It feels like a grand celebration, almost like New Year’s. A quick scroll through Weibo shows that all the topics revolve around “Heroic Bones,” the Oscars, and Rong Jin. Both online and print media have immediately published related news, giving it the most prominent placement.
Some might not understand, thinking it’s just a movie award. They might see movies as mere entertainment to pass the time and wonder why there’s so much excitement.
But it’s not just about a movie or an award; it’s about cultural recognition and export. Many people might not realize how much they are influenced by foreign cultural exports. Reflecting on this, one can see that children’s heroes have shifted from Sun Wukong to Ultraman and Iron Man. Gradually, even the atmosphere of foreign holidays has become more pronounced than traditional ones.
This is the impact of cultural export—an influence that is subtle but pervasive, affecting our thoughts and daily lives. Historically, cultural export typically flows from stronger nations to weaker ones. When your country is only on the receiving end of foreign cultural input, it indicates deeper issues.
Sometimes, the state undertakes actions that seem meaningless to many, such as bidding to host the Olympics. Some view the Olympics as a waste of resources, overlooking that winning the bid signifies global recognition and reflects the nation’s comprehensive strength. Others might argue, why seek foreign validation? Why not just focus on our own lives?
The answer lies in gaining international discourse power and boosting the national economy. When others don’t recognize you, why would they even look your way? Without equal standing, how can business be conducted fairly? The consequence of just focusing on your “little life” is exemplified by the fall of the Qing Dynasty!
The Oscars represent one of these “meaningless” endeavors. This globally watched award is something we’ve longed for, with some filmmakers dreaming about it for decades. Perhaps one day, Chinese filmmakers will be regulars at the Oscars, and we might even have our own version of the Oscars.
Amid the celebration, people have begun analyzing why “Heroic Bones” won, trying to find a clear reason, from the film itself to this year’s Oscars lacking competition, to the support from strong American capital. They also recall last year’s “Wan Rong,” which received ten nominations but ended up with nothing.
After summing up these points, some feel the win might not be that impressive, suggesting that if it weren’t “Heroic Bones,” some other film would have won, and Rong Jin just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Rong Jin and Chi Feiran wouldn’t be bothered by such comments. No matter how well you do, there will always be people who don’t acknowledge you. They have more important things to attend to, so much so that Rong Jin has almost turned down all interviews.
Having just won an Oscar and broken the record for the youngest Best Actor, media from all over the world are lining up to interview him, but he’s postponed them all.
Chang Haoqing’s emotions from the Oscar night have now condensed into a heartfelt, “Rong Jin, you bastard!”
Rong Jin replied calmly, “Why don’t you come back with me? My uncle’s there.”
Chang Haoqing yelled, “Get lost, get lost, get lost!”
Rong Jin indeed got lost, taking his boyfriend home with him.
Chi Feiran was inevitably nervous about meeting the parents for the first time. Rong Jin reassured him, “Don’t worry, my family is always strict with themselves but lenient with others.”
Rong Jin even gave an example, “Last year, when I told my dad you were only eighteen, he immediately scolded me, saying I was leading a good kid astray.”
Chi Feiran was speechless. This didn’t sound comforting at all…
Rong Jin smiled and explained, “He only hit me twice. The second time was because it concerned a lifelong matter, and he was afraid I was messing around.”
Chi Feiran looked at him and softly said, “You two are actually quite alike.”
Rong Jin was puzzled, “What?”
Chi Feiran smiled gently, “Afraid of leading me astray.”
Rong Jin couldn’t help but laugh. Indeed, though he didn’t want to admit it, there were some parts of him that were very similar to his father, Rong Qin.
They chatted quietly until the car stopped in front of the gate of the Rong family’s old house.
As soon as the car stopped, Rong Yi rushed out, “Brother! Sister-in-law!”
They had already chatted a few times on video, and Rong Yi, being naturally friendly, didn’t feel awkward at all. He animatedly led the way, talking non-stop.
Chi Feiran recalled what Rong Jin had mentioned about how his parents adjusted their parenting methods after their “failed first attempt” with Rong Jin. Seeing Rong Yi now, it seemed the adjustment had been quite thorough…
However, as they approached the main hall, Rong Yi’s exuberance subdued considerably, showing a more composed demeanor.
Chi Feiran initially found it amusing but felt overwhelmed upon seeing the packed main hall. Although he had faced many big occasions, meeting his boyfriend’s family for the first time and seeing so many people at once was quite daunting!
Unbeknownst to Chi Feiran, this was probably the most complete gathering of the Rong family aside from New Year’s. Except for those who absolutely couldn’t make it, almost everyone was present, thanks to Rong Qin’s special request. He believed that given the special circumstances of these two children, having more people present would provide them with a stronger sense of acceptance.
Of course, Rong Qin wouldn’t admit this to his son. The official reason was that everyone happened to have free time recently, and he himself was on holiday, which was why he was still at home in March.
However, Rong Yi, the little traitor, had already spilled the beans privately to his brother: “Dad probably used all the vacation days he had saved over the years.”
Rong Jin had planned to visit with Chi Feiran during the New Year, but Rong Qin had insisted that there was no rush to meet, telling them to handle their matters first as he had a long vacation ahead.
At that time, Rong Jin knew his father’s true intentions. Although they might never fully agree, he still let his son prioritize what needed to be done.
But it was all so awkward, pretending as if nothing was urgent.
Rong Jin observed his father, who seemed torn between standing up and staying seated, and smiled, saying, “Dad, you sit down. I’ll introduce Feiran to everyone first.”
Rong Qin was taken aback, feeling it wasn’t quite right and thinking the introduction should start with him.
Chi Feiran also felt something was off, giving Rong Jin a questioning look.
Rong Jin, acting nonchalantly, added, “Oh, I almost forgot. I should introduce you first.”
Rong Qin was speechless. This was definitely intentional! This unfilial son was going to be the death of him!
Fu Hui patted her husband’s shoulder, signaling him to calm down, and took the initiative to introduce herself, “Feiran, right? This is your Uncle Rong, and I’m your Aunt Fu.”
Chi Feiran obediently greeted them, “Hello, Uncle Rong. Hello, Aunt Fu. I’m Chi Feiran.”
With his fair and handsome appearance, Chi Feiran had a resemblance to a younger Rong Jin. Seeing him in person only amplified this likeness, making both Rong Qin and Fu Hui feel as though they were looking at a younger version of their son.
Rong Qin, trying to maintain a dignified yet approachable tone, said, “Well, Feiran, make yourself at home. We’re all family here.”
Despite his practiced lines, there was a hint of nervousness in his delivery.
Fu Hui was more at ease, taking Chi Feiran’s hand and saying warmly, “You really do look like our Rong Jin. It’s like you’re brothers.”
Rong Jin, not agreeing with this sentiment, corrected, “It’s called looking like a couple.”
Rong Yi, standing behind, couldn’t help but laugh, finding his brother’s serious tone amusing. As everyone looked at him, he quickly covered his mouth, indicating he was just laughing casually.
Fu Hui, though not the most socially adept, followed Rong Jin’s lead and continued with a smile, “Yes, it’s your destiny.”
Chi Feiran felt the warmth and kindness in her words, and his initial nervousness and awkwardness began to dissipate. Fu Hui chatted with him a bit more before letting Rong Jin show him around.
Everyone’s intentions were clear, and although some expressions might have been clumsy, the underlying message was one of acceptance.
The entire Rong family recognized Chi Feiran as a new member. Despite the unconventional situation, their attitude remained welcoming. To them, once you walked through their door, you were family.
Chi Feiran met everyone, received many welcome gifts, and distributed his own prepared gifts in return. Originally, he had planned to leave the gifts even if he couldn’t meet everyone, but seeing so many people in person was a pleasant surprise. Handing over the gifts personally felt more meaningful.
Rong Qin, holding a rare edition of a historical document that Chi Feiran had gifted him, felt both touched and slightly embarrassed. Turning to his son, he said, “Look at Feiran, and then look at yourself!”
Rong Jin replied, “Didn’t I send money every month?”
Rong Qin, shaking the book in his hand, said, “Is that the same? Money can’t compare!”
Rong Jin wisely refrained from pointing out that the book was also bought with money, avoiding the risk of his father publicly reprimanding him in front of his boyfriend.
Later that night, while staying at the Rong family’s old house, Rong Jin quietly sneaked into Chi Feiran’s room.
Rong Jin said, “If I have one complaint, it’s that we have to sleep in separate rooms even at home.”
Chi Feiran, hugging his pillow, laughed and moved aside to make room for him.
Rong Jin, once in bed, pulled Chi Feiran into his arms and whispered seductively, “Let’s feel what it’s like to have a secret affair at home.”
Chi Feiran, startled, wondered if he was serious.
Seeing Chi Feiran’s wide-eyed reaction, Rong Jin laughed, kissed his face, and said, “Just kidding.”
His eyes, full of warmth and affection, made Chi Feiran’s heart skip a beat. This happiness seemed different from his usual cheerfulness.
Rong Jin, noticing Chi Feiran’s gaze, hugged him tighter and sighed contentedly, saying, “I used to think it would be very difficult.”
He had feared it would be like his decision to enter the acting industry, met with unwavering family opposition and even a beating.
With Chi Feiran, he had never expected his family to accept their relationship. He just wanted his parents to know about it directly rather than through the news.
But sometimes life surprises you, offering what you thought was impossible with ease.
Chi Feiran, burying his face in Rong Jin’s neck, softly said, “They really love you.”
Rong Jin remained silent for a long time before replying, “I know.”
Thankfully, it wasn’t too late. Both sides had found a way to reconcile, and all past grievances could finally be laid to rest.
In April, “Dewei Lou” officially started filming.
Author’s note:
Some people might not be aware of this, so let me explain: foreign films can only compete for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Oscars, not Best Picture, and each country can only submit one film. However, other categories are not restricted. For example, Ang Lee’s first nomination for Best Director was for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” In terms of acting, at the 80th Academy Awards, the Best Actress award went to a performance in a French-language film. For technical awards, China has already won some Oscars. However, in terms of acting awards, it’s quite unfortunate. According to the information I found, at the 85th Oscars, a Chinese actor named Haing S. Ngor won Best Supporting Actor, but he was a Cambodian-born Chinese-American who probably never set foot in China. Jackie Chan also received an Honorary Award, not an acting award. Other than that, no Chinese actors have even been nominated. Even for the Golden Globes, the only Chinese-born person to have been nominated was Zhang Ziyi.
As for “Heroic Bones” winning an Oscar, some people find it far-fetched. Well, part of it is due to the plot (lighting a cigarette, I’m just writing a sweet romance and can’t come up with a solid Oscar-worthy script!). However, it’s also based on reality. The two highest-grossing Chinese films overseas are both martial arts films: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Hero.” The former, boosted by its Oscar win, grossed over $200 million, while the latter earned $140 million. However, the box office performance of these two films in China was quite different, partly because Ang Lee used many Western narrative techniques in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” It only grossed about 14 million RMB when it was released in 2000, whereas “Hero” in 2002 made 250 million RMB and was the highest-grossing film of the year. “Hero” also initiated the era of blockbuster Chinese films and was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, but it was destined to be a runner-up since “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” had already won. (The detailed analysis of this would be quite complicated, so I won’t go into it). Imagine “Heroic Bones” as a combination of these two films with strong publicity and PR!
As for the idea that martial arts films can’t break box office records, they indeed had their heyday. Many classic films from my childhood were martial arts films, and the novels were also hugely popular. Writers like Jin Yong, Gu Long, and Liang Yusheng were my idols. It’s just that the genre has declined…sigh…
As for whether China will win an Oscar in the future, on the downside, several top directors most passionate about the Oscars haven’t been very active recently, and there are increasing restrictions on film and television works. You can search for the recent submissions for the Best Foreign Language Film category to see the trend. On the positive side, more Chinese capital is entering Hollywood, and China’s international influence is growing. It is also a huge potential market. This means some things are slowly changing. The charm of the word “future” lies in its inherent implication of unlimited possibilities.
