Zhang Yimou, the film master who once brought tears to our eyes, is now planting a heel on the track of TV dramas? After the premiere of "Snow Labyrinth", netizens' comments can be described as "to the point". Some people say that this is a drama overturn, and some people say that this is Director Zhang's self-breakthrough. But, friends, are we in too much of a hurry to draw conclusions? Let's take a look at what kind of mystery is hidden behind this controversial work.
Prologue: The huge gap between expectation and reality
Zhang Yimou, the name is like a golden signboard, which always conjures up images of a visual feast and a superb narrative. From "Red Sorghum" to "Man Jianghong", he used the lens language to interpret the highlight moments of Chinese films. However, when the film master decided to cross over into the field of TV dramas, the audience's expectations were instantly filled.
"Snow Labyrinth", a work with high hopes, actually sparked heated discussions as early as the preparation stage. The theme of anti-drugs, which is full of social significance but extremely challenging, makes people wonder how Director Zhang will control it. It is said that in order to create this "divine drama", Zhang Yimou personally participated in many script revisions, and this dedication made fans' blood boil.
However, the reality is always so cruel. When "Snow Labyrinth" finally debuted on the screen, the audience's reaction could be described as cold. In 1997, Haran City in Northeast China was supposed to be a stage full of drama, but it was complained by the audience as "boring" and "bland". Zheng Bei and his anti-drug team were supposed to be heroes, but they were criticized as "old-fashioned". This huge gap can't help but make people want to ask: Is the audience's expectations too high, or is Director Zhang really talented?
Interpretation of the details in the controversy
"I thought I was watching a criminal investigation drama, but I didn't expect to open "Today's Statement"."
This netizen's ridicule can be said to hit the nail on the head. However, as a senior fan of Zhang Yimou, I have to say that this evaluation is a bit one-sided. Let's take a look at the details that sparked the controversy.
First of all, Zheng Bei played by Huang Jingyu. Some people say that he has a dull expression and exaggerated acting skills. But, friends, have you ever thought that this may be what Director Zhang deliberately did? In the Northeast in the 90s, shouldn't an anti-drug policeman be this slightly wooden but full of sense of justice?
Let's talk about the much-maligned bar scene. Zheng Bei was dressed in a leather coat, sunglasses, and carried a briefcase. It may seem unreasonable, but isn't this exactly the standard configuration of undercover police officers in that era? Director Zhang is using exaggerated techniques to show us the special atmosphere of that special era.
As for the balance between the supporting roles and the halo of the protagonist, I think this just reflects Director Zhang's intentions. In reality, how can there be so many protagonists? Everyone is the protagonist of their own life, but on the big stage of the whole society, why are we not each other's supporting roles?
The gap between the audience's expectations and reality
This incident quickly aroused heated discussions among netizens on the Internet. Some netizens think:
"Zhang Yimou is still suitable for making movies, and TV series are not his forte. The pace of this drama is too slow, and it does not capture the hearts of the audience at all. ”
Some netizens also hold the opposite view:
"Are you asking too much for Director Zhang? This is only the first episode, and there will definitely be a reversal later. We should be more patient and tolerant. ”
Some netizens analyzed from a professional point of view:
"From the perspective of cinematography and scene design, "Snow Labyrinth" is actually very careful. The atmosphere of a small town in the Northeast in the 90s is just right. It's just that today's audience may be more accustomed to fast-paced plots, so they will get bored. ”
Interestingly, some netizens began to miss Director Zhang's film works:
"After watching "Snow Labyrinth", I suddenly missed "Man Jianghong". That's the level that Zhang Yimou should have! ”
Some people even began to think deeply about the essence of film and television creation:
"Maybe that's the difference between a movie and a TV series? Movies can be done in one go, but TV series need longer foreshadowing. Should we be judged by different standards? ”
These comments reflect the audience's high expectations for Zhang Yimou, so much so that the slightest disappointment can trigger a strong response. But at the same time, we also see the existence of a voice of reason, which is perhaps what we should cherish.
Deep thinking triggered by "Snow Labyrinth".
From the controversy of "Snow Labyrinth", we can actually see a common problem faced by the Chinese TV drama market: how to fulfill social responsibility while pursuing drama?
Director Zhang's choice of anti-drug themes undoubtedly wants to convey some positive energy. But in the commercial TV drama market, can this "niche" theme be recognized? Should we reflect on what kind of TV series we really need?
The balance between fast-paced storytelling and detailed portrayal is also a topic worth exploring. In this era of information explosion, audiences are getting shorter and shorter. But shouldn't good work stand the test of time?
The Snow Labyrinth to be Continued
"The dragon sees the head but does not see the end, and the snow maze hides everything."
This comment from netizens may have expressed the voices of many people. As a die-hard fan of Zhang Yimou, I would like to believe that the excitement of "Snow Labyrinth" is still to come.
Perhaps, this drama will bring new possibilities to China's criminal investigation dramas. Perhaps, it will become an important turning point in the history of TV dramas. Who knows? After all, this is Zhang Yimou!
Write at the end
Looking back on the whole incident, we see the gap between expectations and reality, the improvement of the audience's taste, and the challenges faced by film and television creation. But most of all, we see a master trying to break through himself.
Perhaps, we should give more tolerance and time to new attempts. Perhaps, true art is born out of constant controversy and discussion.
So, here's the question: if you were Zhang Yimou, how would you respond in the face of such a controversy? What do you think will happen to Snow Labyrinth? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment area.