Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 88 The God of Animation and the Awards

That same day, Wu Yuchen commissioned his staff to create a new poster, which he wanted to print with his previous statement. Since he'd already used it, he figured he might as well use it to the end.

Generally speaking, the number of people at a film festival is definitely less on the second day than on the first day. Wu Yuchen thought that an average attendance rate of 70% on the second day would be good, but he did not expect that the morning screening of "We Two" on the second day would have 60% attendance, and the afternoon screening would be completely full.

The bursting of the economic bubble in 1991 had a comprehensive impact on Japan. Society as a whole came to a standstill from its previous restlessness and fast pace. While losing money and the future, people began to reflect and pay more attention to the present and the things around them.

The warm and sincere emotions conveyed in "We Two" are exactly what many Japanese people crave today. At the same time, "We Two" also reflects an issue that Japan is currently paying close attention to: empty-nest elderly.

Japan has the highest proportion of empty-nest elderly in the world and is also the country with the most severe "lonely death" symptoms. In the film "We Two," the old lady had a girl who cared for her before she died, but many empty-nest elderly in Japan die silently and alone without anyone caring for them!
Therefore, to Wu Yuchen's surprise, but also as expected, the word-of-mouth for "We Two" exploded as it spread from person to person!

This situation naturally attracted the attention of the film festival organizers, who not only added staff to the "We Two" exhibition hall to maintain order, but also had local media conduct interviews on the third day.

A few days later, in Koganei City, a suburb of Tokyo, at Studio Ghibli.

With his gray hair and long beard, Hayao Miyazaki rubbed his aching right hand. It had been two years since he started creating "Princess Mononoke" in 94, and his right hand had also developed a ailment. It had started hurting again these past few days, so he had to stop and rest for the time being.

He picked up the latest Asahi Shimbun, flipped through it for a while, and came across a report about the Tokyo International Film Festival.

"...

At the Tokyo International Film Festival, a film from China has caused a sensation, moving audiences. We were fortunate to interview the director, Mr. Wu Yuchen.

"Mr. Wu, how would you rate your own film?"

"One scene, two people, four seasons, a Chinese expression of true feelings within a small space."

Why is it described as an expression of Chinese culture?

"What is national is also international, but how does a nation connect with the world? I think the most important thing is the most ordinary human nature, and the key is to touch the hearts of oneself and the audience."

......"

"What is national is also international...the most basic human nature..."

Miyazaki muttered something to himself, something that resonated with some of his beliefs, which gave him a sudden urge to watch the movie during his two days off.

The following day, Hayao Miyazaki drove to Roppongi, stood in front of the exhibition hall for "We Are Us," and stared blankly at a poster:
"Life is like a train journey to the grave, with many stops along the way. Few people can accompany you from beginning to end. When those who have been with you have to get off, even if you are reluctant to part, you should be grateful and wave goodbye."

Upon seeing this passage, Hayao Miyazaki was deeply moved, his mind racing. He stood in front of the poster for a long time before turning around and entering the theater just before the movie was about to start.

Inside the theater, as the movie ended, many people were quietly sobbing. The Japanese are quite particular about this; even when crying, they restrain themselves so as not to disturb others.

Hayao Miyazaki has experienced many ups and downs. Although he was deeply moved by the sincere emotions in the film, he didn't cry.

But at this moment, he was once again inspired, and silently muttered:

"An ordinary and lovely girl, and a seemingly fierce and shrewd but kind-hearted 'bad mother-in-law'?"

At that moment, Miyazaki felt a surge of creative desire welling up in his mind, so he immediately took out his notebook and pen and wrote down all the bits and pieces of ideas that came to him, a habit he had cultivated over many years.

When Miyazaki put down his pen and put away his notebook, he looked up and found that a long line had formed in the theater, with audience members eager to shake hands with the director and the leading actress.

Hayao Miyazaki also developed a strong interest in the director and joined the queue.

"Director, this is truly an excellent film. The beautiful emotions of going from strangers to friends really moved me! I will definitely bring my mother and grandmother to see this movie again!"

This was a boy, who bowed to Wu Yuchen after speaking. The next girl's words were even more interesting:
"At first, my soul was with the girl, but then it gradually shifted to the old woman. I'm in my twenties now, and I hope to watch this movie with my granddaughter someday."

Of course, after saying this, the girl also bowed, a traditional custom of daily life.

After the girl left, Wu Yuchen saw that only a gray-haired man wearing a mask was left, so he smiled and reached out his hand to him.

The other person first removed their mask, then extended their hand to shake Wu Yuchen's, smiling as they said:
"Director, thank you so much for letting me watch such an excellent film. It really moved me!"

Wu Yuchen thought the other person looked vaguely familiar, but before he could react, he heard the translator beside him gasp in surprise, then bow to the other person with a look of delighted delight, and say to Wu Yuchen:

"This is the esteemed director Hayao Miyazaki!"

Upon hearing the translator's words, Wu Yuchen finally realized why the man looked so familiar. This was none other than Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese hailed as the god of animation!
"Director Miyazaki, thank you for your support of the film. I also really like your work, and I'm so glad to see you here!"

He has met many celebrities since his rebirth, so he no longer gets excited and has gradually gotten used to it.

Hayao Miyazaki laughed and said, "I have gained a lot from being here today. Your film has given me new inspiration and enlightenment. When it is released in the future, I will definitely invite you to the premiere!"

Wu Yuchen was taken aback for a moment. Although he didn't quite understand what inspiration it had given Miyazaki Hayao, he still smiled generously and said, "Thank you for the invitation. It's my honor!"

Even after Miyazaki Hayao left, Wu Yuchen's translator remained excited and kept mentioning Miyazaki's name to him, demonstrating the old man's high standing in the hearts of the Japanese.

News of Hayao Miyazaki's visit to see "We Two" and his conversation with Wu Yuchen quickly spread, adding to the film's popularity at the time. For the next few days, "We Two" attracted a steady stream of viewers, with even the morning screenings, which were usually quieter, filling the theaters.

Unsurprisingly, local Japanese film distributors have already approached him wanting to discuss the film's rights, but Wu Yuchen naturally postponed all of them until after the awards ceremony.

Zhou Xun has been overjoyed these past few days. She's come to Tokyo, a bustling international metropolis, and right in Roppongi, a downtown area of ​​Tokyo. Her translator has been showing her around quite a bit.

Of course, what made her even happier was the treatment she received here. Back in China, she was just a minor actress. When she went to see her movies in theaters, the audience wouldn't even acknowledge her. But this time, coming to Japan with "We Two," she received treatment like an international superstar, even better than the leading ladies in her previous films. It was the first time she'd felt that her character was loved by so many people, and that she received so much respect for her performance. It was a genuine sense of accomplishment and recognition!
The day before the film festival's closing ceremony, Zhou Xun received even more exciting news:

"Hey Xun, you've been nominated for Best Actress!"

Zhou Xun's eyes widened upon hearing this, then she rushed to Wu Yuchen and grabbed his hand:
"really?"

Why would I lie to you? If you don't believe me, go ask Matsumoto the translator.

Zhou Xun screamed and jumped up, but didn't let go of Wu Yuchen's hand. She bounced around so much that Wu Yuchen's arm swayed like waves.

"Brother Xun, if you don't let go of my arm, it's going to break!"

Zhou Xun smiled and let go of his hand. She was now quite familiar with Wu Yuchen and knew he wouldn't hold it against her. However, Zhou Xun immediately asked, "What about Grandma Jin?"

Wu Yuchen tapped her on the head: "Not bad, you still remember Grandma Jin. She's in too, so you two are nominated!"

Zhou Xun breathed a sigh of relief. She felt that Grandma Jin acted so well that she would feel embarrassed to face Grandma Jin if she hadn't been chosen instead.

Then, her eyes darted around and she asked, "Director Wu, what about you?"

Wu Yuchen chuckled: "If you can get in, of course I can too!"

……

The following day, at the closing ceremony, when Wu Yuchen walked the red carpet with Zhou Xun, the cheers from both sides were noticeably louder than those from the film crew in front.

"You and me!"

"Wu-san! Zhou-chan! Go for it!"

"You're sure to win the grand prize!"

Wu Yuchen could understand some of the cheers, but not others. Nevertheless, he waved to the fans along with Zhou Xun.

"We Two" received many nominations this time. In addition to Zhou Xun and Jin Yaqin being nominated for Best Actress, the director was also nominated for Best Director. Moreover, the film was nominated for the Film Festival Grand Prize, which is the Best Film of this year's Film Festival, also known as the Golden Kirin or Sakura Award.

These three nominations are all major prizes in the main competition, and Wu Yuchen feels that he has a good chance of winning at least one, because one of the five judges is Chinese, namely Tian Zhuangzhuang from Beijing Film Academy.

This is my own senior brother, so I should at least try to get him a big reward!

The performances and speeches following the entrance were all part of a set procedure, and once that was over, the formal awards ceremony would begin.

The first awards were presented in the Youth Film category, which included three prizes: the Youth Film Sakura Gold Award, Silver Award, and Bronze Award. The Silver Award was won by the Taiwanese film "Spring Flower Dream".

Then came some other category awards, and when those were almost over, we entered the main competition category.

First, a not-so-important but top artistic contribution is a double yolk: a Japanese film, "Ryokan," and an Iranian film.

Then came the Best Screenplay award, which went to the Czech film "Give Me a Dad".

Wu Yuchen looked at the movie with a slightly serious expression. This movie was also a hot film at this year's festival. In his previous life, it not only won the Golden Kirin Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival, but it was also expected to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film next year.

Then it was the turn of Best Actress, which made Zhou Xun extremely nervous. As her scenes appeared on the screen, Zhou Xun couldn't help but nervously grip Wu Yuchen's hand, completely losing her previous chattering demeanor.

Besides her and Jin Yaqin, the two leading actresses from the Norwegian film "Lonely Sunday" and a leading actress from a Polish film were also selected.

The award presenter was Takeshi Kitano, a famous Japanese actor. He is a comedian and made some jokes when he went on stage, but even with a translator, he didn't quite understand the Japanese jokes.

Takeshi Kitano quickly tore open the envelope, pulled out a slip of paper, and read aloud:

"The Best Actress award goes to... 'You and Me'!"

Upon hearing the movie title mentioned by Takeshi Kitano, both Wu Yuchen and Zhou Xun were delighted, but he hadn't yet revealed who the two people in "We Two" were!
Kitano Takeshi paused for a moment before saying, "Jin Yaqin!"

Wu Yuchen's mood didn't change much; after all, it was their film that won the award, regardless of who received it. In his previous life, it was the old lady who won this award. However, he knew that Zhou Xun must be feeling a little disappointed, since who wouldn't want to win an award after being nominated?
Wu Yuchen patted Zhou Xun on the shoulder to comfort her, but Zhou Xun smiled and shook her head to indicate that she was fine.

But at that moment, Takeshi Kitano, without putting down the note, paused for a moment, then continued reading aloud with a smile: "...and Zhou Xun!"

As he finished speaking, an image appeared on the big screen, showing Zhou Xun embracing Jin Yaqin in a heartwarming scene!

Zhou Xun was still a little confused and seemed bewildered to hear her name again, but Wu Yuchen immediately understood – it was a double egg yolk!

He immediately shouted excitedly to Zhou Xun, "Brother Xun, you won an award too! You and Grandma Jin won Best Actress together!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun realized what had happened, and instantly screamed with excitement before hugging Wu Yuchen tightly.

At this moment, everyone realized that Takeshi Kitano had been deliberately teasing them. Japanese entertainers familiar with him knew that he had this kind of mischievous personality, and then the whole audience applauded.

Wu Yu patted Zhou Xun, who was still holding him tightly, and said, "If you don't go up now, they won't give it to you."

Zhou Xun then let go of his hand. Wu Yuchen noticed that Zhou Xun was already crying. He didn't say anything, but pulled Zhou Xun upstairs. Since Grandma Jin Yaqin wasn't there, he would accept the award on her behalf.

(End of this chapter)