In fact, the script for "Ice and Iron" was much better than Shang Yechu had expected in terms of structure and plot.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, China and Russia have co-produced at least five or six films, all of which Shang Yechu has watched. Each one is utterly bizarre. For example, in one film, the Chinese characters speak entirely in arias, their heavily translated accents almost making Shang Yechu think his native language wasn't Chinese. In another, the Russian protagonist travels across mountains and seas to China for an adventure, only to encounter fire-breathing monsters and terracotta warriors hacking and slashing, and even sees pirates wearing tricorn hats and an American sorceress in a Chinese tavern—Shang Yechu truly has no idea which China this is!
While the script for *Ice and Iron* incorporates at least three or four classic plot devices, the overall effect is surprisingly unified. The three screenwriters from both countries skillfully used the concept of a "shared faith" to forcibly merge two completely different narratives, weaving them into a script that is logically consistent and avoids any bizarre or stereotypical portrayals of either nation. The quality is far superior to previous co-productions between the two countries.
As expected of a film commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, it is so important that the screenwriters from both countries finally put their minds to it when writing the script.
Shang Yechu sifted through the script for a while longer before finally making up her mind. Compared to the films she had acted in before, the script for "Ice and Iron" wasn't particularly outstanding. But considering what it represented, taking on the role was still worthwhile.
Compared to the exhausting struggles of vying for scripts like "The Heavenly Emperor" and "Half of Heaven," landing "Ice and Iron" was much easier. Speaking Russian was a strict requirement for casting, and Shang Yechu stood out with her rudimentary Russian, which she had only learned in six months. There were countless people with better Russian than her, but within the realm of actors, Shang Yechu was unbeatable.
Furthermore, Shang Yechu has collaborated with CTS multiple times, and her performance in "Tianban" was a sensation. Her recent acceptance speech at the Tianji Awards also generated considerable online buzz. Her personal image is quite good among the new generation of actors. Most importantly, Shang Yechu's parents, listed on her household registration, were both impoverished farmers for eight generations and are now deceased, ensuring she will not cause any family scandals and can withstand scrutiny from both higher and lower levels of government.
Although it was an international co-production project, filming is all pretty much the same thing, it's all Shang Yechu's old profession. After reading the script and doing some research, Shang Yechu contacted his assistant to inquire about the specifics.
The first issue, of course, is the order of billing.
Don't say that international films don't require fighting for top billing. In Shang Yechu's view, international films are where these things are most important. A Hong Kong actor once said, "In the mainland or Chinese-speaking market, it's fine if you ask me to play a villain, we're all Chinese. But in Western films, I'm sorry, whether you're black or white, I can't accept any role that damages the image of Chinese people..."
The same logic applies to billing order. If everyone were from the same country, it wouldn't be a big deal to relinquish some billing order for various reasons. However, this film is a co-production between two countries to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and at the national level, they are equal. Furthermore, in terms of character importance, the "political commissar" commands the "general," and Wei Bingkai's role is no less significant than Kovalev's. From any perspective, Shang Yechu has no reason to be billed second.
There can be no compromise on this matter.
Since the goal is to compete for top billing, it's essential to understand the actors you're acting opposite.
If the other party is a relatively unknown Russian celebrity, it should be easy to get top billing, right? If it's a big Russian celebrity (Shang Yechu is completely clueless about the Russian entertainment industry and doesn't know who the big celebrities are there), then he should try his best to get top billing or at least equal billing.
Shang Yechu pondered for a moment, then asked her assistant, "Who plays the male lead?"
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