When it comes to the golden age of Hong Kong films, a legendary name Cai Lan is indispensable. A multi-disciplinary all-rounder, he is not only a foodie, a traveler, a calligrapher, but also an important promoter of the film industry. Did you know that Cai Lan has spent almost all his life in movies, from film critic to producer, his influence is far beyond your imagination. How did he go from a movie fanatic to a key figure in Hong Kong cinema?
Cai Lan, a name associated with movies, has grown up in the world of movies since childhood. His father worked for Shaw Brothers, which gave Cai Lan the opportunity to watch various movies and developed a deep interest in movies. It can be said that movies were his best playmates in childhood. Not only that, in order to better understand foreign language movies, Cai Lan decided to challenge himself, going to Chinese school in the morning and switching to English school in the afternoon, his enthusiasm is incredible, and even in order to watch a movie, he can skip school classes.
After graduating from high school, Cai Lan was not satisfied with just being an audience, he was eager to learn more about film, so he chose to go to Japan to further his studies as a film director. There, he not only learned the expertise of filmmaking, but also won the favor of the Shaw Brothers and his son with his talent and passion, and became the company's representative in Japan. This experience undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for his later film career.
After returning to Hong Kong, Cai Lan's film road did not stop. He began working as an executive producer in filmmaking, a role that allowed him to work on multiple films at the same time, learning and gaining experience. He is extremely efficient, and the films he has worked on all reflect his unique insights and strict requirements for the art of film. "One-armed Knife" successfully broke the record of one million box office in Hong Kong with his participation and became a representative of classic martial arts films.
Cai Lan's path in the film industry has not been easy. He has had in-depth cooperation with the famous director Zhang Che, and although the two have frequent contact due to their work, they have also had friction due to personality differences. Zhang Che is well-known in the industry for his sternness and straightforwardness, while Cai Lan also has a violent temper, but he prefers a harmonious working environment. In the face of Zhang Che, Cai Lan once bluntly said that if there was really a conflict, he would never retreat. This frankness and directness is also an important reason why he is respected by his peers.
As time went on, Cai Lan's film career became more and more successful. In the eighties and nineties of the last century, in the golden age of Hong Kong films, Cai Lan was even more at home. He is not only a producer, but also involved in the field of screenwriting and directing, and many films were born in his hands, many of which have achieved a successful box office and word-of-mouth success. His films are often known for their profound social significance and exquisite technique, and have made indelible contributions to the international status of Hong Kong films.
However, Cai Lan's identity is not limited to filmmakers. He was brilliant and had a wide range of skills, from calligraphy to food, from travel to seal carving. It is this versatility that makes him shine in fields other than cinema. Not only does he enjoy the diversity of life himself, but he also shares his multiple identities and rich experiences with the public in a variety of ways. For example, his food reviews are not only a commentary on taste, but also an in-depth discussion of the culture behind the food. This unique perspective has made him a decisive influence in the food industry.
Just as his career was in full swing, Cai Lan always maintained a detached attitude. He has publicly stated that although he has achieved achievements in many fields, he does not consider himself a so-called "talent". He modestly said that the real talent should cover more diverse cultural literacy such as piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, poetry and songs. In his opinion, he is more of an ordinary person who loves life and art.
This kind of low-key and true has also made Cai Lan extremely popular among the public. Whether it's at the premiere of a film screening or on the recording of a food show, he always attracts the attention and support of a large number of fans. His authenticity and frankness make him not only an artist, but also a friend and mentor in the hearts of countless people.
Cai Lan's life can be said to be a wonderful movie. From a young boy's morning at the cinema, to a filmmaker who influences an era, to a cross-border cultural promoter, every step of the way is full of stories. These stories not only give people an understanding of a person's growth process, but also give a glimpse of the development of Hong Kong films.
Cai Lan's life is a story of love and pursuit. Through his efforts and talents, he has left his footprints in many fields. But more importantly, his attitude to life and passion for art have inspired countless people to pursue their dreams. In this era of diversified development, Cai Lan tells us with his actions that as long as there is enthusiasm and hard work, everyone can become the director of their own life.