After the mountain’s path unfolded, adorned with acacia and camellia blossoms, it became clear the road would traverse slopes thick with cogon grass, leading directly towards the summit. This echoes life’s inevitable transition from abundance to decline. Setting aside the sorrow inherent in departures like Paul’s, let’s immerse ourselves in a deeply moving work – a sincere tribute.
The Journey to Hollywood: Examining Chinese Cinema
The increasing number of Chinese actors making their mark in Hollywood reflects a broader trend. While China boasts no shortage of talent, a gap persists between Chinese and foreign films. The reasons are complex, but let’s explore key disparities using Furious 7 as a lens.
1. The Power of Plot
A compelling plot remains the most significant draw for audiences. Directors today must balance market demands with artistic merit.
Furious 7 thrives, combining thrilling visuals with resonant themes – love, family, friendship. In contrast, the Chinese film market is inconsistent. Many scripts rely on tired formulas. Remakes like Miss Granny succeed, but films with bizarre or morally questionable themes are frequent. The emphasis on a powerful, engaging narrative often wanes.
2. Special Effects: The Imperative of Quality
Special effects are integral to modern filmmaking. Furious 7’s effects are impressive. High-octane car chases captivate audiences.
While advancements occur, Chinese cinema often replicates the superficial aspects of foreign special effects rather than mastering underlying techniques. Regardless of whether a film is 2D or 3D, quality reigns supreme ultimately.
3. Casting: Matching Actor to Role
While plot and effects anchor a film, charismatic actors are undeniable draws. Furious 7 isn’t populated exclusively by picture-perfect stars. What prevails is intelligent casting. Black providing moments of comic relief, and Paul Walker delivering poignant glances, made impacts to the movie.
Success hinges on aligning actors with roles. Chinese cinema, however, often prioritizes conventionally attractive actors, potentially overshadowing essential character fit.
4. Editing and Sound: The Art of Detail
Furious 7’s end-credits song, “See You Again,” profoundly resonates with viewers. As a poignant farewell to Paul Walker, it effectively conveys emotion.
Editing and sound design – areas where Chinese cinema lags. The challenge of improving is treating these elements as vehicles for injecting creative ideas into, crafting each frame to reinforce the film’s overall message, clarifying and producing a fulfilling moviegoing experience, rather than creating confusing chaos.
5. Marketing: Prioritizing the Film
Furious 7’s marketing embodies the Hollywood philosophy, focusing on trailers and the merits of the film itself. Emphasis on attracting audiences is geared towards the actors and director.
Too many Chinese film promotions use sensationalism, no matter the film’s content. Any attention is supposed to count, even by harming the actual film. This approach underscores the fact that some Chinese filmmakers seem aware of their films’ weak narratives, and they focus on actors to attract viewers into paying.
Family
From the first to the seventh installment, this crew has for fourteen years been pushing their creativity by finally living by the perfect definition Dominic says: “Not friends, family.”
In the closing scene, Brian (Paul Walker) and Dominic (Vin Diesel) drive side-by-side. But inevitably, in time one must say their farewells, and what it means to grow is knowing that something has to shift. Eventually, at a fork in the road they separate driving through one lane each which doesn’t at all mean that they will no longer be connected through hearts.