Core Insights - The film "Assassination Novelist 2," directed by Lu Yang, marks his return to the big screen after five years, expanding the visual and narrative boundaries of Chinese cinema [1] - The film explores the relationship between the storyteller and the fictional world, emphasizing the connection between reality and fiction and its impact on character destinies [1] - The central theme of the film is about self-discovery and facing oneself, aiming to inspire audiences to find courage and strength in their own lives [1] Production and Technology - "Assassination Novelist 2" features a unique blend of the novel and reality, showcasing the interaction and collision between these worlds, which posed significant production challenges [2] - The film involved nearly 40 special effects teams and utilized three large soundstages over 5,000 square meters each, doubling the set design and construction compared to its predecessor [2] - The production employed advanced technology, transitioning from "pre-made" to "live" virtual shooting, allowing actors to interact in real-time while capturing their movements and expressions [3] Cultural Elements - The film integrates traditional Chinese cultural elements, including color schemes, clothing from the Sui and Tang dynasties, and ancient architecture, creating a fantastical world rooted in local culture [3] - The creative team drew inspiration from cultural heritage sites like Dunhuang and Dazu Rock Carvings, establishing an aesthetic foundation for the film [3] Director's Journey - Lu Yang reflects on his 15-year filmmaking career, noting that creating "Assassination Novelist" and its sequel took nine years due to the challenges of the fantasy genre [4] - He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to keep pace with evolving audience expectations and technological advancements [4]

Core Viewpoint - The integration of film and tourism is becoming a new trend in China, with movies inspiring audiences to visit filming locations and experience the stories in real life [1]. Group 1: Film and Tourism Integration - The concept of "Film + Cultural Tourism" is gaining popularity, encouraging audiences to travel to movie locations [1]. - During the National Day holiday, a campaign titled "Travel with Movies" was launched to promote visiting scenic spots featured in films [1][30]. Group 2: Movie Locations and Their Significance - The film "Chang'an's Lychee" showcases various locations across multiple provinces, highlighting both natural and cultural landscapes [2]. - The ecological wetland park in Jiangmen, Guangdong, serves as a stunning backdrop in the film, featuring a well-preserved palm forest [3][4]. - The century-old lychee garden in Yangchun, Guangdong, is a key scene in the film, showcasing the region's unique karst topography and rich agricultural heritage [6][8]. - The Chinese Tang City in Xiangyang, Hubei, is depicted as the main setting for "Chang'an," reflecting the grandeur of the Tang dynasty [10][13]. Group 3: Other Films and Their Locations - The street dance film "Hot" captures the vibrant spirit of Hangzhou, featuring iconic landmarks like the Hangzhou Grand Theatre and West Lake Long Bridge [23][27]. - The action film "Catching Wind" highlights Macau's unique charm, with thrilling scenes shot at the Macau Tower and the colorful streets of the city [31][33]. - The romantic comedy "Grab the Doll" features familiar sights in Qingdao, such as the Eight Great Passes and Jin Kou San Road, enhancing the film's emotional depth [44][47]. - The fantasy film "Assassinate the Novelist" showcases the magical landscape of Chongqing, with scenes shot at the iconic Hongya Cave and East Water Gate Bridge [50][59]. Group 4: Promotional Activities - Zhejiang province launched a series of activities to promote tourism linked to films, allowing visitors to enjoy discounts with movie tickets [30]. - Guangdong province introduced various tourism routes and electronic guides to enhance the experience of visiting film locations [43]. - Inner Mongolia is implementing a "one ticket for multiple uses" model, allowing movie tickets to be used for entry to scenic spots and events, enriching the travel experience [78].

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of the former "Suzhou Huayi Brothers Movie World" by South Korean private equity giant MBK has reignited discussions about the influx of Korean capital into China, raising concerns about potential risks to the domestic cultural industry and the implications of foreign investment [1][4][12]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - MBK's subsidiary, Haihe An Cultural Tourism, has completed the full acquisition of the "Suzhou Huayi Brothers Movie World" project, which will be rebranded as "Haihe An Suzhou Yangcheng Peninsula Paradise" [4]. - The acquisition involves not just a transfer of ownership but also a commitment of an additional 100 million yuan for facility upgrades and immersive experiences, aiming to establish a premier lakeside cultural tourism destination in the Yangtze River Delta [4][5]. - This marks MBK's second major acquisition of Chinese cultural tourism assets in three years, following a 6.08 billion yuan purchase of several marine park projects from another domestic giant [5]. Group 2: Market Context and Reactions - The acquisition comes amid a backdrop of renewed public sentiment against Korean cultural influence, highlighted by the resurgence of the "Korean Wave" controversy and the "Limit Korean" policy discussions [2][6]. - The public's reaction has been mixed, with significant online discussions reflecting concerns over cultural security and the dominance of foreign capital in the domestic market [2][5]. - Observers note that while the "Limit Korean" policy restricts Korean artists, it does not prevent capital from entering the market, leading to fears of a more insidious cultural infiltration [5][12]. Group 3: Financial and Operational Implications - The financial struggles of Huayi Brothers, which has reported losses for eight consecutive years, have created conditions for foreign capital to acquire undervalued assets [6][7]. - The transaction is supported by recent policy changes aimed at optimizing the foreign investment environment in China, signaling a shift towards welcoming foreign capital [8][9]. - MBK's strategy reflects a broader trend of foreign investment in China's cultural sector, with other international players also entering the market, indicating a mutual interdependence between Chinese and Korean cultural industries [11][12]. Group 4: Long-term Perspectives - The acquisition highlights the need for a balanced approach to foreign investment in the cultural sector, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a robust domestic industry while engaging with foreign capital [13]. - The long-term goal should be to enhance cultural confidence through innovative content and strong IP development, ensuring that the domestic market remains competitive on a global scale [13].

Core Insights - The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival opened in Yongchuan, Chongqing, marking China's second hosting of the event in seven years [1] - Chongqing has become a popular filming location, with over 500 films shot in the city over the past decade, showcasing its unique landscapes and urban features [1] Group 1: Filming Locations - The city features iconic filming locations such as the Kuixing Tower from "Better Days," which has become a popular tourist spot [2][3] - The Sujiaba Interchange, known for its height of 72 meters, is a frequent backdrop in films like "Crazy Stone" [10][13] - The Tongyuanju Light Rail Station, featured in "From Your World," is noted for its reflective glass wall, making it a great spot for selfies [15] - The Qiansimen Bridge, prominently featured in "Hot Pot Hero," is known for its accessibility to tourists during holidays [20][23] - The Tea Mountain Bamboo Sea, a filming location for "House of Flying Daggers," is celebrated for its lush bamboo scenery [33][36] Group 2: Cultural Significance - Chongqing's unique geography and urban atmosphere make it an ideal setting for genres like suspense and fantasy, as seen in films like "Assassin in Red" [27] - The Dazhu Stone Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, were showcased in the film "Beneficiary," highlighting local cultural heritage [30] - The Yongchuan Science Film Studio, a leading facility in the western region, was a key location for the film "Wild Times," which has garnered attention at international film festivals [44][47]