Chapter 808: The Curses of *The Great Wall*; The Villa is a Bit Small

"Director Zhang Yimou's film work, Sino-US co-produced A-level production, costume action adventure fantasy 3D blockbuster *The Great Wall*, opened for advance screening in 350 IMAX cinemas nationwide at 19:00 yesterday;"

"According to China Film Group's distribution company, today on the first day of public screening, the film's comprehensive screening rate reached as high as 43.5%, 18 points higher than the second place *Operation Meigonghe*, and the two films are feared to divide the daily box office market!"

"Mainly produced by Huayi, directed by Cheng Er, starring Zhang Ziyi, Teacher Ge You, Tadanobu Asano, Zhong Xintong, Ni Dahong, Yuan Quan, and others, the film *The Wasted Times* was officially released this morning;"

"Not beyond the expectations of the production industry and media, the film's first-day screening rate was only 14.2%! Among them, Wanda Cinema's overall screening rate was 4.1%, and there were still no screenings during prime time..."

Waking up in the morning, Lin Nan couldn't wait to see the film reviews for *The Great Wall* online, but didn't see any. It is estimated that it will take some time, at the earliest this afternoon, at the latest tomorrow morning.

However, although he didn't see the film reviews for *The Great Wall*, he saw the excitement of Huayi, which can be considered a harvest.

That's right, if *I Am Not Madame Bovary* being suppressed in screening was Wanda's retaliatory move against Huayi's large-scale poaching, it might only be that one time;

Then today, Wanda used its second practical action to tell the entire industry:

There is no possibility of reconciliation between Wanda and Huayi, it is a long-term war of life and death. The industry can only choose one of two, that is, companies that participate in Huayi's films, Wanda will not care who you are, and will kill them all with one stick!

So, at this moment, the entire film circle and production industry are not just watching Huayi's excitement, but also watching Emperor Motion Pictures' joke.

Because the latter is a joint producer of *The Wasted Times*, which can be seen from the starring list—Teacher Ge You, Zhong Xintong.

Huayi.

For Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei, it is really fear of what comes.

They were very certain at this moment that the "manifesto" Feng Xiaogang had impulsively released last month was absolutely the direct cause of the current situation, adding fuel to the fire.

That post made a "prediction." If Wanda didn't take the move, it would make itself look unpresentable and not determined enough!

And the final result is that Feng Xiaogang himself has to be trapped by his own cocoon, because he didn't consider *Youth* or even the later *Cell Phone 2* at all.

"Usually cursing people in the circle, cursing film critics, cursing the audience is just like that. But he shouldn't have provoked Big Boss Wang! Even if he softened later and said soft words, so what? It's too late!"

Wang Zhonglei had already given up. If it weren't for the fact that Huayi only had such a direct big director as Feng Xiaogang, and both sides were on the same boat and couldn't be separated, he really wanted to "get rid of" this guy.

After a long silence in the office, Wang Zhongjun spoke unhurriedly, without seeing any anxiety or fire.

But it's not the case, he was also adjusting his emotions just now, and at this moment he tried his best to comfort and hypnotize himself:

"If they don't cooperate, then don't. You know, since we started 'de-film-singularization,' the profit of film production has accounted for less than 20% of the group's profit."

"The reason why we have been continuously investing in films is, first, because we are a listed company in the film and television culture industry, and the production business does have experience and can make money;"

"Second, and the most important point, our main 'profit' channels, industries, and methods need the 'outer garment' of film production to cover up, and need the film and television entertainment circle to 'run accounts'!"

Hearing this, Wang Zhonglei shut his mouth instantly.

"Did Zhang Guoli not complete the gambling agreement this year?" After a few seconds, Wang Zhongjun asked.

"Hmm, no."

"Then you go to comfort him kindly, and by the way, let him make up our profits as soon as possible!"

"As for Feng Xiaogang, let him be, after all, he is our own person. His films, and other films we control investment in, the group will try its best to distribute."

"It's best if it can make money and win awards. Even if it loses, how much can it lose? Furthermore, it's good if big-production films lose money. And the artist's salary contract, continue to increase the amount..."

"Okay, big brother." Hearing the last few sentences, Wang Zhonglei was instantly energized, and a cunning flash in his eyes.

"In the current situation in the circle, has it become very common?" Wang Zhongjun glanced at Wang Zhonglei and asked with hidden meaning.

"'Very common' is not accurate, it is that almost all popular actors and artists are doing it, and the bigger the big name, the more..."

"Hmm, very good, then I am relieved. After all, it doesn't blame the crowd."

After 2 pm Beijing time, the Berlin International Film Festival officially announced the shortlist; but it is a pity that there are zero Chinese films.

At a little past 2:00 PM Beijing time, the Berlin International Film Festival officially announced its shortlist; unfortunately, Chinese-language films were completely shut out.

When Lin Nan returned from Shunyi, he also saw the invitation sent to him by Berlin as usual. Since 2005, there has been one every year, but he still can't go this year.

"How is it looking?"

"Let's see again. I have already told them all the requirements, and they will send all those that meet the conditions one after another in the next few days for me and Yifei to choose."

Lin Nan turned on the speakerphone and continued Wang Changtian's call. Since he spent a large sum of money to take over the shares, he might as well spend another sum, anyway, there was a plan long ago.

"Then you and Yifei must decide quickly, we will be neighbors next year, haha..."

"Chairman Wang, I remember you don't live there?"

"What do you mean I don't live there? I bought such a large manor, not for investment, I definitely live there, it's just that I don't live there often."

"Oh right, I seem to have heard Xie Nan mention it earlier, saying that Liu Yan also bought a house there, but hers is just an ordinary house."

"Fine, it's quite lively. It's much closer to other people's residences than my side, and it will be more convenient to have a gathering or something in the future."

"This is secondary, mainly for raising children, it's best to have a big place."

"This 'big place' in your mouth is really big enough!" Lin Nan was speechless, but what Wang Changtian said was also true, a villa covering three or four acres is a bit small.

Not long after, after hanging up the phone, Lin Nan missed Liu Yifei. The latter had a small cold and went to sleep after lunch, carrying it hard!

"Xixi, I saw one covering about 25 acres and one covering about 34 acres today. There are many other choices, we can choose slowly, you and mom go see it another day..."

On the morning of the 17th, the box office of several films was "can't wait" to be reported by the media. At the same time, *The Great Wall* was also pushed to the forefront, and the internet was arguing into a pot of porridge!

"Director Lin Nan's film work, *Operation Meigonghe*, yesterday's box office raked in 75.25 million, screened for 19 days, total box office reached 2.574 billion."

"The film *The Wasted Times*, suffered a setback on the first day of release, raking in 11.69 million..."

"Jointly produced by Universal Pictures, Legendary Pictures, China Film Group, and LeEco, directed by Director Zhang Yimou, the Sino-US co-produced blockbuster *The Great Wall* was released on the first day, and the first-day box office strongly cut 175 million..."

"A well-known film critic published a long review, attacking the film *The Great Wall*—'Zhang Yimou is dead'!"

"Narrative is chaotic, the plot rhythm is slow to stagnation, the director's pretentious editing is really brainless. Cheng Er's strength cannot control the multi-line plot at all, it is recommended to learn more from Director Ning Hao..."

"*The Wasted Times* completely gives people a feeling of 'smoke and mist,' the timeline jumps randomly, the plot is thin... watching it makes me want to sleep."

"Except for Zhang Ziyi's meat scenes that don't look like acting, other content is completely dog shit, with no attraction at all."

"*The Wasted Times* is not worth evaluating, let's talk about Director Zhang's *The Great Wall*. This film, I suspect it was directed by Zhang Yimou?"

"Fairly speaking, the actors of *The Great Wall* have no problem, the picture has no problem, the special effects are first-class, and the plot seems to be barely okay. But after watching it, I just feel awkward, what is the problem?"

"The problem with *The Great Wall* is big! It uses the banner of 'Great Wall,' saying it is to promote Chinese elements to the world, but it is actually a localized invasion of a Hollywood monster-fighting film, with no original construction at all, it is a brainless stuffing of various Chinese elements!"

"Zhang Yimou was originally a big director who was particularly good at character shaping, but the character shaping and expressiveness of this *The Great Wall* are completely absent, just like a product on an assembly line. For Zhang Yimou, it is a failing film! In his place, I only give him 50 points for a film that could have scored 60."

"What are you talking about with those messy things, this film has been insulting the word 'Great Wall' since the project was established, trampling on the 'Great Wall' which is Chinese culture. A group of things that forget their ancestors!"

"Still a popcorn blockbuster, Zhang Yimou insulted popcorn! Actually using people as bait, what kind of ghost plot is this?"

"Although the special effects shots and pictures are burning from beginning to end, and Jing Tian didn't hold back like in *The Warring States*, I still have to say that this film is a bad film!"

"It shouldn't be called *The Great Wall*, even if it was named *Taotie*, I think it would be better than being called *The Great Wall*. This film, it doesn't deserve this name."

Too many, there are too many voices cursing *The Great Wall* online. Although there are many good reviews, and many fans who think the film is very good, those who nitpick and lead the rhythm clearly have the upper hand.

China Film Group, La Peikang was slapping the table with a black face. Just because the wording of some film critics was too vicious, everyone from the producer and Zhang Yimou to every main actor was cursed.

Those people even compared *The Great Wall* with *L. O. R. D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties*, thinking it was a film of the same grade. They even listed Zhang Yimou and Guo Jingming together, saying they were equal!

It is conceivable that once this public opinion ferments and loses control, the consequences will be very serious.

"Send them a warning letter, immediately, immediately!" La Peikang was a bit out of control, scolding sharply.

The secretary was very embarrassed at this moment. The words said by the leader in anger really cannot be listened to. If he really listened, public opinion would definitely have an accident, and he would have to carry the pot later.

So, he could only bite the bullet and remind: "Chairman La, this kind of thing... is suitable for LeEco to do."

Sure enough, La Peikang instantly "calmed down," but the frost and gloom on his face did not decrease in the slightest.

Suddenly, the phone on the table rang. Sometimes, it's really a coincidence!

"Zhang Zhao?" La Peikang read two words.

"Hello?"

"Chairman La, regarding those film critics online..."

Half an hour later, La Peikang put down the phone and sat in the chair, closing his eyes to rest.

"Notify Zhang Yimou and them, ensure the promotion work during the screening period. In addition, it will land in North America in February."

"Okay, Chairman La."

Lin Nan didn't expect that the stress response online would be so big.

Most audiences are definitely incomparable to professional filmmakers, they will only grasp one or two points to define the entire film.

Just like the name *The Great Wall*, just like foreigners running to save the Chinese.

Because of these two points, *The Great Wall* was classified as a bad film, and all the good parts of the film were completely denied.

But then again, there is really no need to raise Guo Jingming and *L. O. R. D* so high, this is a bit too insulting to Zhang Yimou and all the leads of *The Great Wall*.

"Although it is a global release, the production cost is 150 million USD, so the pressure will be very high. And it is not yet certain how much negative impact this overwhelming cursing online will have on the box office of *The Great Wall*. I think Chairman La's mood should not be good at this moment, after all, *Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk* has already lost money."

Liu Yifei sat beside Lin Nan with a hot water cup, looking sighing. Her face was still a bit pale, and her nasal sound was much heavier than usual.

"Global box office plus advertising revenue, plus various copyrights overseas and domestically... breaking even shouldn't be difficult. This New Year film season is really interesting."

Lin Nan thought of the few films in a few days, all of which had a mess. However, these films are "good" opponents for *Operation Meigonghe*!

"If it were really as you said, it wouldn't be called *The Great Wall*, would the reputation be better? Would the box office be more outstanding?" Liu Yifei took a sip of hot water and asked Lin Nan.

"Hmm, I have this certainty."

"Then it's really miserable. I thought it was a selling point, but it turned into a failure in the end."

Zhang Yimou Studio.

Looking at the response online, Zhang Yimou had no emotional fluctuations.

The film could be made into what it is now, which was already the result of his great effort; it couldn't be better, because the frame was set there from the beginning, that is, the upper limit was set.

The audience didn't understand the specific situation of the project, so he didn't blame the audience who cursed him, after all, the director column was indeed his name.

"Thinking about it now, Lin Nan is really free and easy; if he doesn't let him change the script, he will immediately refuse the project. Unlike me, hehe." ===== CHAPTER 809 =====

The audience did not understand the specific circumstances of the project, so he did not blame the audience members who scolded him; after all, the name in the director column was indeed his.

"Thinking about it now, Lin Nan is truly carefree; he refused the project immediately when they wouldn't let him change the script. Unlike me, haha."