20demayo Chapter 217 Movie Premiere
Chapter 217 Movie Premiere
The day everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.
This day is not only a day for Chinese people around the world to celebrate the Lunar New Year's Eve, but also the first time that Zhonghua Cinema, the first flagship cinema under the Zhonghua Group, will screen a film produced by its own company.
It was also the day that the movie "Hurricane Hong Kong" held its premiere here.
Before it even got dark, the entrance to Zhonghua Cinema, located in the bustling commercial district of Xiangjiang, was already packed with people.
A massive red archway stood tall, and a red carpet stretched from the intersection all the way to the cinema lobby, with giant posters of "Hurricane Hong Kong" hanging on both sides. On the posters, Tony Leung stood holding a gun, his eyes cold, against a backdrop of raging flames, creating a powerful visual impact.
The large screen, composed of small screens provided by Zhonghua Handheld Game Company, is hung on the wall outside the cinema.
At this moment, the 60-second trailer that ignited the entire city of Hong Kong is playing on a loop.
Every explosion and every flash of gunfire drew gasps of surprise from onlookers, who stopped in their tracks.
Despite repeated reinforcements of security personnel to maintain order at the scene, they were still unable to stop the surging tide of movie fans and passersby.
Many people held up newspapers and posters, chanting the names of Tony Leung and Carina Lau, their noise almost drowning out the traffic.
Zhang Manli volunteered to work from morning till night, her makeup remained exquisite, but her eyes were bloodshot.
She insisted on personally overseeing the situation and wouldn't allow anyone else to interfere. Others, knowing she was Lin Zhou's favorite, had no choice but to let her have her way.
Zhang Manli oversaw every detail, from the red carpet process, media reception, and guest seating, to the screening equipment, copy inspection, and staff reception arrangements.
"President Lin, all procedures have been confirmed and everything is in perfect order."
Zhang Manli walked to Lin Zhou's side and reported in a low voice, her tone revealing both excitement and nervousness.
"Tickets for the premiere sold out three days ago, and only a few scattered tickets remain for the five additional screenings. There are also many people outside waiting for refunds!"
"This is the first time in Hong Kong film history that an audience has been so enthusiastic about a movie."
Lin Zhou stood at the end of the red carpet, dressed in a black suit, with an upright posture and a calm and composed expression.
He looked at the bustling crowd ahead and nodded slightly.
"Yes, it's my first time!"
"So tonight is not only the premiere of our film, but also Zhonghua Films' announcement to the entire Hong Kong - our era has arrived."
At 6 p.m., the invited guests began to enter the venue one after another.
The most influential newspaper reporters, entertainment magazine editors, film critics, cinema chain colleagues, business partners... almost half of Hong Kong's celebrities and industry insiders gathered here.
Many industry leaders had just gotten out of their cars when they saw this scene, and their expressions changed slightly.
They originally thought Lin Zhou was just dabbling in this field, opening a small cinema and making a short film, but the scale and popularity he's showing are nothing like a novice; it's clearly the pomp and circumstance of an industry giant.
At 7:00 AM sharp, the red carpet event officially began.
The moment the creative team of "Hurricane Hong Kong" appeared, the scene erupted.
Walking in the very center is none other than the male lead, Tony Leung.
He wore a sharp white suit, shedding the ruthless and fierce aura from the movie, and exuding a more refined and handsome air.
Faced with flashing lights and screams, he bowed slightly, waved politely, and displayed impeccable manners.
In just a few months, he was no longer the Xiang Shaolong who only appeared on the small screen.
Now, thanks to the pre-release promotion of "Hurricane Hong Kong", his popularity has already spread to all age groups, and he is only one step away from becoming a true movie star.
Carina Lau, walking beside him, was radiant and beautiful in a red dress.
She possesses both gentleness and poise, and every smile and gesture of hers prompts photographers to frantically press the shutter button.
In the play, she is a gentle wife; in real life, she is a dazzling star. After tonight, her name will surely be etched in the hearts of the audience.
Following closely behind were artists under Zhonghua Entertainment, including Zhao Yazhi and Maggie Cheung, all dressed to the nines, making for a dazzling spectacle.
The entire red carpet was almost entirely occupied by Chinese celebrities.
It's obvious to everyone that Lin Zhou is determined to pour all his resources into his own people.
Reporters swarmed forward, microphones practically shoved in their faces.
"Tony Leung, this is your first time playing the lead role in a movie, and in such an explosive action film. Are you nervous?"
"Sister Carina, you and Tony Leung play a married couple in the movie. Did you have particularly good chemistry?"
"Manager Li Yaohua, what are your box office expectations for 'Hurricane Hong Kong'? Are you confident it will break this year's record?"
Tony Leung faced the camera with sincerity and humility:
"I am very grateful to the company's boss for giving me this opportunity, and I also thank everyone in the crew. We all gave it our all for this film, and I hope it won't disappoint everyone."
Carina Lau responded with a smile, "Working with Tony Leung is very reassuring; he is a very professional actor. I also hope everyone will enjoy our story in the film."
Others approached Zhang Manli and interviewed her, but she simply said one sentence, exuding confidence:
"Box office numbers are not important. I just want all the audience to see a truly different Hong Kong film tonight."
As soon as he finished speaking, the flashbulbs went off again, creating a blinding white light.
After the red carpet event, the cast and crew, along with all the guests, entered the cinema lobby.
Inside the luxuriously decorated lobby, crystal chandeliers sparkled, and a subtle fragrance permeated the air. The enormous "Hurricane Hong Kong" themed exhibition area displayed props from the film—guns, costumes, and set models, each showcasing a grand scale.
Many colleagues in the industry are discussing this privately:
"Zhonghua is really willing to spend money. This cinema is one of the best in the world."
"Look at the trailer playing outside. If the actual movie tonight is really that good, we won't be able to play anymore."
"Just wait and see. Tonight, either we'll achieve godhood in this battle, or... but I think the chances of us achieving godhood are higher."
At 7:40, all guests and audience members entered the venue.
The flagship theater, which can accommodate hundreds of people, was packed to capacity. Even seats were temporarily added on the steps in the aisle, but it still wasn't enough.
Tony Leung, Carina Lau, and other actors sat in the front row; this was the first time they had watched a film that had undergone post-production.
The lights slowly dimmed, and the entire venue fell silent instantly, with only the sound of breathing remaining.
In the darkness, the opening logo lights up—
Produced by Zhonghua Film & Television
The large, powerful characters herald the arrival of a brand new force in film and television.
The movie has officially begun.
The opening is extremely fast-paced, with no dragging at all.
Tony Leung plays the father who is wounded on the battlefield and discharged from the army!
The daughter and wife at home live a simple and warm life, and the scene is heartwarming and healing, allowing the audience to quickly immerse themselves in the characters.
When the wife and daughter received false news that their husband was in Hong Kong, and were then swindled out of their family fortune and followed him to Hong Kong, the wife suffered all kinds of humiliation in Hong Kong and cried helplessly. At that moment, low sobs could be heard in the theater.
The audience's hearts were gripped.