Hollywood for years, and although he knew Jiang Heng was doing well in the mainland, he lacked a more direct sense of it.

Translation: Zhang Jiazhen was shocked; he had been hanging out with Wu Yusen in Haolaiwu these years, and while he knew Jiang Heng was doing well in the Neidi, he lacked a more direct sense of it.

Only now did he realize how great Jiang Heng's influence in the mainland was.

Translation: Only now did he realize how great Jiang Heng's influence in the Neidi is.

After telling Wu Yushen of China Film's decision, he too was surprised, because among the mainland investors, China Film was the main backer, with others including Shanghai Film, Purple Forbidden City Film, Orange Sky Golden Harvest, Zhongkai Century, and many other companies.

Translation: After telling Wu Yusen of China Film's decision, he too was astonished, because among the mainland investors, China Film was the lead, with participants including Shanghai Film, Forbidden City Film, Orange Sky, Zhongkai Century, and many other companies.

The film's largest investment came from Japan's Aiger Entertainment.

Translation: And the film's largest investment came from Japan's Aihui Entertainment.

Although China Film's withdrawal leaves a funding gap, that money can be found relatively easily.

Translation: Although China Film's withdrawal leaves a funding gap that is easy to fill.

However, China Film's absolute strength in distribution cannot be easily replaced by other capital.

Translation: But China Film's absolute strength in distribution is hard for other capital to replace.

Especially the China Film Red Red cinema chain, the nation's first, which built many new theaters under Jiang Heng's ongoing investment, gaining considerable box office returns thanks to advanced equipment and attractive décor.

Translation: Especially China Film's top domestic Red Cinema Chain, which, under Jiang Heng's continued investment, built many new theaters, gaining considerable box office returns thanks to advanced equipment and nice decor.

Falling out with China Film might affect the film's distribution and box office performance, but it's hard to say.

Translation: If they fall out with China Film, would it affect the film's distribution and box office? That's hard to say.

Even more frightening, China Film's withdrawal could trigger a chain reaction, causing other mainland film and TV companies to pull out as well.

Translation: What's more frightening is that China Film's withdrawal might trigger a chain reaction, causing other Neidi media companies to pull out as well.

If that happened, even if overseas capital could be found as a substitute, the mainland box office would have no guarantee whatsoever.

Translation: If that happened, even if overseas capital could be found as a substitute, the Neidi box office would have no guarantee at all!

Thinking about these things, Wu Yushen also felt a bit panicked.

Translation: Thinking of these, Wu Yusen also grew a bit anxious.

After the failure of The Windtalkers, he now urgently needs a box office victory to prove himself.

Translation: After the failure of Wind Speaker, he now urgently needs a box office victory to prove himself.

Otherwise, he would end up marginalized in the industry like his old friend Xu Ke.

Translation: Otherwise he'd end up marginalized in the circle like his old friend Xu Ke.

'Should we talk to him?' Wu Yushen asked.

Translation: "Should we, or should we not, talk to him?" Wu Yusen asked.

Zhang Jiazhen said: 'Let's wait a bit longer!'

Translation: Zhang Jiazhen said: "Let's wait a bit longer!"

As a result, in the evening Purple Forbidden City Film called, also saying they wanted to withdraw investment.

Translation: As a result, in the evening, Forbidden City Film called, also saying they wanted to withdraw investment.

The next day, another company called to say they were withdrawing as well; Wu Yushen could no longer sit still, because if another project pulled out, the venture would collapse.

Translation: The next day, another company called to say they were withdrawing; Wu Yusen could not sit still—if another project pulled out, it would be doomed.

He immediately called Jiang Heng to say that all of this was a misunderstanding.

Translation: He immediately dialed Jiang Heng's phone, saying all this was a misunderstanding.

He certainly had no other intention back then; Zhang Jiazhen was merely being provoked by others.

Translation: He certainly had no other intention at first; Zhang Jiazhen was merely being provoked by others.

As for those in Hong Kong calling for a boycott of Jiang Heng, they have nothing to do with them.

Translation: As for those in Xianggang calling for a boycott of Jiang Heng, they have nothing to do with them.

Jiang Heng naturally wouldn't press too hard, expressing understanding; in fact, his earlier remarks to the media were not malicious.

Translation: Jiang Heng naturally wouldn't press too hard, expressing understanding; in fact, those remarks he made to the media earlier were not malicious either.

After they exchanged more idle talk, the matter was considered settled.

Translation: They then exchanged a bunch of nonsense, and the matter was considered settled.

After hanging up, Wu Yushen's face turned ashen, extremely unpleasant to look at.

Translation: After hanging up, Wu Yusen's face turned ashen, extremely grim.

After so many years navigating the film world, he never expected to suffer such a big loss at the hands of a junior like Jiang Heng.

Translation: After so many years navigating the film world, he never expected to suffer such a big loss at the hands of a junior like Jiang Heng.

'We must make this Red Cliff well, so they know it's not only Jiang Heng who can make big pictures!'

Translation: "We must make this Red Cliff well, so they know it's not only Jiang Heng who can make big pictures!"

Zhang Jiazhen also said: 'Exactly, we also want to break the Jiang surname's box office record; I don't believe we'll lose to him!'

Translation: Zhang Jiazhen also said: "Exactly, we also want to break the Jiang surname's box office record—I just don't believe we'll lose to him!"

The two silently made up their minds and then called the various investors to reassure them.

Translation: The two silently resolved, then called various investors to reassure them.

The film and television company that said this morning it would withdraw has decided to participate again.

After all, Jiang Heng only cooperates with China Film; they don't even give him soup to drink.

Earlier, the thought of withdrawing came from seeing China Film pull out investment, feeling the box office prospects might be bad.

Now, hearing Zhang Jiazhen's meaning, he said the misunderstanding has been cleared, and China Film's side is also actively coordinating, so they won't withdraw.

After all, Wu Yusen is an international big director who previously worked in Hollywood; being able to take part in a film he directs is not easy—it should be a sure profit, no loss!

(End of chapter)