Actress-Turned-Director Jia Ling Contemplates Reshooting Her Hit Film 'Hello, Li Huanying'
Actress-turned-director Jia Ling recently sparked a discussion on Chinese social media after expressing her desire to reshoot her breakthrough directorial debut, "Hello, Li Huanying." The 2019 film, which also stars Jia Ling, tells the story of a young woman's journey to learn about her late mother, who was a popular dancer in the 1980s. The film became a major box office hit in China, earning over $500 million in revenue.
23 February 2024
In recent interviews, Jia Ling has mentioned that she would like to have a chance to reshoot the film, as she believes it could be done with more cinematic appeal. However, she also expressed her appreciation for the film's initial naïveté, which would be difficult to recreate. Chinese social media users have reacted to Jia Ling's comments with a mix of curiosity, nostalgia, and critique.
"If I had a chance to reshoot 'Hello, Li Huanying,' I could improve the film's visual quality, but that initial sense of innocence would be impossible to let go," Jia Ling said in a tweet. "Time flies, and all we can do is reminisce about that honesty."
Many users on Weibo, China's biggest social media platform, have fond memories of the film and are curious as to what a reshoot might look like. "I don't know if a remake would have more cinematic appeal, but the whole country remembers that Jia Ling's mother is Li Huanying!" said one user. "So touching," said another.
However, there has been some criticism of Jia Ling's comments, with some users accusing her of constantly promoting herself and her work. "Is everything she says now supposed to be a headline?" asked one user. "Is she trying to make every word she says a hot topic? It's getting annoying," said another.
Despite the controversy, Jia Ling's star continues to rise in China, as she is set to release her next directorial effort, "My Mother's Paradise," later this year. The film tells the story of a young woman who learns about her late mother's experiences in an orphanage. Many users on Weibo remain supportive of Jia Ling's work, praising her for her dedication to bringing emotionally resonant stories to the big screen.
"I might not usually pay attention to these kinds of movies, but there's got to be some logic to the story," said one user. "As an audience member, I need something to hold onto. That's why 'Hello, Li Huanying' was so successful - it had heart."
Others have praised Jia Ling for her unique style as a filmmaker, which often includes subtle details and a focus on realism. "I think movies with some substance are more likely to have weight and impact on viewers," said one user. "Jia Ling is known for hiding little details in her movies, which makes them more relatable to audiences. That's part of what makes her films so enjoyable."
While it remains to be seen whether Jia Ling will ever get the chance to reshoot "Hello, Li Huanying," it's clear that the film holds a special place in the hearts of many Chinese moviegoers. As one user put it, "Regardless of whether a remake would be better or worse, the impact of the original film on Chinese audiences cannot be denied."