1. Expose the status quo: Time flies, the twilight years of heroic people
Zhu Xinyun, who is over 60 years old, walks slowly on the ancient bluestone pavement of Beijing's hutongs. Once upon a time, that round face full of childishness and vitality has now been deeply imprinted by the years.
When the name "Pan Dongzi" is mentioned, the image of the brave and resolute young hero in many people's minds will jump in front of their eyes, however, when we ask about the actor of this role - Mr. Zhu Xinyun, few people pay attention.
Zhu Xinyun stared out the window and sighed. "Pan Dongzi" in that youth has now entered the twilight of his life, spending a dull and peaceful life in his old age alone.
That "Shining Red Star" is undoubtedly the proudest masterpiece of his life, but it is also the biggest regret of his life. The shackles of this role made it difficult for him to get rid of, so that the public only remembered his character name "Pan Dongzi" and ignored his real name "Zhu Xinyun".
Zhu Xinyun picked up the old photo on the table, in which he was short in stature and his eyes were clear and innocent, which was the image of the heroic and fearless "Pan Dongzi" in everyone's hearts.
However, as time goes by, he can only play some insignificant small roles and supporting roles in the film and television industry, and the audience will always be familiar with that "Pan Dongzi".
Whenever he was interviewed, the host always eagerly asked about the various stories about the character of "Pan Dongzi". Zhu Xinyun smiled and patiently told the details of how he did his best to create that heroic image.
However, deep down, how much he longed for people to remember his real name, not just the "Pan Dongzi" who has become an eternal classic in the history of cinema.
2. Looking back on the past: the little heroes of the past have attracted much attention
Zhu Xinyun picked up the photo frame on the table, which treasured a photo of his youth. In the photo, he is short in stature and has clear and innocent eyes, which is the heroic and fearless "Pan Dongzi" in everyone's minds back then.
However, with the passage of time, Zhu Xinyun can only play some insignificant small roles and supporting roles in the film and television industry, and the audience will always be familiar with the "Pan Dongzi".
Whenever he is interviewed by the media, the host always eagerly asks about the various stories about the character of "Pan Dongzi". Zhu Xinyun smiled and patiently told the details of how he did his best to create that heroic image.
However, beneath his calm surface, there was always a slight uneasiness and expectation in his heart. How he longs for people to remember his original name, "Zhu Xinyun", and not just the classic character "Pan Dongzi" in the history of cinema who is a household name.
There was a time when Zhu Xinyun finally got a dazzling adult role, and he threw himself into the preparations with enthusiasm, looking forward to making a splash with his outstanding performance in this work.
However, unexpectedly, when the film was released, despite the thunderous applause in the audience, people still called "Pan Dongzi Pan Dongzi".
Zhu Xinyun held back the loss in his heart, smiled and waved to the audience, but his eyes dimmed, and those seemingly enthusiastic cheers did not seem to touch the loneliness and helplessness in his heart.
On the long road of acting, Zhu Xinyun has tried various different types of roles, but the audience's perception of him always seems to stay on the image of the heroic and fearless young hero.
This predicament has hindered his career development and prevented him from being truly recognized and respected by the public.
Zhu Xinyun began to fall into deep confusion and confusion, and he also felt at a loss for the direction of the future. Entering middle age, he was full of struggle and anxiety deep inside.
3. The appearance of his wife Zhang Lingya completely changed his fate: opening a new chapter
Just when Zhu Xinyun felt confused about the future and had many contradictions in his heart, the appearance of a woman completely changed the trajectory of his fate.
This lady, Zhang Lingya, is a cheerful and enthusiastic makeup artist, and she met Zhu Xinyun in the same crew. At that time, Zhang Lingya was a loyal fan of Zhu Xinyun, and she unabashedly expressed her love for the role of "Pan Dongzi".
At first, Zhu Xinyun was suspicious of Zhang Lingya, because that role had become a heavy shackle that he could not break free.
However, as time passed, Zhu Xinyun gradually discovered that Zhang Lingya's love was not out of hypocrisy or deliberateness, but from sincere appreciation. On the contrary, it is Zhang Lingya's enthusiastic and sincere quality that makes Zhu Xinyun deeply admired.
The relationship between the two became closer and closer, and they seemed to find a spiritual resonance with each other.
One night, Zhu Xinyun used the strength of wine to frankly confide in Zhang Lingya about his inner anguish. He is bound by the role of "Pan Dongzi", and now he can only work silently behind the scenes, and there seems to be no light on the road ahead.
These heartfelt words were like a bolt of lightning, instantly illuminating the deep persistence in Zhu Xinyun's heart. So, with the encouragement and support of his wife, Zhu Xinyun finally ushered in a turning point in his life, successfully transformed into a director, and opened a new chapter.
Ms. Zhang Lingya cares for her family meticulously and carefully takes care of every detail, so that Zhu Xinyun can devote herself to the director's artistic creation without any worries.
And one day, Zhu Xinyun's mother was admitted to the hospital due to illness, resulting in all the tedious housework on weekdays on Ms. Zhang Lingya, although the environment is difficult, she still takes care of her in-laws dutifully, and at the same time takes care of her daughter and various matters at home, and never lets Zhu Xinyun be distracted by these trivial things, it is precisely because of such a virtuous wife that Zhu Xinyun can unload the burden of her heart and devote herself to the career she loves.
Fourth, childhood and the experience of being discovered: the late bloomer, the first bud of the red star blooms
Back in 1973, Bayi Film Studio decided to bring the late writer Li Xintian's novella "Twinkling Red Star" to the screen. With its profound connotation and touching plot, this work depicts how a heroic and tenacious little hero struggles against the Japanese invaders, and it has become an inspiring masterpiece.
However, when looking for a young actor suitable to play the protagonist "Pan Dongzi", the producers were in a dilemma.
Just when the writing team is about to give up, a smart boy suddenly bursts into their sight, rekindling their hope. It was a sunny day, and Zhu Xinyun won warm applause from the audience with a wonderful sketch performance in the art show held by the school.
The screenwriters were deeply attracted by Zhu Xinyun's bright eyes and excellent acting talent, so they did not hesitate to find him and successfully persuaded his parents to let Zhu Xinyun participate in the filming of this film.
After learning the news, Zhu Xinyun was very excited and immediately agreed. Since then, he has devoted himself to the creation of the role of "Pan Dongzi", and is not afraid to learn rural life skills such as chopping wood and tanning his skin.
Despite the challenging process, Zhu Xinyun never complained, and even when blisters gradually grew on his hands and feet, he still persevered in the pursuit of the best performance effect.
In order to better interpret the image of this little rural hero, Zhu Xinyun took the initiative to expose himself to the scorching sun until his skin became dark like a rural child. In order to make the big knife in the performance more realistic, he also went down the mountain for physical training, even if his shoulder was often bruised and bloodied, Zhu Xinyun didn't care.
The actor's professionalism and persistent pursuit made director Li Jun full of praise for him.
5. The hardships of filming "Shining Red Star": Red stars shine in the world
For the film industry of that era, the work "Shining Red Star" did not receive widespread attention and expectations. Many experts and scholars have accused the play of having a serious aesthetic tendency, and the choice of characters has also sparked fierce debate challenges.
The god of luck favored the shrewd-looking Zhu Xinyun. However, because he was regarded as too lively, his image was not simple enough, and he once faced the fate of being replaced.
However, director Li Jun unswervingly stated that he would never change the actors, and Zhu Xinyun was the best candidate for the most flawless "Pan Dongzi". He retorted to the skeptics with good reason: "Can't the descendants of the Red Army be resourceful and flexible?" After some heated debate, Zhu Xinyun was finally able to play smoothly.
Since then, Zhu Xinyun has been honing his acting skills day after day in his obscure days, and delving into every subtlety of the role. In the heat of summer, he did not hesitate to expose himself to the scorching sun until his complexion became as dark as that of a country child; In order to make the broadsword used in the performance more realistic and heavy, Zhu Xinyun even carried out weight-bearing mountaineering training to make the muscles of his arms full of strength.
After the play every day, Zhu Xinyun was always covered in scars, and his hands and feet were covered with blisters and bloodstains. However, the teenager never felt tired or painful, but was full of endless fighting spirit and passion.
Soon after, he fully integrated into the role, and the role of "Pan Dongzi" was vividly and breathtaking.
This dedication and dedication undoubtedly exceeded everyone's expectations. With the official release of the film, it immediately set off a warm response across the country, and countless audiences were deeply impressed by this tenacious and brave little hero.
People are also beginning to wonder, who is the actor of "Pan Dongzi"? So, in just a few days, Zhu Xinyun became a household name and a smash hit child star.
By the time the movie was released, the audience had already surrounded the theater. It is said that a movie ticket is simply more precious than gold, and the venue is full. Immediately afterwards, the theme song "Red Star Follows Me to Fight" in "Shining Red Star" quickly became popular across the country and became a classic children's song in the minds of the older generation.
"The small bamboo row in the middle reaches of the river, the towering green mountains on both sides of the river, the eagle spreads its wings and flies, even if the wind and rain are sudden, the revolution is surging from generation to generation, going forward and following the party. . . ."
As long as the melody sounds, we will always think of the resolute and courageous young hero "Pan Dongzi"! No matter where he stood, as long as someone recognized him, the surrounding crowd would chant in unison: "Pan Dongzi is here!" Look, that's the Little Red Army! At that time, Zhu Xinyun was shining, not only becoming a role model in the hearts of many of his peers, but also an idol for them to follow.
6. The glory and trough of child stars: the tranquility after the storm
After the hit of "Shining Red Star", Zhu Xinyun instantly became a household name and a high-profile child star.
At that time, Zhu Xinyun was radiant and became an idol and role model in the hearts of countless children of the same age. Once, he went to perform in a foreign country, and as soon as he stepped into the train station, he was immediately recognized by enthusiastic fans.
"Pan Dongzi! It's him! Lo and behold, that's the Little Red Army! The scene suddenly boiled, and fans surrounded the entire station, which eventually caused the train to be delayed for more than four hours.
People kept calling "Pan Dongzi Pan Dongzi", and Zhu Xinyun asked his mother with doubts: "Why do everyone only call me Pan Dongzi, instead of my real name Zhu Xinyun?" The mother smiled and replied, "Because your performance is so good, everyone remembers your role deeply."
I believe that as long as you continue to work hard, people will eventually remember your real name.
Since then, Zhu Xinyun has strengthened his faith, and he has vowed to let the world remember his real name. Around 1975, he was fortunate to join Bayi Film Studio, becoming the youngest member of the team, and participated in many film and television works one after another.
However, no matter what role he creates on the screen, the audience will always remember the image of "Pan Dongzi".
Zhu Xinyun began to feel the pressure. One day, he finally got a very challenging role, but after the film was released, the audience could still only hear the call of "Pan Dongzi Pan Dongzi".
Zhu Xinyun endured the loss in his heart and waved to the audience with a smile, but his heart was extremely empty.
As the years passed, his once immature baby face was no longer as cute as it once was. Now in the film and television industry, he can only play some inconspicuous small roles or supporting roles, and people are always familiar with the role of "Pan Dongzi".
Zhu Xinyun began to fall into confusion and confusion, and was also full of doubts about the future.
Zhu Xinyun's life seems to have been engraved into the vivid image of "Pan Dongzi", and the life trajectory has been set by the screenwriter, paving the road of thorns. He began to ponder, what had caused him to be in such a predicament? At a young age, he has already made a name for himself, and this role seems to be the crystallization of his sweat; However, fate imprisoned him like a shackle, and it was difficult to break free.