Chapter 50: This year, we must eat a few more rice dumplings!

However, what drew even more sidelong glances from figures in the mainstream film circle was the movie's word-of-mouth reputation. Compared to the decidedly mixed reviews of *Laughing Rivers and Lakes* and *The Orphan of Zhao*, *Mr. Vampire* was met with almost universal critical acclaim.

This put them in a rather awkward position, particularly the renowned Master Director Chen. Because of his previous dismissive remarks about internet movies, media reporters and entertainment journalists never missed a chance whenever he appeared in public to bring up *Mr. Vampire*—a film he had previously claimed was something even "strays and curs" could direct.

It left Master Director Chen rather hot under the collar.

Though he could still stubbornly retort, "He who laughs last laughs best!"

The media, however, refused to let him off the hook. Naturally, video streaming websites were also pulling strings behind the scenes; having managed to catch one target, they were certainly going to milk it for all it was worth.

Consequently, every report relentlessly compared *Mr. Vampire* to the two theatrical releases currently running in cinemas.

In terms of box office earnings, *Mr. Vampire* admittedly fell somewhat short, but when looking at audience turnout and critical reception, people were suddenly stunned to find that *Mr. Vampire* could completely rival the two theatrical films.

*The Orphan of Zhao* fared a bit better, at least managing a split verdict of praise and criticism, but *Laughing Rivers and Lakes* was truly being torn to shreds by critics.

Normally, in this era of Chinese cinema, it was a race to the bottom where everyone just compared whose work was less terrible. Yet, *Mr. Vampire*, an internet movie, turned out to be an absolute anomaly.

It would have been one thing if its box office performance had simply exceeded expectations—after all, as the very first internet movie, its distribution methods and channels were entirely different, which could be chalked up to audiences craving novelty. But for its ratings and reviews to be so overwhelmingly high, completely obliterating the two contemporary theatrical releases, was downright shocking.

When comparing every aspect of the films—including investment, cast, and directors—it could be said that *Laughing Rivers and Lakes* was anchored by the Zhao Family Troupe and the currently trending Xiao Shenyang. Although blasted as a massive piece of cinematic trash, its sheer influence was unquestionably beyond the reach of those small-fry unknowns in *Mr. Vampire*.

As for the directors, Zhu Yanping was a veteran filmmaker. Regardless of the quality or reputation of his past works, he was undeniably a senior and well-known director. And what about Chen Mo? *Watch the Meteor Shower Together* might have had impressive viewership ratings, but no matter how one looked at it, that was just a television drama.

That wasn't even worth comparing to *The Orphan of Zhao*, which truly boasted an all-star lineup. From the financial backing and the director down to the starring cast, it was a constellation of big names, yet the outcome completely defied everyone's expectations.

*The Orphan of Zhao* turned out far worse than anticipated, whereas *Mr. Vampire* proved to be immensely better than anyone could have imagined.

As for *Laughing Rivers and Lakes*? Everyone agreed it was a terrible movie, but there were simply far too few watchable films during this era, so its box office tickets somehow managed to sell quite well.

Regarding critical reception, reviews fell roughly into three distinct styles.

*The Orphan of Zhao* inspired responses like this: "A's uncle died, A's grandpa died, A's dad died, A's mom died right after giving birth to A, A's entire family died; Ding died, Yi's son died, Yi's wife died, Yi becomes A's dad, Bing becomes A's godfather; all the dead people were killed by Bing, Bing kills Yi, and A kills Bing.

Review: The first hour is a five-star palace drama with seven deaths, worth half-price admission; the last hour is a three-star parenting drama that drags on and kills off two people—you'd be better off asking for a refund!"

"Why do Master Director Chen's movies always start with a roar and end with a whimper?"

"The first half was not bad; the second half is yet another epic masterpiece following *The Promise*!"

*Laughing Rivers and Lakes* elicited reactions like this: "Our country's film industry is currently developing vigorously with an abundance of talent. Artists and teachers in the literary circle have cast aside their prejudices, moving forward hand in hand, sharing weal and woe in perfect harmony. *Laughing Rivers and Lakes* is the absolute epitome of this great and prosperous occasion. Its artistic value is incalculable—pardon me, but I am simply unable to evaluate it!"

"Director Zhu continues to surpass himself and scale new peaks again and again!"

"It's truly not that there are too many swindlers, but rather that fools are running out!"

The freshest and most unconventional response, ironically, went to *Mr. Vampire*: "The living fear zombies, zombies fear glutinous rice, and glutinous rice fears the living—everything has its nemesis. I must remember to eat a few more rice dumplings this year!"

"It's hard to imagine this is actually an internet movie, let alone the director's debut film. Personally, I find it an impeccably flawless entertainment masterpiece. It rarely integrates comedy, action, folklore, and horror elements without the slightest sense of incongruity. It presents the concept of zombies perfectly on screen with zero redundancy and zero flaws, avoiding excessively exaggerated and horrifying spectacles while delivering wave after wave of climaxes that firmly lock the audience's attention. The sound design is brilliantly matched; the childish innocence of the nursery rhyme *Ghost Bride* creates a wonderful contrast, and the bouncing movements of the zombies carry a distinct sense of rhythm."

"I never expected *Mr. Vampire* to be so pioneering. It birthed the internet movie format and established a uniquely distinctive zombie film genre in terms of subject matter. Blending humor and wit with the thrill of horror elements is truly an eye-opener. Even knowing it's fictional, it is remarkably convincing!"

"Classic character configurations: two disciples—one mighty and handsome (though with a slightly oversized head), the other frail and comical (though with a somewhat homely face); two young women—one infatuated and glamorous, the other adorable and exquisite; a master who is physically capable of wielding a sword to catch ghosts and intellectually equipped to handle bizarre antics. Back then, coffee was called Western tea, and whether someone added milk or white sugar, enjoying a cup of pure flavor was equally fine; legend has it that glutinous rice is regarded as a ghost-repelling medicine, worshipped by some and desecrated by others, while some harbor greed that transcends belief. The ghost bride arrives in the dead of night; her gaze cares not for dragon-and-phoenix bridal sedans, longing only for the lover on the front seat of a bicycle. The ancient zombie bursts from its coffin, its mutation unrelated to the fickleness of the era, but rather stemming from sinful desires as old as time."

"The pacing flows as smoothly as drifting clouds and running water. Inked lines, yellow talismans, peach-wood swords, jumping over glutinous rice, and the art of piercing the dragonfly's water—vivid and colorful details sketch out the trade of ghost-catching, demon-subduing, corpse-storing, and grave-relocating in a delightfully entertaining manner. Not to mention the stroke-of-genius appearance of the ghost bride, which imbues the entire film with the lingering grievances and bizarre charm of *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*."

It wasn't just the fans sharing their thoughts. Film critics who usually paid little attention to internet movies also crowded in to join the excitement. If they had previously looked down their noses at so-called internet movies with utter disdain, right now, with the box office numbers and influence staring them right in the face, none of them were foolish enough to look down on such a film anymore.

Renowned film critic Lao Zhou offered this review: "Like many others, I initially paid little attention to the concept of internet movies. After all, making a film has never been a simple undertaking.

Yet upon watching *Mr. Vampire*, I discovered that this movie is truly far from simple.

After watching it, I realized it pushes traditional Chinese folk culture to the absolute extreme.

Take feng shui culture for instance: the wealthy Master Ren in the film relocates his father's grave to alter the feng shui and turn his fortunes around, which inadvertently causes his father to transform into a zombie. It is only after inviting Uncle Nine, a Taoist priest of the Maoshan sect, that they discover this so-called auspicious feng shui site was actually crafted by someone seeking revenge.

Before watching *Mr. Vampire*, we rarely saw Maoshan Taoist arts appear in films, and even when present, they were usually vague. But I must admit, *Mr. Vampire* introduced me to Maoshan Taoist arts. It sparked a tremendous curiosity within me, prompting me to search for related knowledge afterward, and I couldn't help marveling at the genuine effort the director put in—so many elements within the movie have clear, verifiable origins.

For instance, the corpse-drivers appearing in the film stem from the long-standing folklore of Xiangxi corpse-driving, alongside bizarre phenomena like female ghosts sucking souls. Elements like ink-marked lines, raw glutinous rice, yellow paper talismans, peach-wood swords, and Bagua mirrors similarly have their roots in traditional folk culture and legends. What is most commendable is that despite mingling so many elements and components, it never gives a chaotic, randomly fabricated impression. Instead, it successfully constructs an entirely new worldview—and one that is logically self-contained.

The so-called zombie movies we saw in the past mostly imitated foreign wandering corpses, shuffling rigidly and slowly, or directly copied Western vampires. *Mr. Vampire*, however, successfully shaped a uniquely Chinese zombie image.

Dressed in Qing Dynasty official attire, hopping around, and baring yellowish, sharp canine teeth the moment they opened their mouths—these zombies can be said to be the film's greatest feature.

Beyond that, the film portrays numerous classic folk legends. Theories such as raw glutinous rice expelling corpse poison, removing a paper talisman causing zombies to pounce and drink blood, and holding one's breath to evade zombies all leave a profound impression.

*Mr. Vampire* also cleverly integrates comedy and horror. Alongside humorous and entertaining moments, the martial arts choreography is remarkably solid.

It features comedic brawls reminiscent of Jackie Chan's action films alongside the hard-hitting, genuine combat of the Hung Gar stunt team. Combined with the zombie theme, two clueless disciples bickering like Tom and Jerry while teaming up to deal with the zombie king makes for an endlessly entertaining and uproarious cinematic experience!"