Wolf Warrior's premiere data exploded, breaking box office records for military-themed films.
For Jiangnan, this was already becoming the norm. After so many movies and TV shows, his reputation was well-established. In the film industry, reputation is everything; if you consistently produce quality work, many fans will show support during the premiere. However, if a bad film is released, reputation can collapse instantly.
Take Guangnian Entertainment's previous film, "Ask Sword Seek Immortal." The meme "spiritual energy turning into a horse" has been circulating in various Xianxia dramas. As a result, the screenwriter who drastically altered the original novel found it difficult to secure good resources afterward. He was essentially nailed to the pillar of shame, forever infamous.
The popularity of Wolf Warrior also brought many film critics to life. These critics offered very fair analyses, summarizing the film with two words: "Passionate!" It was passionate from start to finish. Moreover, in the latter half of the movie, the tense and exciting atmosphere never let up. Especially during the final showdown with the foreigner, when protagonist Leng Feng was knocked down several times and got back up, the entire cinema audience held their breath, worried for the protagonist.
Some people even clenched their toes, daring not to exhale. After all, everyone knew Jiangnan's style, fearing that the protagonist might be killed off at the last moment. However, even amidst the tension, they couldn't help but applaud the spectacular fight! Wu Xingyang, known for his tough guy image, perfectly embodied the man in this hormone-fueled role, amidst scenes of sweat and dirt, gunfire and blood!
"This is what a real man looks like!"
"So exhilarating, I had goosebumps the whole time!"
"Teacher Wu Xingyang has been criticized by those effeminate fans for so many years, and now he has finally shown everyone what a real man should be like."
"Jiangnan's casting is simply brilliant, there's no one more suitable to play Leng Feng than Teacher Wu Xingyang!"
"This fight scene was so cool, and the earlier scene of him chambering a round with his heel—I was so thrilled!"
When Leng Feng finally won, the audience finally let out a sigh of relief. Just as everyone was still savoring the thrilling fight, the enemies disguised as medical personnel appeared again. The rhythm slowed down for a moment, then it was back to exciting gun battles! Finally, as the enemy fled towards the border, Leng Feng ran out of bullets. Bayonet charge!
"Kill!" This roar, with absolute killing intent in his eyes! He chased after them and stomped on one of them. At the border, facing a dense wall of gun muzzles pointed at him, "Come on!!" He stood alone against hundreds, even thousands, exuding immense power!
This shot was incredibly impactful. One man holding the pass, repelling a thousand! Passionate! Dominating! "But why didn't they dare to shoot?" a viewer asked, confused. "Because he's standing on Chinese soil!" Among the audience were many military enthusiasts and retired soldiers. Just as they explained, armed helicopters appeared. The shocking scene made everyone finally understand why the enemy didn't dare to open fire. Leng Feng, though alone, had a nation behind him!
"Beautiful places have stories; those who offend our China, though far away, will be punished." When this line appeared, the strong sense of national pride and mission provided the perfect conclusion to the film. Simultaneously, the image of upright, fearless Chinese soldiers was vividly portrayed!
As the movie ended, many burly men emerged with red eyes. "This is a film that can make tough men shed tears!" many summarized. Ordinary people watching this film felt an unadulterated thrill. But for military fans and retired soldiers, they saw the strength of their country and the sense of duty of soldiers – an emotion only they could truly understand.
Interestingly, many top-tier or even superstar celebrities were posting their Wolf Warrior premiere tickets on Weibo. These Weibo posts were not to be underestimated; they represented a massive promotion, more effective than paid advertising. Even the smallest celebrities have their fans, and when their idols supported Wolf Warrior, their fans naturally followed suit. This led to Wolf Warrior's second-day box office being significantly higher than its premiere. The attendance of various stars indicated that Jiangnan had reached a status where they would actively seek to capitalize on his popularity. This situation was similar to Tingyu in the early days, and people saw that early shadow of Tingyu in Jiangnan.
"Chinese entertainment film industry has stood up!" Old actors knew that a phenomenon-level screenwriter was emerging in the industry. In this era of rampant traffic and constant bad films, Jiangnan was changing the fundamental logic of the film industry. Just like Tingyu, he was shifting the market's focus from traffic to quality.
The immense success of Wolf Warrior further solidified Jiangnan's position in the film industry. The top three most-liked reviews on various film review websites were all about Wolf Warrior! "Initially, I didn't have high expectations for this film, I came solely for the screenwriter Jiangnan. But once the movie started, I was completely captivated. The pacing was tight, and it made me incredibly passionate!" "Especially the line 'Those who offend our China, though far away, will be punished.' Hearing this line in the theater, I almost jumped out of my seat. Chinese soldiers are just so cool!" "I never watched military-themed films, but I went to see Wolf Warrior for a company event. All I can say is, it was amazing!" "It has passion and tenderness; this movie is suitable for all ages!"
In a military compound, Zhao Chengfeng was having tea with an elderly man whose temples were streaked with white. "Old Chief, are you satisfied with the results this time?" Zhao Chengfeng asked, his face beaming with joy. He remembered meeting Jiangnan at Huashi when he went to film, which led to this Wolf Warrior.
"What are you happy about? What does this movie's success have to do with you?" the old chief retorted gruffly. "Uh... Regardless, I was the one who met Jiangnan," Zhao Chengfeng replied, unyielding. "Stop talking nonsense. Since you know there's such a good screenwriter, you can go find him for the National Day tribute drama," the old chief said, taking a sip of tea.
"But our tribute dramas have always had Teacher Qian Yao write the scripts. We've collaborated for so many years; wouldn't it be awkward to find Jiangnan now?" Zhao Chengfeng expressed some concern. Qian Yao was considered a veteran screenwriter in the industry, specializing in military themes. Many well-known military films and TV dramas were written by Qian Yao. The box office record Jiangnan broke this time was also set by Qian Yao.
"What's awkward about it? You know it's a collaboration; we must choose the best candidate. If Qian Yao has any objections, he can come find me!" The old chief slapped Zhao Chengfeng on the head. The latter, covering his head, nodded repeatedly, acknowledging the old chief's persistent temper. "Alright, I'll contact Jiangnan right away!" With that, he prepared to leave.
The old chief stopped him, "Do you know the theme of this film?" Zhao Chengfeng paused, then quickly replied, "Yes, it promotes the cruelty of war and the noble spirit of Chinese soldiers who fear no death." The old chief then waved him off, "Let him film freely. Don't worry about the censors; I'll help him negotiate if there are any issues!" The cruelty of war inevitably involves gore. Some scenes might not pass censorship. The old chief's words were the greatest support for Jiangnan.