Chapter 335: How Could Anyone Bring Themselves to Say That?

To date, the number of Hong Kong films that have crossed the 200-million mark at the mainland box office can still be counted on one hand.

And Wong Kar-wai's "The Grandmaster," during this Lunar New Year season, has smoothly crossed that threshold.

Two weeks into its release, it has pulled in 262 million, with daily box office still at six to seven million. Judging by the situation, it looks like it might even take a shot at 300 million?

Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi during this period can truly be said to be in her element, brimming with energy — very active, frequently appearing on the pages of major media outlets, riding a huge wave of momentum.

However, negative reviews online have also been growing, with plenty of mockery and ridicule.

"The action scenes, cinematography, and art direction are all textbook-level, but the dramatic scenes are too weak — nothing but chicken soup for the soul."

"The pacing of the film is completely inconsistent from start to finish — fast in the front, slow in the back. The second half makes you drowsy!"

The funniest part is that a large number of netizens have even given this film a new name.

"'The Grandmaster' is actually two films, and it could perfectly well be renamed."

"Wong Kar-wai spent four years sharpening one sword, and 'The Grandmaster' got sharpened into 'The Gong Er Biography.' Impressive!"

"With this round, Liang Chaowei must be crying his eyes out, while Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi is laughing herself silly."

The nickname "The Gong Er Biography," like a joke, spread like wildfire both inside and outside the industry. But thinking about it, Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi must absolutely be happy to see it happen.

…………

As the producer of "Lost in Thailand," now that the film has finished its theatrical run, how much shareable box office revenue Lin Nan Pictures can claim has also become a focal point of concern within the film industry.

"What a beast — another 500 million!"

Industry production companies have clearly calculated the shareable revenue Lin Nan Pictures can take home, and one by one they're red-eyed, cursing and grumbling, able to do nothing but envy.

The Film Bureau's year-end summary report has also been released.

"Bad Genius," "Lost in Thailand," and "Passengers" became this year's top three, and also the top three on the Chinese-language film box office chart.

In an instant, Lin Nan Pictures was pushed to the forefront, the focus of everyone's attention — a bit too conspicuous.

"Invitations" from official quarters — this conference, that meeting, one after another. Lin Nan couldn't refuse any of them; after several days, he was more exhausted than shooting a film!

January is drawing to a close, and several February releases are already poised to go.

Hu Bayi Studio and China Film's "Village Evening: Better and Better" actually jumped the queue, locking in its release date for the first day of the Lunar New Year.

This made the Lunar New Year window feel even more thick with the smoke of battle.

The selection of the Four Dan actresses, I hear, has already entered its final stage.

At this moment, Tang Ren made a big public announcement: the sister piece and sequel to "Scarlet Heart," titled "Scarlet Heart 2," will officially begin filming after the Lunar New Year, with the original cast.

This news immediately captured the attention of the public and the media.

After all, it's only been a year and a half since "Scarlet Heart," and its influence still lingers. Last year, Liu Liu Shishi even won the Golden Eagle Goddess title thanks to it.

The timing of this TV drama's announcement was very cleverly chosen — it was clearly building momentum for Liu Liu Shishi.

"Don't worry. The company has done so much preparation work, and on top of that there's the hook of a 'Scarlet Heart' sequel.

We have a ninety-nine percent certainty of pushing Liu Shishi onto the Four Dan list."

Cai Yizong declared with conviction, an expression of having everything well in hand on his face.

"It's just that I wonder which position Liu Shishi can reach?" the agent-assistant asked instinctively.

Liu Liu Shishi beside them said nothing — she trusted Cai Yizong to arrange everything for her.

"In the last Four Dan lineup, Liu Liu Yifei became a big flower and a capital player, Wang Wang Luodan and Huang Huang Shengyi dropped out, only Yang Mi's momentum is stronger than before…"

Cai Yizong looked at Liu Liu Shishi, whose appearance bore some resemblance to his own, and his tone softened:

"Among the other top-tier names, Watching Shu Chang already has the Golden Horse Best Supporting Actress, so it wouldn't be appropriate for her to enter again; Miss Jing Tian has been doing films all along, her national recognition and exposure aren't enough…"

"Getting you past Yang Mi is almost impossible. We're aiming for the second position — go all-out on publicity and PR, and we need to increase the number of planted articles recently.

As long as this succeeds, the road ahead of you will be smooth for at least several years. Don't underestimate the title of 'Four Dan' — it's very important!"

Liu Liu Shishi nodded. "Thank you, President Cai. I know what to do — I'll go all-out cooperating with the company's planted articles and publicity."

…………

Lin Nan was dragged along by Xue Xue Xiaolu to attend the promotional event for "Finding Mr. Right" — just this once.

Xie Nan asked him for his take on the new Four Dan lineup.

"To be realistic, this title is also an important resource.

Whoever gets it, at least for the next few years, on the surface, she becomes one of the four actresses at the same tier with the highest commercial value."

"Director Lin, who are you betting on?"

Xie Nan's question made Yang Mi unable to resist glancing toward where Lin Nan and Xue Xue Xiaolu were sitting.

"Who am I betting on?"

Lin Nan shook his head and smiled: "I'm not betting on anyone. Among the new candidates, how many of them have works they can put forward? And how many works at that?"

"Then by that logic, there's basically no one who can pose a threat to Yang Mi? The new head of the Four Dan? Congratulations."

Xie Nan looked at Yang Mi and offered his congratulations with a smile.

"Please don't say it like that — if in the end something goes wrong, I won't be able to get off the stage."

Yang Mi, no slouch in emotional intelligence, hurriedly waved at Xie Nan with a smile, firmly refusing to accept that title.

Lin Nan watched this scene without chiming in.

As her boss, he could probably count as one of those in the industry who had done right by her to the utmost — at the very least, he wouldn't sabotage her just because she didn't renew her contract.

……

"'Finding Mr. Right' will be released on Valentine's Day, with director Xue Xue Xiaolu setting her sights on 500 million at the box office."

"Yang Mi is expected to become the head of the new 'Four Dan' lineup…"

"Co-produced by China Film, Pegasus, LeTV, and Huayi Brothers, directed by John Woo, the epic blockbuster hailed as the Eastern 'Titanic,' 'The Crossing,' has officially begun preparations and entered its invitation-only audition phase for casting, with Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi as the only confirmed actress so far."

"Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi sincerely thanked director Wong Kar-wai for giving her the role of 'Gong Er' during the most difficult period of her career. She also stated that she would take several months off afterward, waiting for 'The Crossing' to begin filming and for her to join the production."

This time last year, China Film secured the "ticket" for "The Crossing." Now, a year later, this ship has finally begun to be built.

"Lin Nan, don't say I didn't take care of you. Is there any role you want? The production team can send an audition invitation."

"Thanks a lot," Lin Nan muttered in his heart.

"Thank you, Mr. Han. The actors in my company are all scheduled, so we won't get involved in 'The Taking of Pearl Harbor'."

"This is a blockbuster split into two parts for filming. You really won't squeeze anyone in?" Han Han Sanping asked again to confirm.

"I really don't have anyone here. I suppose the competition for roles is fierce?"

"Yes, as long as it's a top-tier actor with acting skills, many come through connections. Since you're not interested, then let's drop it."

"Mm, then I won't disturb you, Mr. Han."

Lin Nan hung up the phone, shook his head, and silently mourned Han Han Sanping for three seconds.

On the other end, Han Han Sanping was also recalling the decisive refusal from the latter during his recent call with Lin Nan.

He also remembered Lin Nan's words from this time last year: "...'The Taking of Pearl Harbor', I really don't see it working. You should be mentally prepared..."

"I just don't believe it. Such a great project, what could possibly go wrong? Just talking nonsense!"

Han Han Sanping muttered, then immediately ordered someone to send a producer and a line producer to the set to supervise from casting onwards, convinced nothing could go wrong...

Unlike the young actresses focusing on the "Four Little Flower Dancers" selection, the Big Flower Dancers were all eyeing big directors, big productions, and Hollywood.

Li Li Bingbing had been smooth sailing these past two years, as if she had successfully hitched a ride to Hollywood.

"Resident Evil 5" has been confirmed for import and will be released in mid-March.

At this moment, another blockbuster had also cast her.

"Hollywood production giant, Paramount Pictures, announces that mainland top-tier actress Li Li Bingbing will star in the fourth installment of the 'Transformers' series. Filming will officially begin in February..."

The film and television circle gained another hot topic; many sighed that one really has to hug the big thighs!

Before, Deng Deng Wendi's thigh was Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi; now it is Li Li Bingbing.

Counting carefully, in the realm of Hollywood films, Li Li Bingbing indeed crushed Fan Li Bingbing.

And "International Zhang" is like yesterday's flowers, having completely lost Hollywood resources, only able to spin around domestically.

Besides direct competitors like Fan Li Bingbing and Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, almost everyone in the circle sent congratulations.

Li Li Bingbing didn't intend to keep a low profile either: "Signed with the 'Transformers 4' production team, will head to Hollywood during the Spring Festival..."

Lin Nan stayed at Tiangong Color for a day, arranged the editing work for "The Invisible Guest", and post-production will officially begin after the Spring Festival.

It really is almost New Year; the film and television circle, the entertainment circle, news keeps coming non-stop.

Xu Zheng was bitten and cursed by a ruffian surnamed Zhou, with all sorts of filthy words.

This was simply because the former, while accepting media interviews, from the perspective of a professionally trained actor, objectively commented on the latter's acting, saying it might still need improvement.

Just like that, he was chased and cursed, "Looks like a pig, but acting like a fool...", and incidentally cursed the former's entire family for three generations.

A large number of netizens accused the person surnamed Zhou of being too rude; the latter directly started a war online, cursing a crowd of people alone.

But these are all small news.

What made the public feel most incredible was the sequel to that husband-and-wife turning against each other from three months ago!

Not knowing if it was because the price wasn't agreed upon, Fengxing released a set of photos and videos to the outside world.

It simply overturned the public's worldview and dirtied everyone's eyes.

"Golden Boy and Jade Girl's love broken, divorce farce, seems this is the truth?!"

"Miss Dong and Mr. Wang, appearing together, in the apartment for three days and three nights..."

"Mr. Wang and Miss Dong are deeply in love, embracing passionately by the window in the evening, kissing intensely for several minutes, hands roaming everywhere..."

The entire film and television circle and entertainment circle, as if a lit explosive pack, went boom, and exploded.

If this is true? Looking at it now, it indeed is true!

Then three months ago, weren't all the accusations against Pan Yue Ming simply slander!

You have to know, at that time, a large number of actors, artists, directors, and producers in the circle were all standing on the woman's side, condemning the man!

Just like the "stabbing in the back" incident back then; looking at it now, even the result is exactly the same as the "stabbing in the back" incident.

Both were the men, slandered, condemned by everyone, and finally proven innocent by video!

The internet has already boiled over.

"This simply destroys the worldview!"

"Mr. Pan is so handsome! He is a young leading man, but this person surnamed Wang... looks way too ugly, doesn't he?"

"I damn well want to know, how did the one surnamed Dong get it in her mouth to do this?"

"How did she get it in her mouth to do this?"

"Does he have resources, or is he just good in bed?"

"Looking like this, he still managed to pry away the little sister-in-law; if I were up there, I could do it too..."

The image of a generation's jade maiden and a "Mou Girl" collapsed instantly across the entire net.

And as the person involved, Dong Zhou Jie, obviously hadn't reacted yet!

(End of this chapter)