The mistakes by the side of the river are quite known
The release of Zhu Yilong's new film "The Error by the River" has stirred controversy and heated discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo. Based on various posts from netizens, it appears that there are different reactions to the film, ranging from admiration and excitement to skepticism and criticism.
21 October 2023
The film, which is an adaptation of Yu Hua's original novel, has been praised by the renowned author himself. He expressed his appreciation for Zhu Yilong's acting skills, particularly in portraying a rough man from the 1990s. This has led to a surge in support from fans of both Yu Hua and Zhu Yilong, with some going as far as defending the actor's skill.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some netizens have questioned the film's artistic merit, claiming it lacks answers and necessitates a deeper understanding rather than simply feeling the story. Others have criticized the publicity strategy for being too similar to that of other films. The use of social media to promote the film has also been scrutinized, with some accusing it of encouraging blind following and fake praise.
Despite these criticisms, many netizens have expressed their admiration for the film's storytelling. They appreciate its complexity and the depth of character development, especially in the third part of the film. Some have even gone as far as to declare it the best artistic film they have ever seen.
The film's title, "Only the River Flows Strongly," has also sparked discussions among netizens. Initially, many thought it was an mystery movie but turned out to be a literary one. This change in genre has led to confusion and skepticism from some viewers, with one netizen commenting that they feel like the side of the river is playing a behavior game with them.
Despite these reactions, there are also those who appreciate the film's beauty and storyline. One user shared a popular Weibo video featuring Shi Zhuo and expressed their admiration for the film's scenery. Another netizen emphasized the importance of not judging past events too harshly but instead focusing on looking forward to the future.
Overall, the release of "The Error by the River" has generated a diverse range of reactions from Weibo netizens. While some are in awe of the film's storytelling and artistry, others are more skeptical and critical. The film's impact on Chinese cinema and society at large remains to be seen as the public continues to weigh its merits and drawbacks.