Xu Wancang of Xi'an Film Studio has become a joke in the industry, having failed to recognize true value and selling a treasure for a pittance.
Everyone was keenly interested in the box office performance of "A Chinese Odyssey" on its third day. How far could this film from five years ago go? Everyone was eager to find out.
In recent years, both the film industries in mainland China and Hong Kong have been facing a downturn. Hong Kong alone used to churn out over three hundred films annually.
Last year, the number dropped to around ninety. According to authoritative sources within the industry, this year's market is even worse, with potentially fewer than seventy films.
The general sentiment is that a winter has fallen upon the industry, and cinema is effectively dead, desperately needing a breakthrough.
China needs a film with strong appeal to emerge. Even if it doesn't take the top box office spot, breaking into the top three could significantly boost morale.
Initially, people had high hopes for Zhang Yimou's new film and "Lotus Lantern," which had been in the making for five years. Both were considered strong contenders for this year's box office champion.
However, the reality proved to be incredibly harsh.
From the moment the films began screening, their box office fates were essentially sealed.
"Star Wars Prequel" and "The Heist" were far ahead of other movies.
Even "Lotus Lantern," which performed commendably, was significantly trailing the box office revenue of these two.
Was it that Chinese films were inherently inferior?
How many years behind were our movies compared to foreign productions?
This series of stark realities left filmmakers utterly ashamed.
In the past, Hong Kong was renowned as the "Hollywood of the East," holding an undeniably prominent position in the film industry.
But now, a strong hand had been played poorly, reducing the scene to a handful of major players.
Zhang Tianxing entered his office, and Guo Jiajia approached him.
She presented the data for "A Chinese Odyssey."
"Boss Zhang, I truly don't know what's in your head. Buying 'A Chinese Odyssey' was a stroke of genius. Of course, today's box office revenue is beyond my wildest expectations."
Guo Jiajia couldn't conceal her astonishment. In her view, achieving such results with a film from five years ago would already be quite good.
What's more, it had managed to outshine Zhang Yimou's film, something few could accomplish.
However, with the third day not yet concluded, she was incredibly eager to know the day's data.
Discussions were rife online, with everyone's attention fixated on which film would claim the box office crown.
No one had anticipated that "A Chinese Odyssey," after five years, would stage a comeback and still be fighting hard on the box office charts, even defeating Zhang Yimou and surprising everyone.
At this point, cinemas also recognized the potential of "A Chinese Odyssey."
They began increasing the number of screenings and the proportion of showtimes for the film, moving it out of the "garbage time slots."
Fortune favors the bold; "A Chinese Odyssey" had finally become a darling in everyone's eyes.
At three in the morning, Guo Jiajia received an internal data report from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. However, this data seemed unbelievable; it couldn't possibly be true.
It stated that the box office revenue for "A Chinese Odyssey" on its third day was virtually identical to that of "The Heist."
Guo Jiajia was stunned. "The Heist" was a major international blockbuster, with impressive box office earnings abroad.
Currently, only "Star Wars Prequel" could overshadow it.
"Star Wars Prequel" remained the undisputed leader, with "The Heist" holding the second position.
However, "A Chinese Odyssey," in third place, was catching up closely, with its daily box office revenue almost matching "The Heist."
It seemed "A Chinese Odyssey" was gaining momentum. As for Zhang Yimou's film and "Lotus Lantern,"
They had heartbroken countless Chinese people. Both films were well-made but unfortunately released at an inopportune time.
Upon their release, they encountered "Star Wars Prequel" and "The Heist."
The directors and actors of those two films were among the world's best, creating an inherent disadvantage.
Everyone had anticipated the failure of these two, but no one expected "A Chinese Odyssey" to provide such a surprise.
With those two faltering, "A Chinese Odyssey," a supposed flop from five years ago, stepped up.
Its box office performance stunned everyone, and they eagerly awaited today's figures.
The sharp upward trend yesterday indicated strong potential for "A Chinese Odyssey."
Viewers who had seen the film were leaving comments online.
"I never realized Stephen Chow was so brilliant five years ago. I only understood this film after five years."
"I actually admire the person who pushed 'A Chinese Odyssey' to the screen. Not everyone has the courage to bring a five-year-old flop back to the cinemas."
"Poor Stephen Chow. The company he founded made two films, and due to poor box office performance, it directly declared bankruptcy. Five years later, this film is making a fortune, but the money has nothing to do with Stephen Chow. My heart aches for Stephen Chow for three minutes."
"What is Tianxing Investment Company? Did they promote and release 'A Chinese Odyssey'?"
"This is hilarious. Stephen Chow's film company went bankrupt, and Xi'an Film Studio reportedly only sold it for one million yuan a couple of days ago. If that's the case, no matter how good the box office of 'A Chinese Odyssey' is, it only concerns Tianxing Investment Company? Stephen Chow and Xi'an Film Studio are just audience members?"
Teacher Zhao from Xi'an Film Studio, upon hearing the box office news, fell into a silent melancholy. After a long pause, he wryly remarked, "I'm getting old, my old eyes are failing me. I can't understand today's films anymore."
The music producer for "A Chinese Odyssey" was listed as blank, with no name credited.
However, the music of "A Chinese Odyssey" was truly stunning, especially the scene where Zixia Fairy glides through the reeds like a small boat. The music was deeply moving.
This scene captivated countless people.
"Nothing is impossible. The official announcement hasn't been made yet. I refuse to believe 'The Heist' is close to 'A Chinese Odyssey.' I admit 'A Chinese Odyssey' is well-made, but it's still no match for 'The Heist.'"
"What a letdown. It turns out to be just a rumor. So boring. I'll go to bed early and get up tomorrow to work."
"My hopes were still alive, but now they're dashed. Rumors are circulating, which is truly disheartening."
Guo Jiajia repeatedly inquired, "Is this news reliable? I'm finding it hard to believe."
"Believe it or not, I'm going to sleep. You'll know by ten o'clock."
Guo Jiajia gave a bitter smile. It sounded easy, but it seemed she wouldn't be getting any sleep. Her mind was filled with worries, making it impossible to rest.
...
Finally, ten o'clock in the morning arrived, and the box office figures for the third day were released.
Everyone was shocked. No wind, no waves; rumors must have a basis.
The whispered news from last night was actually true.
The box office revenue for "A Chinese Odyssey" on its third day was virtually identical to that of "The Heist"!
It was truly unbelievable. When did Hong Kong films become so competitive, especially a supposed flop like "A Chinese Odyssey" from five years ago?
It seems the problem wasn't that "A Chinese Odyssey" was poorly made, but rather that Stephen Chow's vision was five years ahead of its time.
This five-year gap caused this classic to be labeled a flop and remain silent for half a decade.
Fortunately, Tianxing Investment Company had the discerning eye to bring "A Chinese Odyssey" back into the light.
People now held expectations for the future performance of "A Chinese Odyssey."
Would "A Chinese Odyssey" emerge victorious, or would "The Heist" win? "Star Wars Prequel" was undoubtedly going to be first.
The Chinese film market desperately needed a beacon. Initially, people thought it would be Zhang Yimou's film or "Lotus Lantern."
Now, it seemed it might well be "A Chinese Odyssey." This turn of events truly astonished many.
I thought I owed Stephen Chow a movie ticket, only to realize I had missed a classic!