Introduction:
Li Xuejian finished performing Song Jiang and was about to go home after getting paid, when he received a call from his wife: Don't come back, Shandong villagers want to cut you
On a cold winter night in 1998, Li Xuejian had just finished filming "Water Margin" and was ready to embark on the way home with a salary of 340,000 yuan. At this moment, he received a call from his wife, and his wife's anxious voice came from the other end of the phone: "Xuejian, don't come back!" The people in the village are saying they want to cut you! Li Xuejian was stunned for a moment and didn't know what to do. He didn't understand, why did he return from filming with such an unexpected? What's going on? Why are the villagers in his hometown so angry with him? How can all this be resolved?
Everyone knows that Li Xuejian is a powerful actor, but they don't know what hardships he experienced when he took over the role of Song Jiang in "Water Margin". In the spring of 1997, Li Xuejian received an invitation from CCTV director Zhang Shaolin to play Song Jiang in "Water Margin". After the news spread, many people felt that Li Xuejian was not suitable for playing Song Jiang. You must know that in the hearts of many audiences, Li Xuejian has always been a representative of a decent character, but the role of Song Jiang is a complete villain.
Director Zhang said to Li Xuejian: "Xuejian, I know that you have played positive roles before, but I think you have this strength." The role of Song Jiang is very complicated, and the actor needs to be extremely expressive. Are you up for the challenge? ＂
After listening to this, Li Xuejian was silent for a while, and then said firmly: "Director Zhang, I'll take it!" ＂
In this way, Li Xuejian began his "Song River Journey". In order to better shape this role, Li Xuejian has put a lot of effort into it. He not only carefully studied the original work of "Water Margin", but also read a large number of historical materials, trying to find the soul of the character Song Jiang.
One day, Li Xuejian's wife saw him practicing his expression in the mirror, and couldn't help but laugh and said, "Xuejian, what are you doing here?" ＂
Li Xuejian replied seriously: "I'm practicing Song Jiang's laughter." You see, the character of Song Jiang, there are many things hidden in his smile. Sometimes it's sincere, sometimes it's calculating. I've got to show all these nuances. ＂
In this way, Li Xuejian ponders the role of Song Jiang every day. He often practiced Song Jiang's expressions in front of the mirror, and sometimes practiced rivalry with his family. In order to better understand Song Jiang's psychology, he even visited some historians and listened to them explain the true image of Song Jiang in history.
Finally, "Water Margin" started filming. Li Xuejian completely threw himself into the role of Song Jiang. His performance is delicate and nuanced, and he interprets the complex character of Song Jiang very well. Whether it is Song Jiang's loyalty or treachery, Li Xuejian has performed it vividly.
There is a scene where Song Jiang wants to persuade Lin Chong to join Liangshanbo. Li Xuejian acted so devotedly that Lin Chong's actors were shocked by his acting skills. After the director shouted "card", Lin Chong's actor was still immersed in the scene just now, and he couldn't calm down for a long time.
When Director Zhang saw this scene, he said happily: "Xue Jian, your acting skills are simply Song Jiang's possession!" ＂
Li Xuejian listened and smiled modestly: "Where, where, you have to continue to work hard." ＂
In this way, Li Xuejian used his superb acting skills to successfully create a hateful Song Jiang. His performance has won not only the appreciation of the director and colleagues, but also the recognition of the audience.
However, what Li Xuejian didn't expect was that his successful performance brought trouble to himself. Shortly after the broadcast of "Water Margin", he received a call from his wife. It turned out that the villagers in their hometown saw that Song Jiang played by Li Xuejian was so "bad", and they confused the characters in the play with the people outside the play, thinking that Li Xuejian himself had also become bad.
At this moment, Li Xuejian suddenly realized that the boundary between art and reality is so blurred in the eyes of some people. He is proud of his acting skills, but he is helpless by this misunderstanding. This collision between art and reality made Li Xuejian fall into deep thinking.
Li Xuejian's hometown is located in Chiping County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, which is a traditional agricultural county. Here, the pace of life is slow and the ideology is relatively conservative. When "Water Margin" was broadcast on TV, the role of Song Jiang played by Li Xuejian caused a strong reaction from the people in his hometown.
When the village elders get together to watch TV, they often point at the screen. An Uncle Zhang said: "This Song Jiang is too bad, look at how he killed Chao Gai!" Aunt Li next to her echoed: "That's right, and he treats his brothers too ruthlessly." ＂
These comments quickly spread in the village. People began to talk about it, and some people said: "Li Xuejian wasn't like this before, how can he act like a bad guy so much?" Someone else said: "After all these years of mixing in the city, people have become bad." ＂
One day, Uncle Wang in the village met Li Xuejian's cousin at the market. He took his cousin's hand and said worriedly: "The Song Jiang that your brother played on TV is too unusual." You have to persuade him not to go the wrong way. ＂
Li Xuejian's cousin couldn't laugh or cry when he heard this. He explained: "Uncle Wang, that's just acting. Xue Jian is not that kind of person in life. ＂
But Uncle Wang still shook his head and said, "Hey, you are his brother, of course you have to defend him." But as the saying goes, 'acting is like life', and there must be some basis for him to act so similarly. ＂
This misconception is not only among the older generation, but even some younger people have been affected. Teacher Liu, a primary school teacher in the village, said to the students in class: "Look at Uncle Li Xuejian's Song Jiang, which is a negative textbook. We must learn to distinguish between good and bad people, and not be fooled by superficial appearances. ＂
These words reached the ears of Li Xuejian's parents, and the old couple immediately felt very troubled. Li Xuejian's mother even couldn't sleep all night because of this, she said to her husband: "Our son is filming outside for the sake of his career." But now that the people in the village say that he has become bad, what can I do? ＂
Li Xuejian's father comforted her and said, "Don't worry, just wait for Xuejian to come back and let him explain it to everyone by himself." ＂
However, it's not that simple. When Li Xuejian's wife heard about the misunderstanding of her husband in the village, she immediately called Li Xuejian and told him not to go home for the time being. "The atmosphere in the village is tense, and some people even threaten to 'teach you a lesson,'" she said. Don't come back yet, wait until the limelight is over. ＂
This news made Li Xuejian feel both shocked and helpless. He didn't expect his acting skills to have such consequences. He said to his wife: "I'm just playing a role, how can anyone mix up the inside and outside of the play?" ＂
"You have to understand that most of the people in our village don't have higher education, and they don't understand the difference between actors and characters well enough," the wife explained. In their eyes, you are Song Jiang. ＂
This contradiction between traditional concepts and modern art has put Li Xuejian in a dilemma. On the one hand, he is proud that he has been able to portray the character of Song Jiang so successfully; On the other hand, he was saddened by the misunderstanding of the people in his hometown.
Li Xuejian realized that this was not only his personal problem, but also a common phenomenon in the cultural perception of the whole society. Many people do not fully understand the boundaries between actors and characters, nor can they fully embrace the diversity of expressions in artistic creation.
In the following days, Li Xuejian began to think about how to resolve this contradiction. He understands that simple explanations may not make everyone understand. He needs to use his actions to prove that he is still the familiar Li Xuejian in real life. At the same time, he also hopes that through this experience, he can build a bridge of understanding between the audience and the actors.
Faced with the misunderstanding of the people in his hometown, Li Xuejian decided to go back to his hometown to explain. On the eve of the Spring Festival in 1999, he took his wife and son and embarked on the road back to his hometown.
As the car drove into the village, Li Xuejian noticed that the atmosphere in the village seemed to be a little unusual. The streets were unusually quiet, and several villagers saw his vehicle passing by and immediately turned and walked away. This reaction made Li Xuejian feel a little uneasy, but he still decided to go home to see his parents first.
When he walked through the door, his parents had mixed expressions. His mother took his hand and asked with concern, "Son, when you come back this time, will the people in the village embarrass you?" His father was silent, but looked at him deeply.
Li Xuejian comforted his parents and said, "Dad, Mom, don't worry. I'll explain it to you well. ＂
Early the next morning, Li Xuejian decided to take the initiative. He first went to visit the village head, Uncle Wang. When Uncle Wang saw him, his face was a little serious: "Xue Jian, you came back well this time." The people in the village are talking about the Song Jiang you played, saying that you have become bad. ＂
Li Xuejian said sincerely: "Uncle Wang, that's just a character." I'm not that kind of person in my life. ＂
When Uncle Wang heard this, his face softened slightly: "I know you are a good boy." But you have to make everybody understand that. ＂
Over the next few days, Li Xuejian went door-to-door visiting villagers. He patiently explained the difference between actors and characters to everyone, and shared some interesting facts about his filming of "Water Margin".
One day, he came to Uncle Zhang's house. Uncle Zhang is one of the oldest people in the village, and he is also the first to express dissatisfaction with "Song Jiang". As soon as Li Xuejian entered the door, he saw Uncle Zhang sitting on the kang with a displeased expression.
Li Xuejian took the initiative to greet him: "Uncle Zhang, I'm coming to see you." ＂
Uncle Zhang snorted coldly: "Hmph, do you still know to come back?" I watched the Song Jiang you played on TV, it's very bad! ＂
Li Xuejian did not argue, but sat down and slowly talked about his childhood: "Uncle Zhang, do you remember when I was a child? At that time, I often came to your house, and you always told me the story of the Water Margin. ＂
Uncle Zhang's expression softened slightly: "Well, remember." At that time, you liked to listen to Lin Chong's story the most. ＂
Li Xuejian continued: "Yes, it is precisely because I have listened to these stories you have told since I was a child that I have a deep affection for Water Margin. Being able to play Song Jiang this time, I think it is a kind of reward for you. ＂
When Uncle Zhang heard this, a smile appeared on his face: "When you say that, I remember it." However, why is your Song Jiang so bad? ＂
Li Xuejian explained: "Uncle Zhang, the character of Song Jiang is very complicated. He has a good side and a bad side. Our role as actors is to bring out all aspects of the character. In this way, the audience can better understand the character, and it can also make everyone think about what is right and what is wrong. ＂
Uncle Zhang nodded thoughtfully: "So, are you educating the audience?" ＂
Li Xuejian said with a smile: "So to speak. Our job as actors is to let the audience see different lives and learn something from them through performance. ＂
After this conversation, Uncle Zhang's attitude softened significantly. He patted Li Xuejian on the shoulder and said, "Good boy, I understand." Don't worry, I'll tell the others. ＂
Li Xuejian's sincere attitude and patient explanation gradually dispelled the doubts of the villagers. Some young people even began to be proud to have such an excellent actor as a fellow villager.
On the eve of the Spring Festival, a party was held in the village. Li Xuejian was invited to the stage and performed a clip from "Water Margin" for the villagers. This time, he deliberately chose the scene where Song Jiang persuaded Lu Junyi to join Liangshan, showing Song Jiang's wisdom and mind.
After the performance, there was thunderous applause. Uncle Wang, the village head, stood up and thanked Li Xuejian on behalf of the whole village: "Xuejian, thank you for coming back and explaining it to us." We now understand that you are playing the role, not yourself. We are proud to have an excellent actor like you as a folk! ＂
Li Xuejian bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your understanding. I will always be Chiping's son, no matter what role I play outside, my roots will always be here. ＂
This trip to his hometown not only resolved the misunderstanding, but also gave Li Xuejian a deeper understanding of the relationship between art and reality. He decided to communicate more with the audience in the future to help them better understand the work of the actors. At the same time, this experience also made him realize that as a public figure, his words and deeds may affect many people, so he must be more cautious in his words and deeds, be a good actor, and be a good person.
After Li Xuejian returned to Beijing from his hometown, he began to think deeply about how to strike a balance between artistic creation and real life. This experience made him realize that as an actor, you must not only create a great role on the screen, but also establish a good image in real life and be a positive role model for the audience and society.
At the beginning of 2000, Li Xuejian received an offer for a new role. This is a TV series that reflects the life of contemporary intellectuals, and Li Xuejian is invited to play a university professor. This character is very different from Song Jiang, an image of an intellectual with integrity, kindness, and a sense of responsibility.
Li Xuejian gladly accepted the role. In the process of preparation, he specially visited a number of real university professors to understand their daily life and work conditions. He even audited a few university classes to observe the details of how professors teach and interact with students.
During the filming, Li Xuejian was extra attentive. He must not only show the professor's knowledge, but also show the charisma of an intellectual. In a play where he discusses his life ideals with students, Li Xuejian improvises and integrates his understanding of the actor's profession into his lines: "No matter what career you will pursue in the future, remember that your words and deeds may affect others. Therefore, we must always be vigilant and be a person who contributes to society. ＂
After the broadcast of this TV series, it was widely praised by the audience. Many people praised Li Xuejian's image of a professor as kind and credible, full of positive energy. A viewer left a message on the Internet: "Watching the professor played by Li Xuejian reminds me of my university teacher. This is the image of an intellectual in my mind! ＂
This successful attempt made Li Xuejian more determined in his acting direction. He began to consciously choose roles that could convey positive values. In the following years, he successively played the roles of a Qing official who worked for the welfare of the people, a general who died heroically in the War of Resistance Against Japan, and a rural doctor who took root at the grassroots level.
In 2003, Li Xuejian received a special invitation. A non-profit organization wanted him to participate in a documentary film about rural education. The project required him to visit schools in remote mountainous areas in real life to learn about the current state of education there.
Li Xuejian agreed without hesitation. Over the next month, he visited schools in a number of impoverished mountainous areas. In an elementary school deep in the mountains, he met an old teacher who had been teaching there for 20 years. The teacher told Li Xuejian: "I know that the outside world is very exciting, but the children here need me more. Whenever I see their thirst for knowledge, I feel that it is all worth it. ＂
This experience deeply touched Li Xuejian. In an interview for the documentary, he said: "As actors, our job is to show all kinds of people on the screen. But today, I saw real-life heroes. It made me more aware of my responsibilities. ＂
After the documentary was broadcast, it attracted wide attention from all walks of life. Many people were touched by Li Xuejian's sincerity and concern for the cause of education. A netizen commented: "I didn't expect Li Xuejian to be not only a good actor, but also a person with a sense of social responsibility." This is the real star! ＂
The experience of this public welfare activity gave Li Xuejian a new understanding of his profession. He began to participate more in public welfare undertakings and use his influence to contribute to society. He set up a bursary fund named after him to support students in poor areas.
In 2005, Li Xuejian said in a public speech: "The stage of an actor is not only on the screen, but also in real life. We must use our actions to convey positive energy and influence more people. ＂
During this period, Li Xuejian's acting career and personal image have reached a new height. He is not only a powerful actor loved by the audience, but also a respected public figure. The media praised him as "an example of both art and morality" and "a representative of intellectuals in the new era".
Li Xuejian's experience proves that an excellent actor must not only have superb acting skills, but also have noble character and a sense of social responsibility. He managed to find a balance between artistic creation and real life, becoming a role model for many young actors to follow.
Entering the second decade of the 21st century, Li Xuejian's acting career ushered in a new peak. He not only continues to create popular roles on the screen, but also closely combines his artistic pursuit with social responsibility, becoming a benchmark figure in China's entertainment industry.
In 2010, Li Xuejian took over the filming of a major TV series that reflected the process of reform and opening up. In this work, he plays a cadre who has grown step by step from the grassroots to the provincial leader. In order to accurately portray this character, Li Xuejian spent a lot of time conducting field research and research. He visited a number of grassroots units and had long talks with retired veteran cadres to understand the working environment and challenges in different periods.
During the filming, there was a scene that impressed Li Xuejian deeply. In the play, the character he plays will deliver a speech at an important meeting, calling on everyone to contribute to the cause of reform and opening up. When Li Xuejian performed this scene, he integrated his understanding of the actor's profession over the years. He added this quote to his lines: "No matter what position we are in, we must remember our responsibilities." Every decision we make, every action we take, has the potential to affect the lives of millions of people. ＂
After the broadcast of this TV series, it has attracted widespread attention and discussion from all walks of life. Many viewers said that the role played by Li Xuejian gave them a deeper understanding of reform and opening up. A netizen commented: "This cadre played by Li Xuejian made me see the true meaning of serving the people. This is not only a role, but also a mirror that reflects the responsibility of each of us. ＂
In 2012, Li Xuejian received a special invitation. A drama school wanted him to be a visiting professor teaching young actors. Li Xuejian gladly accepted the invitation. During the month-long lecture, he not only taught acting skills, but also emphasized the social responsibility of actors.
In one class, a student asked, "Mr. Li, what do you think is the most important quality of a good actor?" Li Xuejian pondered for a moment and replied: "Skill is very important, but more important is to have a sincere heart. We must always remember that our performances are not only for entertainment, but also to convey values and influence society. ＂
This passage caused a strong response among the students. Many students said that Li Xuejian's teaching gave them a new perspective on their future careers. One student wrote in his diary after class: "Mr. Li's words made me understand that to be a good actor, you must not only play a good role on the screen, but also be a good person in real life. ＂
In 2015, Li Xuejian participated in the filming of a film reflecting the Anti-Japanese War. In this film, he plays a veteran who lost his son in the war. In order to better interpret this role, Li Xuejian specially visited several veterans of the Anti-Japanese War and listened to them talk about their experiences during the war.
In an interview, a 98-year-old veteran took Li Xuejian's hand and said, "Xiao Li, you have to tell our story to young people." The peaceful life now is not easy to come by, and we should cherish it. This sentence deeply touched Li Xuejian.
In an important scene in the movie, the veteran played by Li Xuejian has to face the relics of his sacrificial son. When the director shouted "start", Li Xuejian slowly walked towards the blood-stained military uniform, stroking it with trembling hands. His eyes were filled with grief, pride, and longing for peace. The whole set was silent, and everyone was deeply moved by his performance.
After the film was released, it received unanimous praise from the audience and critics. Many audience members said that Li Xuejian's performance made them rediscover the value of peace. A film critic commented: "Li Xuejian's performance is not only an interpretation of a character, but also a tribute to a piece of history. He used his art to awaken our historical memory. ＂
In 2018, Li Xuejian, who was already over the age of six, did not stop. He began to pay more attention to social issues, especially rural education and the rights of the elderly. As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), he put forward relevant proposals during the two sessions on many occasions.
In an interview with reporters, Li Xuejian said: "As an actor, my stage is not only on the screen. I hope to use my influence to contribute to the development of society. This is both my responsibility as an artist and my obligation as a citizen. ＂
During this period, Li Xuejian's artistic achievements and social contributions were widely recognized. He not only won a number of film and television awards, but also was awarded the title of "Virtue and Art" literary and artistic worker. The media commented that he was "a model for literary and artistic workers in the new era".
Li Xuejian's experience shows that an excellent actor must not only have superb acting skills, but also have noble character and a strong sense of social responsibility. He successfully combined artistic pursuits with social responsibility and became a role model for many young actors to follow.