Chinese filmmaker Han Yan recently revealed that he felt sorry to the cast and crew of his new movie, “Per Aspera Ad Astra,” after the movie failed to make a dent at the box office in China.
The filmmaker, who appeared at the promotional event for the movie alongside lead actors Dylan Wang and Victoria Song, stated that he was surprised by the low number of screenings and random screening hours, which he believed have affected the film’s box office takings.
“I feel a little sorry for the team who have fought alongside me for more than two years, and I also feel sorry for the audience who really like this movie, want to see it but can’t find it,” he said.
Han Yan emphasised that he wasn’t trying to be sentimental or elicit sympathy, stating that he had done his best and simply hoped the film could be shown for a few more days.
Dylan, who was standing nearby, was also moved to tears, sensing the immense market pressure the new film was facing.
It is noted that the movie isn’t the only film that suffered at the box office in China, with films like Jackie Chan’s “Panda Project 2” and Wu Jing’s “Blades of the Guardians” also facing similar situation.
However, not all netizens are sympathising with Han Yan. One social media user posted, “When will directors realise that crying won’t get them screen time of box office success?”
Another posted, “The first time you use [emotional pressure], the audience will sympathise with you, because kind-hearted viewers naturally sympathise with the weak. The second time it’s used, audiences will wonder why there is so much chaos in movie scheduling. The third time it is used, the audience will understand, it’s all a routine.”
