"I think, if we must give this film so significance, its significance lies in the fact that it successfully educates underage girls and their fathers," Jiang Xiaojun paused for a mont, pointed at Ge Guangtou, and said, "including future fathers like you."
"Huh?" Ge Guangtou looked at him.
"The movie is simple yet brilliant. Most importantly, it provides so valuable lessons," Jiang Xiaojun lowered his voice and said, "for instance, it reminds troublemakers to listen to their dads, call their dads more often, not to casually talk to strangers, and to avoid associating with overly daring classmates."
Hearing this, Ge Guangtou couldn’t help but laugh.
But Jiang Xiaojun didn’t seem to be joking as he continued, "The old n in the bureau should collaborate with the Ministry of Education and screen this film in middle schools across every city in the country!"
"Xiaojun, you should probably save your breath." Ge Guangtou, recalling sothing, advised, "Be careful, or those old n might ensure you can’t even remain an actor."
Jiang Xiaojun gave a bitter smile and simply shut his mouth.
On the big screen, as Bryan sped the wrong way along the Seine, death lood closer and closer. The ethereal glow of near-death monts repeatedly illuminated his increasingly resolute face, moving the audience deeply. At that mont, the greatness of paternal love beca easily understandable.
With such a father, who wouldn’t feel moved?
Of course, every father is like this. Even though they may not possess the extraordinary skills of Bryan, the forr U.S. operative depicted in the drama, they are all the sa when it cos to loving their children and being willing to make any sacrifice for them.
Regardless of differing abilities, parents everywhere are willing to brave fire and water for their kids.
The so-called "god blocks, kill god; Buddha blocks, kill Buddha" is likely fueled by this kind of parental love.
This is an infinite love—of course, the only kind of infinite love in this world...
There are monts when such people seem to transform: sotis into gentle Santa Clauses, sotis into omnipotent superheroes, sotis into ruthless demons. Occasionally, they might lick the blood off their lips, turn around, and flash a smile.
In the film, Bryan Mills is this kind of person. Alone in a foreign land, he rampages through the seemingly romantic streets of Paris. Ard with a gun, he eliminates countless scoundrels and villains, tortures one on an electric chair, shoots an old friend’s wife without hesitation, and then knocks the friend down with a punch.
All of this was for one woman—a young woman. A young woman he deed more precious than his own life.
So, who is this man?
It’s simple. He’s a dad! And the young woman he saved is his daughter, who is dearer to him than his own life.
After leaving behind a ss in Paris, Bryan, with the help of forr colleagues, takes his daughter back to the U.S., marking the film’s end.
The theater erupted in thunderous applause. Many audience mbers stood up to clap for the film. Although the screening had ended, Duke didn’t leave imdiately. Accompanied by Warner’s PR personnel, he entered a nearby press room for an interview with the dia.
Since he was the only one from the production team present, all the questions inevitably fell on Duke.
However, the entertainnt reporters here were still in a fledgling stage compared to those in Europe and Arica. Their questions weren’t particularly challenging and were mostly centered on the film that had just been screened. With Duke’s experience, handling them was a breeze.
"Director Rosenberg, what do you think is the most crucial aspect of this film?"
Hearing the question, Duke thought for a mont and replied, "The most crucial aspect is achieving the most effective action impact! This is directly tied to the protagonist’s professional background and work history. So, the audience sees Bryan skillfully and effortlessly clearing all obstacles."
A reporter, selected by the host, stood up and asked, "During your work on The Matrix, you successfully introduced Chinese Kung Fu to Hollywood, sparking a Kung Fu craze in North Arica. However, the combat style used by Bryan in this film is clearly not Kung Fu."
"It’s indeed not Kung Fu."
Duke wouldn’t ntion that audiences in North Arica had started experiencing aesthetic fatigue with Kung Fu. Instead, he casually said, "Every actor has their unique style of performance and action. My action direction team tailored the current combat style specifically for Liam Neeson based on his characteristics. Liam also underwent extensive and rigorous training because I wanted him to perform as many of the stunts as possible."
"Of course, I wouldn’t have him jump off a bridge or crash into a car," he added, "but Liam had plenty of combat scenes that required countless hours of practice. It was a very strict regin for him because I didn’t want the action to appear overly fast on screen. In fact, Liam genuinely beca tougher through the combat training."
The room burst into laughter. While Liam Neeson wasn’t an A-list Hollywood star, he was far from unknown to the audience here.
Next, another reporter asked, "We noticed a scene in the film depicting a terrifying torture session where the protagonist struggles internally. How did you approach this scene?"
"Filming that scene was incredibly intense and terrifying on set," Duke replied after so thought. "In the movie, after Bryan discovers that his daughter’s friend has died from a drug overdose, he begins to reflect. He realizes the darkest aspects of the situation, and his fatherly instincts sweep away all hesitation and restraint. Thus, I believed this scene was necessary to show his loss of control."
"Duke, based on your experience, will Liam Neeson beco a focal point of public attention because of this film?"
"Liam has always been a public focal point," Duke stated truthfully. "I’ve even had to close sets for him. He dislikes being disturbed by ’fanatical’ behavior during work as it makes it difficult for him to imrse himself in his role. He’s an exceptional and highly charismatic actor, which is one of the key reasons I chose him."
"Moreover, Liam’s temperant suits the role of Bryan perfectly. I can’t imagine anyone else playing Bryan. His personality and attributes are outstanding—a height of 1.95 ters combined with a sensitive nature. When you et him, you wouldn’t think he’s a belligerent individual, but you can sense the potential lurking beneath his calm exterior."
Finally, a male reporter stood up and, in a playful tone, asked, "Director Rosenberg, while watching the film, I suddenly felt like this was a live warning. I couldn’t help but wonder—did you make this film to scare your disobedient daughter?"
This question elicited laughter from everyone in the press room, including Duke, who understood it was a good-natured joke.
He played along, joking, "If I said this movie was made especially for schoolgirls worldwide, would you believe ?"
The press room erupted in laughter again.
The interview ended, and Duke soon left Shanghai Film City. With the North Arican release just around the corner, he needed to return and stay actively involved.
The day after the screening, Duke spotted nurous reviews of Taken in local newspapers. The overall reception was positive.
"The plot is still the classic formula: a resourceful, skilled lone hero infiltrates enemy territory and eliminates all the bad guys. But the film’s emotional core and the relationships between characters give it a fresh perspective. It not only offers thrilling action sequences but also delivers subtle, heartwarming emotional beats that quietly touch the viewer."
"Additionally, the film boasts a well-paced narrative, exceptional visual quality, and outstanding psychological tension. Director Duke Rosenberg once again delivers a superb comrcial blockbuster, one that not only provides exhilarating entertainnt but also leaves you reflecting deeply as you walk out of the cinema."
"In summary, this is a masterpiece you cannot afford to miss."
Since he was in Shanghai, Duke had to attend several events, especially those related to Warner and the film. These events were the primary reason for his visit, as they helped lay the groundwork for future endeavors—at the very least, making himself known to local dia, audiences, and industry professionals.
Duke attended two formal banquets hosted by the China Film Group and the Shanghai municipal governnt. Throughout, he was careful with his words and actions, mindful of the hypersensitivity of certain departnts here.
With nurous tasks awaiting him in North Arica, Duke couldn’t stay for long. After the banquets, he proceeded with the final two events on his itinerary.
One was a television interview, and the other, a lecture at Fudan University.
To avoid political controversies, Duke declined an invitation from the most-viewed television network, opting instead for a relatively private program.
Of course, the chosen program also boasted a significant audience and considerable influence across Asia.
Yes, among the various invitations, Duke chose Yang Lan’s talk show. With her experience studying and working in the U.S., Yang Lan understood the political and social climates of both sides. Moreover, during communications with Tina Fey, she readily agreed to keep the interview’s focus on film-related topics, steering clear of sensitive subjects like politics and human rights.
On Monday afternoon, Duke stepped into Sunshine Television’s studio for his first-ever interview with Chinese dia
.....
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