1. In 1965, the Chinese film industry was in a difficult situation
In 1965, during the turbulent period before the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese film industry was in an unprecedented predicament. The upper echelons strongly advocated focused criticism, demanded that the literary and artistic circles adhere to the line of class struggle, and severely criticized bourgeois ideology.
In this environment, many excellent film projects have been forced to stop, and many artists feel that the future is bleak. The flower of cinema that was supposed to bloom was also strangled by this left-leaning trend of thought.
The output of major film studios has plummeted, and many films originally scheduled to be shot in Beijing, Shanghai and other places have had to be shelved. The entire film industry is shrouded in a chill, and the ups and downs of the fate of filmmakers are like small boats on the sea, which may run aground and sink at any time.
This is undoubtedly an extremely difficult year in the history of Chinese film development, the road of film creation is rugged and arduous, and the unspeakable pressure and pain are bound to the heart of every filmmaker.
However, it is in this predicament that the enthusiasm of filmmakers is sublimated, they do not bow to fate, and continue to record people's real lives and inner worlds with their lenses.
Second, the four major film studios still contribute many excellent works
Despite the difficult situation, Chinese filmmakers have not given up their enthusiasm for the film industry. They are not afraid of power and continue to interpret the pulse of the people and the times with their lenses.
Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, Bayi and other film studios, all in the difficult year of 1965, painstakingly and unswervingly swayed their passion for creation, and finally contributed many excellent films.
Although these films were later criticized and banned, they are still shining pearls in the long history of cinema. For example, the tragic and large-scale epic film "Eternal Life in the Fire" launched by Beijing Film Studio, which is adapted from a famous novel, brought together a large number of top actors at that time, such as Yu Lan and Zhao Dan, whose delicate and nuanced acting skills successfully created a heartfelt heroic image, showing the ultimate appeal and educational significance of film art.
Another example is Shanghai Film Studio's "Stage Sisters", a film full of dramatic tension and beautiful graphics, and at the same time shows the relentless pursuit of art by film artists – although in the end it also suffered the fate of "criticism".
We can also think of the two entertaining masterpieces "Express Train" and "Three Entrances to the Mountain City" released by Changchun Film Studio...... It can be said that these films all show the perseverance and perseverance of filmmakers in the face of adversity, and achieved the glory of Chinese films in 1965.
3. Bayi Film Factory became the biggest highlight in 1965
If there was one of the biggest bright spots in the Chinese film industry in 1965, it was undoubtedly Bayi Film Studio. This film studio is still brave and decisive in this difficult year, and has become a "great hero" of Chinese films.
Not only do they lead the way in terms of quantity, completing as many as 5 masterpieces selected as "Top Ten Classic Films", but the artistic quality and social influence of their works are also top-notch.
The most talked-about film of Bayi Film Factory is "Tunnel War", which records the tenacious anti-Japanese feelings of the Chinese military and civilians, which has deeply touched the hearts of several generations, and has been watched by more than 3 billion people, which shows how lofty the audience has a high evaluation of it.
Bayi Film Studio's other high-profile masterpiece "Secret Drawings", through a twists and turns of the spy war plot, gathered many of the most popular and top film actors at the time, and their outstanding performances added infinite charm to this suspense drama.
In addition, Bayi Film Studio also launched the touching work "Bitter Cauliflower", which is based on the theme of a mother growing up as a revolutionary, and the moving work "Fighting the Invaders", which praises the internationalist spirit of the Chinese Volunteers...... It can be said that the Bayi Film Factory in 1965 was like the "Engine" of film creation, not only with considerable output, but also with the artistic quality and social influence of its works reaching its peak, becoming a distinctive banner in the Chinese film industry.
Fourth, "Stage Sisters" and "Dongfang Hong" have reached the ultimate in art
Among the many excellent films of 1965, I would like to mention two pinnacle works: "Stage Sisters" and "Dongfang Hong". Both of these films are masterpieces of Chinese film art, reaching incredible artistic heights.
"Stage Sisters" launched by Shanghai Film Studio, with its exquisite lens language, beautiful and moving picture composition, and delicate and exquisite scene processing, have all reached the master's level, which delicately depicts the joys and sorrows of a drama woman, bringing infinite emotion to the audience.
This film is completely comparable to any Western film masterpiece of the time. The large-scale music and dance epic "Dongfang Hong" brought together more than 3,000 actors to complete, with a magnificent narrative rhythm, magnificent picture composition, and sunny artistic atmosphere, all of which make people feel the depth and breadth of Chinese cultural heritage.
Both films can be described as the pinnacle of Chinese filmmaking, they not only reflect the incomparable dedication and desire of film artists for art, but also show the self-confidence and high-spirited spirit of socialist Chinese culture, which shines brightly in the face of adversity.
Fifth, the rise of several new stars
In these 1965 films, a group of energetic and passionate new film actors also emerged on the big screen, who injected thriving youthful vitality into Chinese films.
For example, Cao Lei, who brilliantly interpreted the role of Lin Lan in "The Young Generation", her young and fiery acting skills let the audience see a youthful self who is vigorous and progressive; Yang Jae-bao also became famous with his outstanding performance in this film and started his glorious screen career;
Shi Wei boldly changed his previous acting path in "Secret Drawings", and successfully created a cold, arrogant and unfathomable image of a female spy...... These youthful and passionate new generation of film actors have injected vitality into Chinese films, and also showed people the vigor and vigor of the new power of film creation.
Perhaps, the future of Chinese films is being born in the hands of these new stars. Their youthful passion and impulse to innovate and change will surely push Chinese films to a more colorful new world.
6. The historical significance of the 1965 film
Looking back at the Chinese film in 1965, we can deeply feel its unique historical significance and far-reaching influence.
First of all, the year's cinematic achievements have documented an exciting era. Whether it is the scene of political movements or the bits and pieces of urban and rural life, the style of that era can be seen everywhere.
Through these films, future generations can get a glimpse of the historical changes of that year.
Secondly, these films show the tenacious creative spirit and passionate pursuit of film art by Chinese filmmakers. Despite the harsh environment, they still unremittingly capture the bits and pieces of life, and with their love for movies, they pry the floodgates of life and present excellent works.
This spirit is awe-inspiring.
Moreover, some masterpieces such as "Tunnel Warfare" and "Stage Sisters", which are re-screened today, can still touch the hearts of modern audiences. This is a testament to their exceptional artistic value and classic appeal.
Immortal film works can transcend the boundaries of the times and continue to shine people's film complex.
In short, the Chinese films of 1965 not only recorded the turbulent changes of the times, but also showed the tenacious creative spirit of filmmakers, and gave birth to some outstanding film classics.
When we trace the footprints of this year's films, we can not only appreciate the weight of history, but also absorb the precious spiritual wealth of our predecessors, inspiring us to continue to innovate and continue to write a wonderful chapter of Chinese films with a new vision.
Although the Chinese film industry has experienced ups and downs this year, film pioneers are still leading this film giant ship to break the waves. It is their indomitable creative spirit that has ignited the starry sky of Chinese films and flowed into the river of continuous prosperity of Chinese films today.