Chapter 736 Casting

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The timing is quite special. The closer we get to National Day, the more we can feel the festive atmosphere that is different from previous years.

The collection of tribute films with strong main themes is the most notable feature of this year's National Day period.

The three movies that will be released on September 30, "My People, My Country", "The Captain" and "The Climbers" constitute the "three heroes" of the National Day holiday.

All three films have a lineup that can be called the "top configuration" of Chinese-language films.

[The Climbers] is directed by Hong Kong director Li Rengang, starring Wu Jing, Zhang Ziyi, Zhang Yi, Jing Boran, Hu Ge, Wang Jingchun and others, and also invited Cheng Long to make a guest appearance.

[The Captain] is also directed by Hong Kong director Andrew Lau, starring Zhang Hanyu, Ou Hao, Du Jiang and others.

"My Country, My Parents", which consists of seven short films, has an amazing list of directors. It is co-directed by seven well-known film directors including Chen Kaige, Zhang Yibai, Guan Hu, Xue Xiaolu, Xu Zheng, Ning Hao, and Wen Muye.

The actors include Gu Wei, Huang Bo, Zhang Yi, Wu Jing, Ge You, Song Jia and other artists who are both talented and popular with the audience.

They are all tribute films made for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, but there is still some competition and comparison behind the scenes.

The producer of "The Captain" is Bona.

Yu Dong has been deeply involved in the main theme track in recent years, and it is just a coincidence that "The Captain" is released during the National Day holiday this year.

The main controller of "The Climbers" is Shanghai Film Group, while "My People, My Country" is produced by China Film Group.

The two largest state-owned film groups in the country have been secretly competing with each other for many years, just like the two cities of Beijing and Shanghai.

However, China Film Group is much stronger than Shanghai Film Group in terms of scale, influence, works and talents, and is the leader in the domestic film industry.

It can also be seen from the two tribute films this time that "The Climbers" is very powerful, with Wu Jing and Zhang Ziyi taking the leading roles.

But "My People, My Country" is a completely upgraded version of "The Founding of a Republic", with dozens of celebrities and seven well-known directors.

In terms of appeal alone, it crushes [The Climber].

The premiere ceremony of "My People, My Country" was quite grand. According to the seven classic historical moments, the plot trailers such as the eve, the encounter, and the championship were played in sequence.

At the same time, the main creative staff of each plot took turns to appear on the stage of the ceremony.

The host Kang Hui interacted with the directors and leading actors of each crew, allowing the audience to learn many behind-the-scenes stories of the movie "My Country and I", and introduced various plots into the movie "My Country and I" one after another.

Xue Xiaolu led the "Return" crew to appear on the stage.

Starring Gu Wei, Simon Yam, Kara Hui, Du Jiang, Zhu Yilong, Gao Yalin and others, the film focuses on the grand occasion of Hong Kong's return.

Hong Kong actors Simon Yam and Kara Hui also recounted their tear-jerking experiences of Hong Kong's return to China.

Kara Hui was so moved that she burst into tears on the stage and kept turning back to wipe away her tears.

Afterwards, Gu Wei sang "Pearl of the Orient" on the spot as the representative of the "Return" crew.

When the line “Let the ocean tide accompany me to bless you, please don’t forget that my face will never turn yellow” was sung, thunderous applause broke out at the scene!

"You sang really well, you are a professional indeed. When you sang [Pearl of the Orient], I couldn't help but secretly wipe away a tear."

After getting off the stage, Wu Jing walked to Gu Wei.

"It's not that I sing well, it's that the song is well written. The emotions it contains are so deep. This kind of classic will be passed down and will remain fresh for generations to come."

Gu Wei sighed, then looked at Wu Jing in surprise.

"I thought you couldn't come today?"

“Well, I definitely have to show up at the premiere, but I can’t take care of the rest.

I have to stick to the Climber."

Gu Wei nodded: "I understand. You are just a guest here, but you are the main character over there."

Then he asked with a smile, "You should have seen the finished film of 'The Climbers'. How is it? Do you have the confidence to compare it with 'Me and My Country'?"

Wu Jing smiled bitterly and said, "How is that possible? The appeal of seven great directors and dozens of stars is far greater than those people in [The Climbers], not to mention you are here.

And when I watched the finished film, I always felt a little awkward, as if it didn’t turn out the way I imagined.”

"Uncomfortable? Could it be Zhang Ziyi?"

Wu Jing looked a little embarrassed.

“It’s not very good to say.

Actually, I had a feeling when I was shooting it.

You know, in order to shoot this movie, I went to the snow-capped mountains to practice mountaineering for a month, and I feel that I am well prepared.

But during the actual filming, I always felt that director Li Rengang was a bit fussy. Many shots were almost given away, and the plot was not explained very clearly.

I’m actually quite satisfied with the film’s current outcome.”

Gu Wei thought for a moment and said, "There are only a few Hong Kong directors who can really make good mainstream films. Li Rengang's ability is obviously not as good as Lin Chaoxian's.

I have studied his previous films, and they are too commercial and full of craftsmanship.

I didn’t know why Shanghai Film Studio chose him to direct such an important film.”

"Forget it, don't think about it. It has come to this point. Let's just wait and see what the result will be after the release.

Main-theme movies are selling so well now, maybe they can achieve good results with the help of the National Day holiday."

Listening to Wu Jing's self-comforting words, Gu Wei nodded slowly without commenting.

After the premiere of "My People, My Country", Gu Wei did not return to the crew immediately, but stayed in the Beijing company for one more day.

"How's the preparation for [Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils] going?" Gu Wei and Wen Mu were also chatting about the new movie in the office.

They met at the premiere last night, but it was not convenient for them to talk outside.

"I started preparing after receiving the script. The filming team is still the same people who made "Dying to Survive". The location is almost set, and the next step is to start casting."

Wen Mu was also very interested in the book "Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils".

A good script is very attractive to the director. After filming "The Accidental Murderer", he planned to take a break, but after reading this script, he completely lost the idea of ​​taking a break.

There aren't many characters in "Zhou Chu Eliminates the Three Evils." Besides the protagonist, the main characters are Aberdeen Xu Weiqiang, the Venerable Lin Luhe, Aberdeen's stepdaughter Cheng Xiaomei, the police officer Chen Hui who arrested Chen Guilin, the doctor Zhang Guiqing, and the Venerable's lover Xiao Xiangxiang.

Oh, yes, there’s also the little brother who witnessed Chen Guilin’s revenge at the beginning.”

Gu Wei has read the script many times and is very familiar with the characters in it.

"This film will be very exciting if it is well made, so we cannot be careless with the actors. I mean we must find actors with good acting skills who fit the characters in the script.

What do you think?

"Venerable Lin Lu and I are planning to ask Zhang Songwen from our company to play the role. His image and acting skills should make it no problem for him to handle this role." Wen Mu also said first.

Gu Wei nodded.

Venerable Lin Lu is the most wanted criminal on the list.

He has committed more than 50 shootings and killed 6 police officers. He is extremely vicious.

But he hid himself very deeply and even set up various illusions to confuse the outside world, which once made Chen Guilin, who was chasing him, fall into a trap.

Lin Luhe is not only good at disguising his appearance, but is also extremely hypocritical in his heart, and what he does is even more hypocritical.

Zhang Songwen does not look ferocious, and with his acting skills, he should have no problem playing a character who appears gentle but is actually a devil at heart.

"Cheng Xiaomei can use Zhou Ye. Her age and image are more suitable. I worked with her in a play this year. Although her acting skills are relatively immature, she has strong plasticity."

[Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils] has only one protagonist, Chen Guilin, and Xiaomei can be said to be a female character with a relatively important role in the play.

If we don't choose someone from outside, the only suitable person in the company is Zhou Ye.

The others either don’t have the right age or image, or their acting skills are much worse.

"I plan to invite Wu Yue to play the role of the Venerable's lover Xiao Xiangxiang. She would be the best. As for the role of the doctor, we can ask Teacher Chen Jin to play it."

Wu Yue is "Ling Ling" in "The First Half of My Life", the role of the ex-husband's mistress.

He has been acting for more than 20 years and has played countless classic roles. He is an absolute talent.

In the original time and space, she won the Magnolia Award for Best Actress for her role as County Mayor Ai in the "County Party Committee Compound".

Teacher Chen Jin is the mother of the young master in "The Story of Minglan". Needless to say, she is an artist of the older generation who has won the Grand Slam in the field of domestic TV dramas.

"The police can ask Wang Qianyuan, he has played many police roles and he is quite suitable."

Gu Wei and Wen Mu also discussed with each other and quickly decided on most of the characters in the movie.

Later, he simply called Zhang Songwen and Zhou Ye over and gave them the script.

"Looking at the script, do you have any questions about your respective roles?"

"No problem!" said Zhang Songwen, who had finished reading the script.

"I, I have no problem either." Zhou Ye's voice clearly lacked confidence.

Gu Wei and Wen Mu also looked at each other.

"Xiaoye, try acting out a scene from Cheng Xiaomei's role, just the one where she shaves Chen Guilin."

"Okay, I'll try."

After Zhou Ye finished speaking, he read the script for a while, adjusted his mindset and started acting.

"It's OK. I'm a little nervous because it's my first time acting. I should be fine with some adjustments during the filming."

Wen Mu also gave a positive evaluation.

Gu Wei gave Zhou Ye a thumbs up, and she instantly became happy while holding the script.

"Mr. Gu, Director Wen, I'd like to ask, who should we find from Hong Kong to play the role in our play?" Zhang Songwen, who had been watching from the side, asked.

"Mr. Gu and I want to find Sun Honglei, but the chances of him taking over are not high. The alternative is Du Mingyu." Wen Mu also said.

"I have a suitable candidate here. There is absolutely no problem for him to play the role of Hong Kong Aberdeen, and he will definitely take the role as long as the pay is right." Zhang Songwen gave his suggestion.

"Which actor?" Gu Wei asked curiously.

"Wu Zhenyu, he's a professional villain. His image and age are suitable, and his acting skills are even better!"

"Wu Zhenyu is a good choice." Wen Mu nodded. "But he's so famous and has won the Golden Horse Award and the Hong Kong Film Award. Is he willing to play such a supporting villain?"

Zhang Songwen smiled.

"Some time ago, I recorded a Youku variety show called [Acting Class], where I was a mentor, and Wu Zhenyu happened to be one of the mentors.

We chat when we have nothing to do.

He said that it is particularly difficult for actors in Hong Kong now, with few filming opportunities and low pay.

If you want to make money, you have to come to the mainland.

Except for top stars like Andy Lau and Leung Chiu Wai, most of the veteran actors in Hong Kong are now living in poverty.

The focus of his career has now gradually shifted to the mainland. He has appeared on many variety shows and accepted various acting invitations.

As long as the pay is right, he doesn’t care too much about other things.”

"Then let's invite Wu Zhenyu?" Wen Mu also looked at Gu Wei.

"Yes, he is indeed quite suitable~"

Gu Wei was not surprised at what Zhang Songwen said. He had been in contact with Wu Mengda as early as when he was filming "The Wandering Earth" and was aware of the current situation of most actors in Hong Kong.

As the Hong Kong film and television industry continues to shrink, the artists there are having a harder and harder time. It is difficult for them to make money locally, so they have no choice but to move north to make a living.

All the roles were decided, and Wen Mu suddenly thought, "Who should I use as the gangster brother at the beginning of the movie?"

"Let Peng Yuchang make a guest appearance. There aren't many shots of him anyway~" Gu Wei said after thinking for a while.

Once the actors are confirmed, the rest of the work will be handled by Wen Muye. He will communicate and discuss with Gu Wei at any time if there are any issues.

A few days later, the National Day holiday arrived.

The 70th anniversary military parade moved everyone, and the performance of the three tribute films in the film market also amazed everyone.

"My People, My Country" has been released for three days and its cumulative box office has exceeded 1 billion!

The film's reputation is 8.2 points on Douban, 9.5 points on Tao Piaopiao, and 9.7 points on Maoyan.

Both box office and word of mouth lead the National Day box office!

"The Captain" also achieved a good box office of 750 million yuan in the first three days, second only to "My People, My Country".

The most important thing is that the word of mouth is also excellent, and the subsequent box office performance is very stable.

[The Climber] is slightly worse than the previous two.

On the first day, the film sold 168 million yuan at the box office thanks to the fame of Wu Jing, Zhang Ziyi and others. However, the plot of the film was later questioned by many viewers and received constant negative reviews online.

In the next two days, the box office gradually decreased, reaching 130 million and 107 million respectively. The total box office for the first three days barely exceeded 400 million.

You should know that this is Wu Jing's first starring work after "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth".

Originally, everyone had very high expectations for "The Climbers". Not to mention reaching the heights of those two films, it should have at least made 20 to 30 billion. But the result was such a result, and many viewers were disappointed.

Wu Jing is very popular now, and it is not an exaggeration to say that he is the number one middle-aged person in the domestic entertainment industry.

It can be said that he is the domestic actor with the highest box office appeal besides Gu Wei.

All this is due to the exaggerated box office results of "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth".

Many people think that he is like Gu Wei, and whatever he shoots becomes a hit, and he has a strong box office appeal.

However, the unsatisfactory performance of "The Climber" now makes him feel that his myth has been shattered.

It shouldn't be called "The Climbers," it should be called "Everest's Lasting Romance." There's really no need to use a public communication channel to talk about love while climbing Everest. They also portrayed the first Chinese female climber to reach the summit of Everest from the North Peak as being in love.

[The first half gets a negative rating, the second half gets zero. The romance feels like an idol drama, while Wu Jing's action scenes feel like a superhero film. This mix of textures completely baffles me.]

It's a chaotic mix of personal heroism and clichéd romance. What are the roles of the weather team leader and the female doctor? Their roles aren't particularly prominent, and they even somewhat hinder the series. The sound effects are a mess!

Without Gu Wei as his partner, Wu Jing alone can't hold up the box office. It's far behind "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth"!

I went to see the movie with high expectations, but was truly disappointed. The theme wasn't compelling, and the actors were awkward. My head was buzzing when I saw Wu Jing's confession scene while climbing the oil tank.

(End of this chapter)