A main theme movie with a commercial blockbuster flavor - "Wolf Warrior" film review

Gerald 2022-03-06 08:02:03

Before starting the text, use two paragraphs of Baidu Encyclopedia to explain the two movie types in the title.

Theme movies refer to movies that promote national ideology under the guidance of the government. Comrade Deng Xiaoping said: "All propaganda of truth, goodness and beauty are the main theme movies".
A more detailed explanation is: The main theme film refers to the major themes of revolutionary history that can fully reflect the mainstream ideology and the realism themes that are close to the life of ordinary audiences, promote mainstream values, and sing the human life.
That is to say, to carry forward the national ideology, transmit the positive energy of the society, and timely educate the audience on patriotism, these are the basic elements that must have in a movie with the main theme that is rooted and popular.

The definition of commercial films is much broader. The so-called commercial films are relative to art films and documentary films. They are films that cater to the public's taste and appreciation level with the highest purpose of box office revenue.
That is to say, the so-called commercial films are based on the idea of ​​making money, and by trying their best to produce films that cater to the public's taste and appreciation level, in order to attract more audiences to the theater and obtain higher box office. As for film quality, ideological connotation, and artistic height, they are all appendages to the pursuit of high box office by commercial films.

Back to movies.
In an anti-drug operation, Leng Feng, a sniper who disobeyed the military order and killed a terrorist, was about to be expelled from the team, but was unexpectedly accepted by the mysterious army Wolf Warrior. Leng Feng, who is full of ruffians and doesn't like to play cards according to the rules, played well in the exercise and helped the Wolf Warrior Squadron to win in the play. Unexpectedly, before closing the team to enjoy the joy of victory, several people unexpectedly encountered an ambush by a team of mercenaries with super action. The step-by-step pressing and provocation of the mercenaries, and the sacrifices of comrades-in-arms, all stimulated the nerves of Leng Feng and other bloody Chinese soldiers, and a fierce jungle confrontation began.

This is not a complicated story. The relationship between the characters in the film is quite simple, and the main line is clear and firm. Therefore, no matter whether the ordinary audience can name the various military equipment in the film, and whether they can see what the sniper is holding Whether it is "JS7.62 spy" or "88 spy", it does not affect the audience's understanding of the plot and the hearty feeling of the two groups of characters in the film when they fight fiercely.

The rhythm of the film is fast and tight, and the tension created by the siege of drug dealers at the beginning of the film instantly puts the audience firmly on the movie seat.

I originally had a lot of prejudice and resentment about domestic 3D films, but the 3D effect of this film is really surprising. The first breaking point of the whole film is the scene in which the drug lord played by Ni Dahong was lighting a cigarette, and the policeman who wanted to stop was interrupted by an ultra-long-range shot, and the broken arm flew off the screen. I think, if it weren't for the 3D effect, the shock of this scene to the audience would be reduced by several grades.

Some people say that the movie "Wolf Warrior" is an "anti-Japanese drama". I think he was poisoned by some "anti-Japanese drama" with rough production, chaotic logic and brain holes, so he had a disordered thinking and should take medicine.

And the reason why I define this film as a "theme movie" is because this film does fill in the elements of the "theme movie" mentioned at the beginning of this article, intentionally or unintentionally.

To carry forward the positive energy of society, increase national pride, and carry out patriotic education, this has to be mixed with the "reasonable" link in the film. But "reason" is not so easy to talk about. "Reason" requires sufficient evidence and factual demonstration in order to move people's hearts and be convincing. If the "reason" is spoken well, it can resonate with the audience, but if it is poorly spoken, it becomes a general empty talk that is boring and boring. Because "reasonable" must be "on the shelf", and when it is well handled, it will appear "tall". However, most of the main theme film and television works often make the mistake of holding the shelf too much, and the final works are often difficult to get close to. The real life of ordinary audiences naturally cannot touch the audience emotionally. A typical representative of this type of film is a work with a plot similar to "Tear the Devil" that I don't know whether to call it fantasy or fantasy.

I would like to say that "Wolf Warrior" is a "main theme" movie, but it is by no means a well-established and well-rounded theme movie. That is to say, it is an "atypical" theme film.

The reason why I say this is because the film obviously strives to strike a balance between "tall" and "down-to-earth", which can be seen from the occasional foul language and slightly indecent jokes in the film. Although this kind of integration and attempt is not thorough enough, several lines in the film are still slightly "held", and several slightly overdue sensations are still embarrassing, but this kind of effort and courage to change is worthy of praise.

After talking about the "main theme" of the film, let's talk about the "commerciality" of the film.

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the primary purpose of commercial films is to cater to the tastes of the general public and meet the level of appreciation of the general public. From this point of view, it seems to be different from the cloud and mud of the Liba people under the white snow in the spring and the white snow in the main theme film of "Tall Da Shang". It is not that the level of appreciation of ordinary audiences is low, but that many national justice and national perils that do not involve the interests of ordinary audiences are not within the scope of attention of ordinary audiences who have just left the line of food and clothing and are heading for a well-off society.

Main theme and commerciality seem to be opposites, but in fact they are not contradictory to each other.

We cannot rush to commercial films that purely pursue audio-visual enjoyment and spiritual entertainment, nor can we shy away from the main theme films that carry forward mainstream ideology and patriotism. Finding a way to perfectly integrate the two is the biggest challenge facing some Chinese filmmakers right now.

And "Wolf Warrior" is the most commercial blockbuster movie I've ever seen in a movie with a main theme.

Just like the Wolf Warrior Squadron, which is emphasized from time to time in the film, is learning the combat methods of Western special forces, this film is obviously imitating and learning from Hollywood films of similar style. There are many commercial elements that can firmly attract the audience to the film. Vivid and straightforward fights, thrilling gunfights and explosion scenes, the character setting of the protagonist's ruffian and rebellious characters, etc., along with the fast-paced plot advancement, timely sensationalism, and still realistic 3D effects, will undoubtedly be presented to the audience. A delicious and appetizing dish. Not to mention how nutritious this dish is, at least in the process of eating it is still refreshing and happy.

Of course, we have to admit that the distance between this film and those Hollywood military action movies seems to be as far away as an era. But this is the difference between the fledgling Chinese film industry system and the already quite mature and sophisticated American film industry system, and it cannot be blamed on any film or the main creative team.

What we can do now is to learn and imitate advanced Western film techniques, and strive to narrow the distance between the two sides.
A certain program once said: "Learning Hollywood can only learn skills and techniques, and the spirit of Chinese films must be brewed and born from local films."

While imitating Hollywood commercial films The grasp of local culture, China's national conditions and touching Chinese people's feelings is undoubtedly accurate and successful. This successful attempt also pointed out the way for Chinese filmmakers to deal with similar films.

Although this film still has some shortcomings, the film's attempt to commercialize and entertain the main theme film is still worthy of our praise and encouragement.
As a rare military action movie in China, its successful exploration and attempt also opened up a new path for this type of movie. Therefore, regardless of the final box office geometry, this film will have a certain significance in Chinese films.

The sentence at the end of the film: Those who violate China will be punished even if they are far away. Although it is a little hypocritical and blunt, it is full of pride whenever you read it. I think this is the so-called "national pride".
This kind of pride makes me look forward to the infinite: in the near future, China will have its own "Special Forces", its own "Black Hawk Down", its own "The Hurt Locker"...

Finally , let's talk about the actors.

The plot of this film does not provide enough space for any actors (including Wu Jing, the absolute hero) to develop their acting skills. Yu Nan, the only actress who has a heavy role in the film, only needs to play a simple role in promoting the plot, so that The simple task is too easy for the actress Yu Nan, there will be no mistakes, and of course, there will be no big surprises.

As Wu Jing, the absolute hero, in terms of literary drama, the depth of the script did not provide him with any space for his acting skills. Although martial arts drama is strong and powerful, the action design is nothing new, and there is also a lack of something that can make the audience adrenaline rush. explosive force.

But I can't bear to criticize him too much.

Apart from him being my favorite actor all along, I also know how difficult it is to make such a military action movie. I can see that as a director, he has devoted his efforts and sincerity to this movie, and I admire him. The courage to try and change.

The silly boy Wu Jing in "The Master of Tai Chi" and "Little Li Flying Knife" has grown up. After experiencing various Hong Kong-style action movies, he can finally become a representative of mainland action stars. emerging signs. For this, I feel very happy and happy.

When I wrote the movie review of "The Hero of Heaven", I was still sighing that after this generation of action superstars such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen, etc., who can promise a future for the declining Chinese action movies? Who can carry the banner of Chinese action movies?

Seeing Wu Jing, I have hope again, and I can't help but have a vague expectation in my heart...

I hope that Wu Jing can use the slightly worn-out signboard of Chinese action movies cautiously and solemnly, and work hard and cherish it, and take China more calmly and firmly. Action movies move forward. And I will also, as a general audience, give the greatest support with the movie tickets in hand.

Come on, Wu Jing!
Come on, Chinese action movie!

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Extended Reading
  • Alphonso 2022-03-16 09:01:09

    I got 5 stars for Wu Jing in the past 7 years. I was fortunate to grab the first row of the tickets for the screening... Dizzy... But it's really exciting. The plot is tight and the 3D scenes are thrilling. The soundtrack is also very good. The guide is very good. The movie is so tense that the whole body is paralyzed and this trip is worthwhile