novelraw Chapter 163: Widespread Discussion! release of "Seven Samurai"! The War Begins!
Chapter 163: Widespread Discussion! release of "Seven Samurai"! The War Begins!
This press conference of Nohara Hiroshi, quickly stirred up monstrous huge waves in Nippon.
The media of the entire Tokyo, and even the entire Nippon, at the first moment took the content of this press conference, at the fastest speed, with the most eye-catching titles, and published them on the front pages' headlines.
"Shukan Bunshun": Heaven-Shaking Reversal! 'Someone Who Forgot His Roots' Exposes Own Hype! Nohara Hiroshi Personally Admits 'Farmers Cunning Theory', Yet Calls It an 'Easter Egg'!
"FRIDAY": Public Opinion Manipulator? Nohara Hiroshi Plays National Emotion in the Palm of His Hand, 'Class' Topic Actually Becomes a Movie Promotional Gimmick!
"Asahi Geino": Genius or Madman? Twenty-Three-Year-Old Producer Nohara Hiroshi, Single-Handedly Challenges the Moral Bottom Line of the Entire Society!
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The titles of these newspapers, every word pierced the heart, yet every word was engrossing. They took Nohara Hiroshi's "confession" and "explanation", and in a manner full of instigative nature, presented them before all readers.
On the television stations, those commentators, experts, scholars who ordinarily sat straight and proper, at this moment also acted like a group of sharks smelling blood, jumping out one after another, taking up the pen to denounce this overly young "spoiler".
"Mr. Nohara Hiroshi's behavior, is simply playing with fire!" A famous social commentator, on Fuji TV's interview program, shook his head with bitter hatred: "Does he think, by using this extreme method, he can attract eyeballs, can make his movie box office sell well? He is too naive! He is overdrawing the citizens' trust in him! Once this trust collapses, he will have nothing left!"
"This is a blasphemy against art!" A highly respected film academy professor, in an NHK program, even slapped the table and stood up: "Movies, are art! Are used to convey truth, goodness, and beauty, used to enlighten people's hearts! Rather than to be used to hype, used as a tool to play with public opinion! Nohara Hiroshi's behavior, is simply sullying the purity of movies!" "I admit, Mr. Nohara Hiroshi indeed possesses surpassing talent in the field of television variety shows." A senior media person in a TBS program, said with a complex tone: "But this time, he has clearly gone too far and became obsessed. He nakedly placed the sensitive topic of 'class' on the table, attempting to use this method to trigger social controversy, thereby achieving promotional goals. This adventure, this playing with fire, once it gets out of control, will trigger unimaginable social problems!"
However, there were also some different voices, struggling to emerge in the torrent of public opinion.
"I personally think, although Mr. Nohara Hiroshi's method is radical, it is still an effective promotional strategy in today's era of information explosion." A young marketing expert, calmly analyzed in a TV Tokyo interview program: "He successfully turned an unreleased movie into a topic of national discussion. Regardless of whether people scold him, or support him, ultimately, they will all generate massive curiosity towards this movie. And curiosity, is the best driving force for the box office."
"Looking at the production cast of 'Seven Samurai', Director Kurosawa is in it, so the quality of this movie is definitely top-notch." A film critic, published a relatively neutral comment in 'Kinema Junpo': "Director Kurosawa's directing ability, is beyond doubt. And Mr. Nohara Hiroshi, as the screenwriter and general director, also demonstrated a depth and scale far exceeding his age. As for those remarks of his about 'era' and 'class', I lean more towards seeing it as an artistic expression, rather than simple 'discrimination'. After all, movies are the art of light and shadow, it allows creators to use some extreme, even controversial methods, to trigger the audience's thinking. I suggest everyone, put down prejudice, walk into the cinema, and feel this work, perhaps, it will bring you a different surprise."
These comments, like sparks, struggled to burn in the vast ocean of public opinion.
They didn't completely reverse the situation, but successfully, planted a seed named "curiosity" in the hearts of those incited masses.
...
On the train.
In the crowded carriage, the air permeated the mixed scent of curry rice and sweat.
However, these daily noises, didn't affect people's enthusiasm for discussing the name "Nohara Hiroshi" in the slightest.
"Hey, did you read today's news? That Nohara Hiroshi, is simply a madman ah!" A salaryman in a suit, lowered his voice pointing to his companion beside him and opening his mouth, in his tone full of unbelievable excitement: "He actually dared to admit he said those words in front of the entire Nippon! Furthermore saying something 'Easter egg'! What does he take us for?!"
"Yeah! I read it too!" His companion also excitedly waved the newspaper in his hand: "But, then again, that 'Seven Samurai' of his, exactly what kind of story did it tell ah? I heard, it seems to be directed by Director Kurosawa? That old man, hasn't released a work in a long time right?"
"I'm also quite curious." Another high school boy secretly leaned over, softly saying: "My dad said, that Nohara Hiroshi, is exactly the author of 'YuYu Hakusho', also the producer of 'Kasou Taishou'. The manga he draws, the programs he produces, are all super good looking! I always feel, he shouldn't be that kind of bad person right?"
"Who knows." In addition there were also passers-by who shrugged: "But, I actually think, what he said, is quite interesting. What 'the end of the samurai era, is because of the appearance of muskets', 'the victory of farmers, is the progress of the era'... sounds like, there is a bit of sense to it."
In the cafe.
The rich aroma of coffee, intertwined with the laziness of jazz music.
"Nohara Hiroshi played a bit big this time ah." A middle-aged man sitting by the window put down the newspaper in his hand, smiling and saying to the friend opposite him: "Daring to use this method to hype up his own movie, is either a genius or an idiot. But based on his control over public opinion, I lean more towards the former."
"Yeah." His friend also nodded: "I originally had no interest in any samurai films at all. But after he made such a fuss, I really am genuinely a bit curious now. On Christmas Eve, how about we go take a look? Idle anyway."
"Sure ah!"
In the streets and alleys, office buildings, izakayas, and even on family dining tables...
The two terms "Nohara Hiroshi" and "Seven Samurai", like viruses, rapidly spread throughout the entire Nippon society, becoming the hottest topic of conversation after meals for everyone.
Curiosity, like ignited sparks, burned vigorously on this dry firewood of public opinion.
...
A few days later, on the 17th floor of TV Tokyo, Asumi's office.
Sunshine spilled through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire office brightly.
"Hiroshi-kun! Director Kurosawa! You two, are simply... simply god-like ah!"
Asumi at this moment was laughing heartily while looking at a thick report.
"You guys look! You guys look at this report! This is the latest assessment made by our public relations department based on the public opinion feedback of the entire Nippon these past few days!"
He pointed at a few eye-catching numbers on the report, his voice excited: "The social attention of 'Seven Samurai', is even three times higher than we expected! The national discussion degree, skyrocketed five times! Now, the entire Nippon, no matter where you go, is discussing this movie! All discussing you, Nohara Hiroshi!"
"The most important thing is..."
He cast his gaze onto Nohara Hiroshi: "According to our investigation, although the public opinion was very unfriendly to you in the early stages, the vast majority of citizens, ultimately still chose to believe you! They feel, you are not the kind of person who would casually use 'class antagonism' to smear farmers. They even feel, you are using a special method, to speak out for those 'little characters' abandoned by the era!"
"This, is exactly the direction of popular sentiment ah!"
Asumi heavily patted Nohara Hiroshi's shoulder, his face full of gratification: "This is really a desperate counterattack!"
"Deputy Director Asumi, you flatter me." Nohara Hiroshi merely peacefully smiled: "This is nothing more than using the method of 'black traffic', as a way to attract attention."
He looked at Asumi: "Public opinion is like a double-edged sword. It can hurt people, and can also make people succeed, the key lies in how to harness it. They thought using the word 'class antagonism' could put me to death. But didn't expect, I merely pushed the boat along with the current, and guided this topic to the dimension of 'era' and 'humanity'."
"When people begin to think about 'era' and 'humanity', they will naturally discover, what I said, is nothing more than the most simple truths that have been repeatedly verified by history. And those proposing to use 'class' to incite emotions, will instead appear stupid, laughable, and having ulterior motives."
"As for those negative public opinions..." The corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth hooked up a playfulness arc: "Director Kurosawa, you see, are there still some clowns, unwilling to give up?"
Sitting at the side, Kurosawa Eiji heard this, on his face surfaced a touch of helpless bitterness.
"Yeah." He let out a long breath, pointing to those few newspapers on the table: "These past few days there are quite a few newspapers, especially those third-rate entertainment tabloids, still sparing no effort to belittle you. Saying what 'self-righteous madman', 'sensationalizing clown'... simply, unbearable to read!"
"Hmph!" Asumi snorted coldly: "I already noticed these." He picked up those few newspapers, casually throwing them aside, using a tone of disdain: "Through my investigation these few days, these newspapers are all paid-for press releases."
"Oh?" Kurosawa Eiji's eyebrows slightly wrinkled together: "Is it the Tokyo Faction? That old fox Takada, finally couldn't hold back and took action?"
"No, not the Tokyo Faction." Asumi shook his head, in his eyes flashing a trace of mockery: "That old fox Takada Toshihide, is extremely shrewd. He wouldn't do this kind of stupid thing."
"If this public opinion truly got out of control, triggering unmanageable social problems, then, the first to bear the brunt, is precisely our TV Tokyo. When the time comes, whether it's the board of directors, or the government side, will both hold us accountable. No matter how stupid Takada Toshihide is, he wouldn't use the reputation of the entire television station to play this kind of joke."
"Then who could it be?" Kurosawa Eiji's frown tightened even more.
Asumi sneered, pushing one of the newspapers in front of Kurosawa Eiji: "You look at these newspapers, aside from those malicious attacks on Nohara-kun, what else did they publish?"
Kurosawa Eiji picked up the newspaper, and rapidly scanned through the contents on it.
Very quickly, he then saw those magnificent and commercial-scented stills taking up more than half a page of the newspaper —— those were the stills of "Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree".
And those eye-catching titles ——
"Kamiki Shunsuke: Spokesperson for the Samurai of the New Era!"
"Kitagawa Miyuki: Under the Cherry Blossom Tree, the Most Beautiful Samurai Romance!"
As well as those, "press releases" full of words of overflowing praise between the lines about Kamiki Shunsuke and Kitagawa Miyuki.
Kurosawa Eiji's expression, instantly darkened down.
He knew too clearly.
This, clearly is the underhanded method of trampling to hype up customarily used by those idol stars!
Using the method of belittling opponents, to elevate themselves.
"It's that Kamiki Shunsuke!" In Kurosawa Eiji's voice, carried a trace of unsuppressible burning anger: "This kid, is really... lingering like a ghost ah!"
He violently slapped the table, on his face written full of disdain and contempt: "I long knew these so-called 'idol stars', are nothing more than puppets packaged by capital! Can't sing, can't dance, don't even have acting skills! Aside from acting cool and playing cute, what else can they do?! Letting them join the film and television circle, is simply the shame of the film and television circle!"
He paused, there flashing a trace of懊惱 in his eyes: "Speaking of which, his agency company also came looking for me at the beginning. Said they wanted me to custom-make an ancient costume samurai film for Kamiki Shunsuke, I directly rejected it right on the spot! I, Kurosawa Eiji, in this life, will only shoot true movies! How could I possibly go shoot that kind of, idol dramas meant for children?!"
He looked at Nohara Hiroshi, in that gaze, carrying a trace of deep apology: "Nohara-kun, it's all my fault. If I hadn't rejected them back then, perhaps, you wouldn't have provoked this kind of... petty person."
"Director Kurosawa, your words are too severe." Nohara Hiroshi merely shrugged his shoulders: "Even without you, I would still offend him."
He remembered at the recording site of 'Kasou Taishou', how that unexcelled in arrogance idol star, was publicly slapped in the face by himself.
That high and mighty arrogance, that humiliation of being stepped underfoot, was sufficient to make any narrow-minded person, harbor a grudge for a lifetime.
"Kamiki Shunsuke..." Asumi's eyebrows slightly wrinkled together, on that elegant face, surfaced a touch of solemnity: "This kid, standing behind him is Kirin Real Estate Group. That is a real estate group near Tokyo with extremely strong strength. Moreover, I heard, they and the Greater Tokyo Metropolis real estate construction agency, also have a very deep connection. Their power, cannot be underestimated ah."
Asumi's tone carried a trace of warning in it.
He knew Nohara Hiroshi's strength, also knew his god-like talent.
But this time, what they faced, was no longer simple industry competition, but, genuinely and truly, the power of capital.
However Nohara Hiroshi merely slightly froze upon hearing this, subsequently, the corners of his mouth hooked up an arc of playfulness.
Real estate group?
He laughed.
"I thought it was some powerful capital." Nohara Hiroshi sneered: "Just this?"
He knows, in the Nippon of this era, real estate, is the biggest bubble.
And a bubble will eventually burst.
When the time comes, those seemingly unexcelled in arrogance "capital giants", in front of the torrents of history, will all be nothing more than a pile of insignificant gravel thoroughly washed clean.
Who knows how many high and mighty chairman jumped off buildings!
What is there to be afraid of?
...
In the following days, the promotional offensive of 'Seven Samurai', swept over like tidal waves.
Almost all the movable resources of TV Tokyo, were mobilized by Asumi.
From morning news to late-night interviews, from prime time trailers to column reports in major newspapers and magazines, even the electronic screens on the streets and the billboards in subway stations, were printed with that movie poster full of the sense of power of "Seven Samurai".
On the poster, the images of the seven samurai were different, yet equally full of tragic and resolute strength.
Their eyes were deep and complex, seemingly able to pierce through the paper surface, directly reaching people's hearts.
And in the center of the poster, that single line of eye-catching title —— "The era, is the only victor", was even more like it was carved by knife and ax, deeply branded into the mind of every passer-by.
At the same time, regarding that "shocking the world" press conference of Nohara Hiroshi, was also continuously fermenting.
Gossip magazines like 'Shukan Bunshun' and 'FRIDAY', still spared no effort attacking him, molding him into a "madman playing with public opinion", an "elite who forgot his roots".
But these negative reports, yet exactly as Nohara Hiroshi predicted, not only didn't make the public feel disgusted towards him, but instead aroused even stronger curiosity.
"That Nohara Hiroshi, exactly what kind of person is he ah?"
"I heard that movie of his, isn't telling about samurai, but era? Really or not?"
"'Seven Samurai'? This name sounds very formidable ah! Also having Director Kurosawa!"
For a time, the discussion about "Seven Samurai", thoroughly covered all hot topics.
Whether it's the ordinary citizens in the streets and alleys, or the petty bourgeoisie white-collars in cafes, or the tipsy salarymen in izakayas, were all enthusiastically talking about this unreleased movie.
Curiosity, like an ignited spark, burned vigorously on this dry firewood of public opinion, sweeping the entire Nippon society into an unprecedented national guessing game.
And forming a sharp contrast with the "black traffic" promotion of 'Seven Samurai', was the overwhelming "money offensive" of "Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree".
The financial power of Kirin Real Estate, in this promotional war, was displayed vividly and thoroughly.
The prime advertising spots of all major cinemas, were occupied by the posters of 'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree'.
On the poster, that handsome to near demonic face of Kamiki Shunsuke, occupied the absolute C position.
He was dressed in gorgeous samurai clothing, holding a tachi inlaid with gems, his eyes affectionate and melancholy, like a perfect lover stepping out from a manga.
And Kitagawa Miyuki beside him, was similarly unfathomably beautiful, the two snuggling together, displaying the theme of "Under the cherry blossom tree, the most beautiful samurai romance" vividly and thoroughly.
TV advertisements bombarded by turns, every frame of the picture was aesthetically reaching the extreme, every line of dialogue was sensational to the bones.
Various fashion magazines, entertainment weeklies, even published a massive amount of "press releases" about Kamiki Shunsuke and Kitagawa Miyuki, molding them into "Spokespersons of the samurai of the new era", "Nippon's most beautiful on-screen couple".
"Shunsuke-kun is really too handsome! The samurai he plays, will definitely be the most perfect!"
"Miyuki-chan's facial expressions are simply incredible! I definitely have to go to the cinema, to support their romance!"
"'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree'! Just hearing the name makes it full of romance! I've decided, on Christmas going to watch this movie!"
Young girls, especially those high school students and college students, were almost all captured by that overwhelming "beauty critical hit" of Kamiki Shunsuke. They spread it in their respective familiar social circles, queued up to take photos at cinema entrances, transforming the fanatic pursuit of their idol, into the most direct expectation for the movie's box office.
However, behind these clamors, some discordant voices were also quietly emerging.
"It's Kamiki Shunsuke again ah... aside from acting cool, what else can he do?"
"'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree'? Just hearing the name it feels like that kind of boring idol drama."
"I still look forward to 'Seven Samurai' more. After all having Director Kurosawa holding the fort, and that Nohara Hiroshi, although his mouth is a bit toxic, but his works are indeed good looking."
Although these voices were weak, they were like undercurrents, quietly spreading among those salarymen and men who had long aesthetics-fatigue of commercial movies, and sneered at idol stars.
...
Finally, time came to December 24, 1990, Christmas Eve.
The streets of Tokyo were decorated to be like daytime by brilliant neon lights.
The air permeated the mixed aroma of Christmas carols and roasted meat, couples of lovers holding hands, snuggling in the cold wind, enjoying this rare romance.
But inside the cinema, a silent war had already quietly started.
Tokyo Shinjuku Ward, an old-brand cinema with a long history.
This is one of the premiere locations for 'Seven Samurai', and also the best screening hall that TV Tokyo specially fought for regarding this movie.
At the cinema entrance, people were crowded, exceptionally lively.
On the massive poster board, the image full of power of 'Seven Samurai', standing shoulder to shoulder with the aesthetically romantic image of 'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree', formed a stark contrast full of dramatic nature.
"Wow——! Shunsuke-kun is really so handsome ah! This poster, is simply a work of art!"
A group of fashionably dressed, exquisitely styled young girls, were surrounding the poster of 'Samurai of the Cherry Blossom Tree', letting out continuous screams.
"Yeah, yeah! I heard, for this movie, he specially went to learn kendo! Simply too professional!"
"Hmph." A man wearing a suit, looking like a salaryman, passed by them, curling his lips contemptuously: "Yet another pretty boy relying on his face to eat. This kind of movie, besides tricking the tears of you little girls, what use can it have?"
"Uncle, what do you know ah!" A girl retorted unconvincingly: "Shunsuke-kun's acting is very good! The domineering CEO he played in the TV drama, was simply exploding with handsomeness!"
"Domineering CEO?" The man sneered, shaking his head, walking straight towards the poster of 'Seven Samurai'.
He looked at the seven weather-beaten samurai on the poster, a trace of curiosity and expectation flashing in his eyes.
"Nohara Hiroshi's first movie ah..." He muttered to himself, a companion beside him who was also a salaryman leaned over.
"Yeah! I heard, his 'YuYu Hakusho', is simply a masterful work! Also 'Kasou Taishou', my family's two little brats, watch the TV every day waiting for it! Really didn't expect, he actually even knows how to shoot a movie!"
"But, those remarks of his about 'elites' and 'commoners' before, indeed was a bit excessive ah." Another voice chimed in, carrying a trace of hesitation in its tone: "Although he later explained saying it was for promotion, but... still feel a little bit uncomfortable."
"Hai! That is all the media taking it out of context! You guys think about it, how could he a farmer's son, possibly truly look down on farmers? Furthermore, his 'Tales of the Unusual', every episode is full of humanistic care, towards those little characters, he indeed is full of sympathy!"
"Yeah, yeah! Moreover, this time there's also Director Kurosawa! Director Kurosawa is the national treasure of our Nippon ah! With his senior self taking action, that movie quality, definitely goes without saying!"
"But speaking of which, Director Kurosawa's samurai films these past few years, seems to indeed be a bit... how to say, a bit cliché. Not as good as those classic works of his before."
"What do you know! For Director Kurosawa that is ginger getting spicier the older it is! He joining hands with Nohara Hiroshi this time, that is definitely intending to make big news! I heard, this movie over at Eirin, passed with unanimous votes! And even Excellency Fujiwara personally recommended it!"
At the cinema entrance, all sorts of whispering, endless debates.
There were exclamations of admiration, doubts, expectations, and contempt.
All emotions on this Christmas Eve, were thoroughly detonated by the names "Seven Samurai" and "Nohara Hiroshi".
And in the corner of the crowd, three figures, wearing masks and hats, were keeping a low profile queuing to buy tickets.
They were Nohara Hiroshi, Asumi, and Kurosawa Eiji.
"Phew——"
Kurosawa Eiji let out a long breath, in that breath, carrying an imperceptible desolation.
He listened to those discussions by his ears about him being "cliché", "not as good as before", on that weather-beaten face, surfaced a bitter smile.
"Hiroshi-kun, Asumi." He spoke in a low voice, in that voice carrying a trace of self-deprecation: "Looks like, I, Kurosawa Eiji, am truly old ah. Can't keep up with the era of you young people."
"Director Kurosawa, your words are too severe." Nohara Hiroshi peacefully smiled, in those clear eyes, flashing heartfelt respect towards this master: "You are the master who pioneered an era, you are our guide. We juniors, merely standing on your shoulders, by a fluke saw the scenery further away. It can't be that without the accumulation in front, there's the brilliance in the back, right?"
Nohara Hiroshi has always been very respectful towards Kurosawa Eiji.
"Yeah, Director Kurosawa." Asumi also comforted: "You are the Mount Tai and the North Star, the needle calming the sea. What do this bunch of youngsters know? They only saw your past, but can't see your present, and even more can't see your future!"
"Hmph." Kurosawa Eiji harrumphed once, but in that tone, the initial bitterness was long gone.
He turned his head to look at this young man beside him who, regardless of what kind of wind and waves he faced, was peacefully without raising the slightest ripple, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
He knew Nohara Hiroshi was telling the truth.
But thinking about the samurai films he shot before, then thinking about the 'Seven Samurai' about to be broadcasted now, that contrast in realm, already made him Kurosawa Eiji so ashamed he didn't want to continue speaking.
Therefore Kurosawa Eiji merely silently, handed the movie ticket in his hand to the ticket inspector.
Taking the two of them into the cinema.
Inside the cinema, the lights gradually dimmed down, and the noisy discussion sounds also subsided.
Light and shadow flowed on the massive silver screen.
Accompanied by drumbeats full of tragic and fate-determining feeling, frames of images of a land devastated and covered with scars by the ravages of war, were presented before all the audiences.
That was the opening of "Seven Samurai".
The movie started.
Within the screening hall, in a short time there only left the occasionally transmitted, unsuppressible sounds of gasping cold air, and those focused gazes thoroughly attracted by the movie's pictures, unable to look away anymore.
In the dark corner, Kurosawa Eiji's body similarly leaned forward slightly.
He looked at the movie world on the silver screen, personally directed by him, yet full of the unique mark of Nohara Hiroshi, in those eyes gradually blossomed a brilliant light.
"Brilliant!" Kurosawa Eiji gave an evaluation in his heart, and furthermore his heart along with the plot moving backwards, throbbed even more.
He didn't misjudge the person.
This young man, was indeed a monster!
And Nohara Hiroshi, merely sat there peacefully, the smile on the corners of his mouth confident.
This war belonging to "Seven Samurai", had just begun.
He Nohara Hiroshi yet had long already prepared, the final answer that would shock the entire Nippon.
He wants to let those who mocked him, personally bear witness, what is called ——
Absolute crushing with strength.
What is called ——
Feeling proud and elated.
What is called ——
The true descent, of the era!
(End of Chapter)