Tarnished 'L.O.R.D' tries to be innovative
- By Zhang Rui
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 30, 2016
Writer and director Guo Jingming's new motion-capture animated film "L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" tried to be the first of its kind in China but has failed even before its release.
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The cast and crew pose for group photo at the premiere of "L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties" in Beijing on Sept. 29. [Photo / China.org.cn] |
Guo cast a lot of the hottest names in China – including Fan Bingbing, Amber Kuo, Yang Mi, Kris Wu, Aarif Lee, Chen Xuedong, Roy Wang and William Chan – for his new release. As they appeared on red carpet at the premiere held in Beijing on Thursday, the house was brought down by screaming from fans.
Based on his fantasy novel that has sold 2 million copies, "L.O.R.D" is Guo Jingming's follow-up to his top-grossing "Tiny Times" films. The action-adventure odyssey is set in a world of warring sorcerers, lords and beasts, and the story depicts the endless battles of four kingdoms as they fight for power and domination of the ultimate realm.
"L.O.R.D" is billed as the first motion-capture animated film in China, though the visual effects were mocked by many internet users as "cheap video game visuals" when its trailer was first released online.
But for the director, this is a bold move. "When a person makes the first step, then many movies like this will be born. I'm the first one to do the motion-capture animated film. I felt that I can provide a direction for everyone to discuss and refer to. I think it is already worthwhile. "
The studio Original Force was in charge of the visual production. The studio was established in 1999 to provide state-of-the-art animation for many worldwide television and gaming clients, such as Disney, DreamWorks Television, Sony, Tencent and Electronic Arts.
"I was very hurt and upset when people attacked and mocked the film," the founder of Original Force Harley Zhao said. "This is not a live action film with visual effects as people expected. This is just a 100 percent animated feature, and you cannot ask it to be the same with live action movies."
He added that they used brand new technologies and process to make the film, and that "no one in Chinese animation industry has ever done this.”
However, the film has already suffered from a low rating of 3.5/10 on the Chinese movie review site Douban.com.
But Luo Zhong, a film critic, said the film needs more recognition for its brave attempts with new technology, as well as for successfully building an intact fantasy world. "Put away your bias for Guo Jingming and keep an open mind, maybe you will see more."
Fan Bingbing, who just won the Silver Shell for Best Actress award at the 65th San Sebastián International Film Festival for her performance in "I Am Not Madame Bovary" directed by Feng Xiaogang, praised "L.O.R.D" after the premiere screening. "I believe this film will become the top film during the National Day season."
China's National Day holiday will last 7 days starting on Oct. 1. Guo's film already opened on Sept. 29 and will compete with Zhang Yibai's romantic feature "Belonged To You," Dante Lam's action film "Operation Mekong" and Wong Jing's comedy "Mission Milano."
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