Renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou recently gave an interview where he urged audiences to step into theaters instead of quickly browsing through short film introductions on their phones. His statement sparked a heated debate online, with some strongly agreeing and others sharply criticizing his perspective.
Zhang emphasized the unique ritualistic and immersive experience of watching a film in a theater that cannot be replaced online. When asked about his opinion on short film introductions, Zhang expressed his frustration, saying, “I have seen them, and they make me very upset, speechless.”
Acknowledging his passionate response, Zhang later explained, “As a director, I hope audiences will go to theaters to watch films. It’s best not to watch on your phone or rely on a three-minute introduction. It’s truly disheartening for me as a director to see that.”
Zhang’s comments stirred up a polarizing debate. While some resonated with his views, believing that short videos lack depth and may spoil the film experience, many online users disagreed. They argued that short introductions can help viewers discern the quality of a movie, serving as a form of “lightning protection” for bad films, while for good films, the brief explanations serve merely as promotion, enticing audiences to the theaters.
Many viewers argued that some films have poor quality, and going to the theater can be a waste of money and disappointing. They suggested that watching a short introduction beforehand allows viewers to make an informed decision on whether to go to the theater, comparing it to the practice of sampling before purchasing.
In recent years, Zhang Yimou’s works have faced criticism for their quality. Despite the success of his 2023 film “Manjiang Hong,” which grossed 4.5 billion yuan with official promotion, many fans expressed disappointment. The film, set during the Southern Song Dynasty and depicting a fictional story of an assassination attempt on the historical figure Qin Hui, was seen as propaganda promoting the Chinese Communist Party’s so-called “patriotism.”
After watching the film, some Chinese viewers chanted anti-Jin dynasty slogans, only to realize later that their ancestors might have been of Jin descent. Others even physically attacked statues of Qin Hui, shouting “Restore our rivers and mountains!” The situation turned out to be quite ironic.
As a result, some viewers commented, saying, “If I had watched the (three-minute) introduction, I wouldn’t have gone to see ‘Manjiang Hong’,” or “I urge these top directors to consider the current quality of films and ticket prices,” or “Instead of spending that 40 to 50 yuan, I’d rather buy some ribs for nutrition.” Some even sarcastically remarked that Zhang Yimou’s underlying message seemed to be “spoiling surprises and affecting my earnings,” using harsh language.