Chapter 137: The Banquet (End)

  (PS: These past few nights, I don't know what's wrong, but I've been feeling out of sorts when writing code. Sitting in front of the computer for a long time, I feel like I'm unable to write anything, and my thoughts are all jumbled up. For this, I apologize to everyone! However, I'll adjust quickly. This week is also the last week of public chapters for this book. Next week, if nothing unexpected happens, the book will be put on shelves. Here, I'll shamelessly ask again for your collection!!!)

  "Sixth Uncle, you're looking for me!" Just as Song Tang and Liu Dehua were chatting happily with a few others, they suddenly heard Shaw Yifu calling out his name. So, Song Tang and Liu Dehua apologized and went over to Shaw Yifu's side.

  "Hehe, Little Song, let me introduce you to a few famous people from Hong Kong!" Run Run Shaw chuckled and pulled on Song Tang's wrist. It wasn't until then that Song Tang realized he didn't really know the people sitting at the same table as him and Run Run Shaw!

  "Haha, how dare we call ourselves famous in front of Uncle Shao Liu!" A man in his sixties sitting next to Shao Yifu said with a smile.

  "Run Run said with a smile, 'We're competing in business, but we're still old friends in private, aren't we? And what's more, in Hong Kong, you, Run Run, are not considered a celebrity, who else is?' Shaw Yifu listened to Run Run's words and immediately changed his expression, then smiled and introduced Song Tang."

  "These two are the founders of Shaw Brothers!" Run Run Shaw pointed to Zou Wenhuai and another person beside him, saying to Song Tang: "This is Zou Wenhuai, this is He Qunchang!"

  "Nice to meet you! Nice to meet you!" After Shaw Yifu introduced Zou Wenhui and He Guanchang to Song Tang, Song Tang was secretly shocked in his heart. The founder of Jiahe is indeed a legendary figure in the Hong Kong film industry. Song Tang had not expected that Shaw Yifu could invite his long-time competitors to the scene. Both men were relatively thin, about sixty years old. Zou Wenhui wore glasses, while He Guanchang did not. Song Tang quickly greeted them!

  "These two were once the second of the Seven Little Fortunes, Wong Yuk-long and Tsui Hark!" Run Run Shaw said as he introduced them to Song Tong after exchanging greetings with Zou Wen-huai and He Guanchang.

  Wong Yuk-ping, Tsui Hark! After hearing Shaw Yifu mention the names of the two, Song Tang couldn't help but take a closer look at them. Although New Art City has already become history, the name of the Seven Freaks of New Art City was still familiar to Song Tang from his past life! Wong Yuk-ping and Tsui Hark are also considered old-school Hong Kong screenwriters and directors!

  "Hello, Director Huang and Director Xu!" Song Tang smiled at the two of them.

  "Haha, I'm really curious about your reputation as Director Song. I originally thought you'd be a formidable figure with three heads and six arms, but unexpectedly, you're so young!" Huang Bai Ming had already known from the newspaper that Song Tang was young, but when he actually saw him, he was still shocked!

  "Three heads and six arms, isn't that Nezha? I don't have such skills!" Song Tang smiled slightly.

  "Unexpectedly, Mr. Song is very familiar with Chinese culture?" Xu Ke said in surprise after hearing Song Tang's words!

  "Haha, although I grew up in the US, I've been learning about Chinese culture since I was young." Song Tang felt very puzzled by Xu Ke's words. Although he held American citizenship, this didn't mean he wasn't familiar with Chinese culture!

  "Haha, sorry, I lost my composure!" At this time, Xu Ke seemed to have understood Song Tang's helplessness and hastily said.

  "You two know each other, no need for introduction!" Shaw Yifu said, pointing to Li An and Ng Yu-sen at the same table, speaking to Song Tang.

  "Little Song, I'll call you Little Song just like Sixth Uncle does. You grew up in the US, tell me, what's the difference between Hong Kong movies and foreign films?" Zou Wenhui asked, putting down his wine cup after Song Tang took a seat.

  After listening to Zou Wenhuai's words, Song Tang was stunned for a moment. In fact, this issue is not just being paid attention to by Zou Wenhuai alone. The several people at the table are either directors or bosses of film companies, and they all pay close attention to the differences between Eastern and Western films. After careful consideration, Song Tang said: "Actually, the difference in film styles between the two regions is mainly due to cultural differences between the two places. Hong Kong movies have had their glorious years, but in recent years, with the impact of foreign films, Hong Kong movies are becoming increasingly difficult to make progress. I think this point, Sixth Uncle and the seniors present here understand it better than me!"

  "Yes! Now it feels like Hong Kong movies lack momentum, although on the surface, Hong Kong movies have developed quite well in recent years. However, if you pay close attention, you'll find that actually, Hong Kong movies' market share has been shrinking over the years due to the impact of foreign films." Shaw Yifu couldn't help but agree with Song Tang's words, although his attention to film companies hasn't been as intense as it was in previous years. However, having spent a lifetime in the film industry, Shaw Yifu still has an eye for it!

  "I think it's really valuable that Hong Kong, a city with only a few million people, has its own independent film industry and produces many excellent filmmakers. This is something that other countries and regions can't compare to. Moreover, Hong Kong movies give people a sense of authenticity, especially when it comes to emotions, which are often expressed through comedy. As for whether Hong Kong movies or foreign movies are better, I really can't say - it's just that the styles and ways of expressing emotions are different between the two regions!"

  "Foreign films, especially Western ones, mostly pursue perfection and have a lot of depth and darkness in them when they're shot. At the same time, Western films, especially Hollywood ones, often emphasize visual impact! This way, it's also easier to attract movie fans' attention!"

  After listening to Song Tang's words, several people couldn't help but nod in agreement. Although what Song Tang said may not be entirely correct, it was a relatively objective expression of the differences between the two!

  "So you're saying that Hong Kong movies are no better than foreign films?" Zou Wenhui furrowed his brow upon hearing Song Tang's words.

  "Haha, Mr. Zou is wrong on this one! In my personal opinion, neither of them is better than the other! It's just a matter of individual preference and which style you like more! After all, the cultural differences between East and West have created the differences between the two!" Song Tang hurriedly explained.

  "Alright, let's talk about this later. Today, I invited everyone here for two reasons. On the one hand, it's to celebrate the cooperation between Shaw Brothers and Da Tang companies. Last time when Xiaosong came to Hong Kong, he was in a hurry and we didn't have time to hold a banquet, so this is like a makeup celebration! On the other hand, it's also to celebrate the success of the premiere of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'!" Run Run Shaw interrupted, seeing that several people were still arguing about this issue.

  However, just as Shaw Yifu finished speaking, Song Tang noticed that whether it was Zou Wenhui, He Guanchang, Huang Baiying or Xu Ke, their faces changed color for a moment, but soon returned to normal. Song Tang knew what the few people were worried about in their hearts. In fact, he didn't understand much about Shaw Yifu's purpose in holding this banquet tonight either. Was it a show of force? It doesn't seem like it, after all Shaw Yifu is at that age and has laughed off many thoughts of contention. Besides, if it was really a show of force, it wouldn't be possible to just invite so few people, would it?

  "I know what's on your minds, but the reason I've invited you all here today is not what everyone thinks. It's not to demonstrate against anyone," said Shaw. After glancing at several people who looked somewhat embarrassed, he continued: "I just want everyone to bear witness that our two companies are cooperating not to compete with each other for the Hong Kong film market. In fact, we shouldn't be focusing solely on Hong Kong. If foreign film companies can come in, why can't Hong Kong film companies go out?"

  "Now, our Hong Kong films are developing quite well in Southeast Asian countries, which is indeed influenced by tradition, but why can't we set our sights on the West?"

  After the banquet, Song Tang did not stay for too long. After completing the premiere of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", he took a chartered flight back to Los Angeles. Due to his experience of being surrounded by fans at Hong Kong International Airport when he went to Hong Kong, Song Tang dared not make a high-profile return to Los Angeles like before. Nevertheless, he was still surrounded by many fans!

  However, Song Tang did not know that this trip to Hong Kong would have such a great impact on the development of Hong Kong films.