"We are very pleased to see the changes in the new generation of directors in China. Regardless of ideals, beliefs, or political demands, the driving force of the entire story is personal desires and society..."
"The depth and flexibility of a director can be fully demonstrated from this story. Talent cannot be buried, of course, if you have it. The monk's experience is just a microcosm of Chinese society. From this perspective, the society's
Change and immutability are all there..."
"I really like the narrative rhythm in "Incense". Although the episodic plot structure seems very deliberate, for a newcomer, he has undoubtedly delivered an excellent work..."
"Chief Jia is my favorite Chinese director, and now there is another one. Coincidentally, it is said that their hometowns are all in the same area of China, and their respective debut films are about 'thief' and 'monk' respectively.
The stories are about marginalized social figures in their hometown. "Xiao Wu" is sad yet joyful, and "Incense" is joyful yet sad. Both form dramatic conflicts through the gap between good and evil, with novel angles, realistic art, and moving emotions..."
"It's too much like Chief Jia. It's both the protagonist's change and the disclosure of society, it's like the practice of an ascetic monk and it's like criticizing religion..."
"From the perspective of a debut film, it is perfect. The director's thinking on China's issues is reminiscent of Chief Jia, and the filming is more interesting than Chief Jia. The satire of China's reality is very interesting..."
"Incense" was screened twice in a row on September 3rd and 4th, and the two screenings were actually full. At the end of the film festival, most of the topical works were screened, and the official media of the film festival was surprised that
dedicated its pages to report on this film, which was shortlisted for the Upstream Competition section.
The media is quite tolerant of newcomers and new works, and mostly praises them. Even if they criticize, they point out shortcomings in a relatively objective manner, rather than being sarcastic.
Ning Hao, a young director from China that no one knew before, is now quite popular in Venice, and it can be said that he has successfully "touched on" Chief Jia.
Some media even described him as another profound Chinese realist young film director after Chief Jia.
This morning, as soon as Ning Hao came down from his room, he was surrounded by reporters from all over the country in the hotel lobby, all begging for help to dig out some hard news. There was no way, the writers were working hard, this time
Chinese-language films can be said to have been completely wiped out.
"Landscape of Love" received rave reviews, with the second-lowest rating in the program, only higher than the previous controversial British film "Dreams of Argentina"; as a former Golden Lion Award winner, the new work of veteran literary director Tsai Ming-liang
"Breaking Away" can only be said to be unsatisfactory. His signature slow-paced narrative style and frozen long shots can easily make people tired. Only "Incense" gained some face in the evaluation.
"Your debut novel is so popular, what do you want to say?"
"I really don't know what to say. From yesterday to now, I've been feeling like I'm in a dream."
"So do you have plans for your next movie?"
"Haha, I haven't thought that far yet."
"If you win an award, who would you like to thank the most?"
"Well, let's wait until I actually get the award!"
This guy finally squeezed out of the crowd and trotted to a small restaurant half a street away.
The small restaurant here is very similar to the Shangdao Cafe in China. Since you can eat and drink coffee at the same time, you can find a window seat when you have nothing to do, read a book, listen to music, and enjoy the street scenery.
All day long.
At this time, He Xin, Sister Na, and Xiao Douding, the translator, were sitting at a window seat. After breakfast, the two ladies each had a cup of fragrant coffee, and He Xin gave the waiter two euros.
I gave him a tip, communicated with him using gestures and words like "hot water, tea", and made a cup of tea with the tea leaves I brought with me.
Xiao Douding, the translator, looked at his showy behavior and couldn't help but said: "Boss, for someone like you who often travels abroad, why don't you learn some English?"
"Well, my educational level is not high, my foundation is poor, and besides, I don't have much time."
"I heard that many celebrities in your entertainment industry hire private English tutors. I have a college classmate who has done this kind of job, but the female celebrity who hired her is very stupid. After taking lessons for almost a year, she is still stumbling when speaking.
."
"Who is it?" Sister Na asked curiously.
"She didn't say this, after all, it wouldn't be good for others if it spread." Xiao Douding shook his head, and then said to He Xin: "Boss, why don't you also find an English private tutor? If you don't count reading and writing, I
I guarantee you will be able to speak fluent English within half a year."
Facing Xiao Douding's expectant gaze, He Xin shook his head and said, "It's just you, it's too expensive, I can't afford it!"
Xiao Douding hurriedly said: "No, boss, you have made so much this time. A little leakage from between your fingers will be enough for you to eat and drink. Don't be so stingy, okay?"
Saying that, Xiao Douding said with regret: "I wish I hadn't been so impatient yesterday. The media's evaluation in the past two days has been so good. If I hold on until the end, I might be able to sell tens of thousands more euros!"
Xiao Douding is also feeling sorry for herself. If she can sell tens of thousands more euros, she can also get hundreds more euros in commissions. But don’t underestimate these few hundred euros, which are equivalent to those in China in RMB.
One month's salary.
At this time, Ning Hao walked in from the outside with a proud look on his face. He happened to hear Xiao Douding's words. He sat down and said with a smile: "Gu Yue Wan, do you think everyone is as greedy as you? This film can sell
To 350,000 euros, Asin and I didn’t even dare to think about it before, so be content!”
As he said that, he raised his eyebrows at He Xin, full of arrogance!
He Xin had no reaction, but Sister Na looked at her boyfriend with disgust and said: "Why do you always oversleep? Learn from Ah Xin, get up in the morning and go for a run, and have a regular life. Take a look.
How fat are you now?"
Ning Hao chuckled and said, "It's mainly because I've been a little excited these past two days and couldn't sleep at night."
After saying that, he also said to He Xin: "A Xin, I didn't bother you at night, right?"
He Xin shook his head and said calmly: "No!"
He has always had a strong ability to adapt. I remember when I was at the construction site, what a guy! Dozens of people were crowded into a work shed, snoring, grinding their teeth and farting, and there were all kinds of strong smells of sweat and foot odor intertwined together.
He felt sour and refreshed, and he was still sleeping soundly, so what was this little movement from Ning Hao?
In fact, the reason why he was eager to reach an agreement with MK2, and the price exceeded expectations, was to form a good relationship with MK2. On the one hand, it was also because He Xin was vaguely looking forward to the award. He returned empty-handed from Cannes twice in a row. How much did it mean to him?
Still a little unwilling.
MK2 is the largest literary theater chain in Europe, and the purpose of the Venice Film Festival has always been to emphasize the artistic nature of films. He Xin, who has participated in so many film festivals, has seen pigs running even if he has never eaten pork.
Since MK2 has paid such a large price to buy out the global distribution rights of "Incense", it is natural to expand the influence of this film, sell the copyrights of several more countries, and at the same time build momentum for the release in its own theaters. So the most effective way
The way is to win awards. The influence of an award-winning work and a non-award-winning work is conceivable. Therefore, MK2 will definitely operate actively, and today's exhibition magazine has an extremely friendly evaluation of "Incense", which is very
It is difficult to say that there is no result of the operation of MK2.
Of course, this is just his experience and conjecture. This kind of thing cannot be put on the table after all, and he has not mentioned it to anyone here, otherwise Ning Hao might be even more arrogant.
All the results will have to wait until the day of the awards ceremony. Winning an award will naturally be a surprise. If not, it won’t be a big deal. After all, the purpose of selling the film has been achieved, and it is still a very good price.
Ning Hao finished a plate of spaghetti bolognese indiscriminately, wiped his lips, and said with a smile: "When I was going out just now, a reporter asked me, who would I want to thank the most if I win the award? There is no need to ask, of course it is us.
Ah Xin!"
Looking at Sister Na beside him, she deliberately pursed her lips to express her dissatisfaction. This guy quickly put his arm around his girlfriend's shoulders and said, "Of course, my closest comrade and lover in this life are also indispensable!"
"Hey! Don't be stupid, I'm getting goosebumps." The translator Xiao Douding, who is currently single, looked at the male and female couple with a look of disgust on their faces.
But she immediately asked He Xindao curiously: "Boss, do you think we have any hope of winning this time?"
Hearing this, Ning Hao and his wife ignored the fight and looked at He Xin expectantly.
He Xin glanced at them and said calmly: "Who knows, just leave it to fate!"
"cut!"
Xiao Douding still refused to give up, and continued: "You have participated in several film festivals, it is impossible that you have no experience at all, right? I heard that the organizing committee will send out invitations the day before the award ceremony. If you can get the invitation,
It means it is possible to win a prize, is there such a thing?"
Oh, I didn’t expect this little Douding to know quite a lot!
He Xin couldn't help but glance at her in surprise, nodded and said, "That's probably what happened. If you don't get the invitation, there will be no chance."
When Ning Hao heard this, he hurriedly twirled his stubby fingers to calculate, worrying about the pros and cons: "So it will be revealed tomorrow?"
"Yeah, if we can't get it, we have to change our tickets and go home early."
Now that we have arrived in Venice, it must be particularly hypocritical to say that we don’t want to win an award. Now almost all the crew are craning their necks to wait for the invitations that the organizing committee will issue tomorrow afternoon. Even those who have been ignored and hated at this film festival
"Landscape of Love", which has been constantly criticized, Li Miaoxue, Lin Jiaxin, and Huang Yuetai are still waiting here with a sense of luck.
Although "Incense" was only shortlisted for the Upstream unit, it was the only competition unit other than the main competition unit, and it also had five awards. Even the highest award, the San Marco Award, was not expected, so the best
It seems that the Actor Award, Director Special Award and Special Attention Award are still up for grabs.